07-R036

2007 -- S 0097

Enacted 01/23/07

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR OF Rhode Island TO ENTER INTO THE REGIONAL GREENHOUSE GAS INITIATIVE (RGGI)

Introduced By: Senators Sosnowski, Paiva-Weed, Felag, Algiere, and Gallo

Date Introduced: January 23, 2007

     WHEREAS, There is a broad consensus within the scientific community that greenhouse

gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, are accelerating and producing global climate changes;

and

     WHEREAS, Such climate changes can result in sea level rise, beach erosion, and more

extreme weather patterns, which conditions place Rhode Island's shoreline at risk; and

     WHEREAS, Warmer climate may lead in Rhode Island to more days per year with high

ozone levels and other adverse environmental health conditions; and

     WHEREAS, One hundred sixty-nine nations have signed the Kyoto Protocols, as of

December 2006, and agreed to reductions in greenhouse emissions; and

     WHEREAS, Nine Northeast states including Massachusetts, in January 2007, have

entered into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), leaving only Rhode Island among

the Northeast as a non-participant in RGGI; and

     WHEREAS, Not participating in RGGI when other states are doing so can have adverse

economic consequences for electric rate payers in Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, This Senate has previously, by Senate Resolution 2005—S 0299, which was

adopted on March 29, 2005, encouraged Rhode Island to participate in RGGI; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby respectfully requests His Excellency Donald L. Carcieri to enter into the Regional

Greenhouse Gas Initiative in order: 1) to reduce the contribution of greenhouse gases resulting

from energy usage in the state; 2) to have Rhode Island do its share to mitigate the adverse effects

of global climate change; and 3) to secure for Rhode Islanders the economic benefits that flow

from participation in RGGI that can be used to support investments in energy efficiency and

renewable energy development that have a beneficial effect on electric rates; and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to His Excellency Donald L. Carcieri.

=======

LC00859

=======