2020 -- H 8166

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LC005645

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2020

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

THE JOYOUS CELEBRATION OF SAVE THE BAY'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

     Introduced By: Representatives Shekarchi, Kennedy, Knight, McNamara, and Fogarty

     Date Introduced: December 14, 2020

     Referred To: Placed on the House Consent Calendar

     WHEREAS, Narragansett Bay is New England's largest estuary and the defining

geographic feature of Rhode Island, covering 196 square miles with 256 miles of shoreline; and

     WHEREAS, Narragansett Bay is Rhode Island's most valuable natural resource, which

attracts 12 million visitors each year, and has an annual impact on Rhode Island’s economy into

the billions of dollars; and

     WHEREAS, Concerned and committed citizens including fishermen, swimmers, sailors,

shell fishermen, surfers, boaters, and others have worked hard throughout Rhode Island's history

to protect Narragansett Bay from abuse and pollution; and

     WHEREAS, In October of 1970, Save The Bay was formed after successful citizen-led

efforts to oppose proposed oil refineries in Jamestown and Tiverton, respectively. Save The Bay's

founders include: John Canulla, Jim Holt, Charles McGowan, John Scanlon, William Miner,

Thomas Hazelhurst, Arthur Kidder, and Irving Sheldon; and

     WHEREAS, Save The Bay has successfully championed improvements to wastewater

treatment plants, restoration of critical habitats, and protection of public access to the shore; and,

     WHEREAS, Save The Bay mobilized volunteers to clean up the Brenton Reef and North

Cape oil spills, and the annual International Coastal Cleanup effort in Rhode Island which

annually engages more than 2,000 volunteers at more than 80 sites, and typically results in the

removal and documentation of about 20,000 pounds of trash and debris; and

     WHEREAS, Save The Bay's "Explore the Bay" marine science education program

engaged over 13,000 students last year, and over the years has worked with nearly 200 different

schools throughout the state; and

     WHEREAS, Numerous threats to Narragansett Bay remain, including: sea level rise and

climate change; stormwater pollution; development; loss of habitat; and public access; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

joyously celebrates the 50th anniversary of Save The Bay; and be it further

     RESOLVED That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Jonathan Stone, Executive Director of Save

The Bay.

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