2026 -- H 7998

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LC005426

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Tanzi, Boylan, McGaw, Alzate, Speakman, Cortvriend,
Donovan, Batista, Shanley, and Stewart

     Date Introduced: February 27, 2026

     Referred To: House State Government & Elections

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 42-6.2-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-6.2 entitled "2021 Act

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on Climate" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     42-6.2-8. Powers and duties of state agencies — Exercise of existing authority.

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     Addressing the impacts on climate change shall be deemed to be within the powers, duties,

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and obligations of all state departments, agencies, commissions, councils, and instrumentalities,

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including quasi-public agencies, and each shall exercise among its purposes in the exercise of its

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existing authority, the purposes set forth in this chapter pertaining to climate change mitigation,

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adaptation, and resilience in so far as climate change affects its mission, duties, responsibilities,

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projects, or programs. The governor, in presenting proposed budget articles for each fiscal year,

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shall set forth the climate considerations that were undertaken to move the state towards the

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mandated goals set forth in this chapter. Each agency shall have the authority to promulgate rules

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and regulations necessary to meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate established by §

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42-6.2-9.

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE

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     This act would require the governor, when presenting proposed budget articles for each

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fiscal year, to set forth the climate considerations that were undertaken to move the state towards

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the mandated goals set forth in the 2021 Act on Climate.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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