2022 -- H 8179

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LC005855

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $150,000 TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

     Introduced By: Representative Lauren H. Carson

     Date Introduced: April 28, 2022

     Referred To: House Finance

     WHEREAS, On April 14, 2021, the 2021 Act on Climate was signed into law,

establishing a statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate and setting mandatory,

enforceable climate emissions reduction goals; and

     WHEREAS, The inclusion of Environmental Justice is a requirement of the Act on

Climate, necessitating an equitable transition to climate compliance for environmental justice

populations and redress of past environmental and public health inequities; and

     WHEREAS, In order to address these inequities, the engagement and prioritization of

certain communities, especially frontline communities -- Black, Indigenous, People of Color,

communities with high levels of air pollution, and low-income communities, who are most

vulnerable to the effects of climate change and at risk of pollution, displacement, energy burden,

and cost, need to have inclusion in the process and influence within the plan; and

     WHEREAS, The creation of a Community Outreach and Engagement, Environmental

Justice and Social Equity Program to prioritize justice and equity, and public participation by

following best practices and proven examples, with a focus on improved communication with

vulnerable, overburdened and disadvantaged communities, key stakeholders, and the general

public is vital; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, recommendations for defining overburdened and underserved

communities, building on existing criteria and definitions where applicable, and metrics to

evaluate how investments of funds to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that demonstrably provide

direct and meaningful benefits for overburdened and underserved communities are essential; and

     WHEREAS, The Community Outreach and Engagement, Environmental Justice and

Social Equity Program development shall be led by a state employee, solely dedicated to

accomplishing the objectives of the Program, under the direction of the EC4, its Advisory Boards

and other Rhode Island cross-agencies or other collaborative efforts and would lead the

implementation of the Act on Climate environmental justice and social equity policies in

consultation with DEM and DOH staff, community and other stakeholders; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That there is hereby appropriated, out of any money in the treasury not

otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year 2022-2023, the sum of one hundred and fifty thousand

dollars ($150,000) to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management to create an

Community Outreach and Engagement, Environmental Justice and Social Equity Program to

prioritize justice and equity and public participation; and the state controller is hereby authorized

and directed to draw his orders upon the general treasurer for the payment of said sum, or so

much thereof as may be from time to time required, upon receipt of properly authenticated

vouchers.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

J O I N T   R E S O L U T I O N

MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $150,000 TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

***

     This resolution would authorize the appropriation of the sum of $150,000 to the

Department of Environmental Management.

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LC005855

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