| R 374 |
| 2023 -- S 0015 SUBSTITUTE A Enacted 06/01/2023 |
| S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N |
| RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO PROVIDE RECOMMENDATIONS TO SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION AND PROTECTION OF OUR ENVIRONMENT |
Introduced By: Senators Miller, DiMario, Valverde, Kallman, Murray, and Lauria |
| Date Introduced: January 18, 2023 |
| WHEREAS, Carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels into the atmosphere have |
| changed the earth’s climate leading to surface temperature rise; and |
| WHEREAS, Plastic pollution is dangerous to the health of our oceans, harms our marine |
| species, contributes to climate change, and is a major component of unsightly litter both on our |
| lands and in our waters; and |
| WHEREAS, Rhode Island is on a path towards achieving net-zero carbon emission and |
| reducing our plastic refuse; and |
| WHEREAS, Rhode Island State agencies must support the transition by adopting |
| renewable technologies and policies that support our goals to preserve and protect the |
| environment; now, therefore be it |
| RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby respectfully requests |
| the Department of Administration (DOA) to undertake a review and analysis of state purchasing |
| practices that support reducing carbon emissions and refuse among our state agencies including: |
| A summary of current purchasing practices to reduce refuse and carbon emissions; |
| A list of the total number of electric vehicles in the state fleet and green energy certified |
| state-owned buildings; and |
| A cost-benefit analysis focused on transitioning state agencies to electric vehicles and |
| renewable energy technology; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That this Senate, in order to reduce our carbon and refuse footprint, hereby |
| requests the DOA to report on the feasibility for procuring the following: |
| 1. Transitioning the state vehicle fleet, through lease or purchase, to alternative fueled |
| vehicles and expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure including: |
| Alternative fueled vehicles including light and medium duty passenger vehicles, light and |
| heavy-duty vehicles, buses, emergency vehicles, bicycles, and scooters; and |
| If a vehicle cannot be replaced due to limited supply or inadequate replacement the state |
| shall consider the purchase or lease of hybrid vehicles; |
| 2. Renewable and energy efficient technologies for use at state properties to improve |
| existing infrastructure, reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, including, but |
| not limited to: |
| Air conditioning systems, ventilation systems, heating systems, domestic hot water |
| heating systems, compressed air systems, distribution systems, lighting systems, power |
| systems, and controls of the building; |
| 3. Replacement of plasticware with biodegradable and compostable cutlery, straws, |
| drinkware, and napkins at state facilities with dining accommodations; |
| 4. Phasing out single-use plastic water bottles by creating access to potable water through |
| bottle fill stations or other available measures; and |
| 5. Providing compostable bins at state facilities and contracting with a compost disposal |
| service; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby requests DOA to develop guidelines for vendor |
| contracts that limit or prohibit the purchase or use of Styrofoam, plasticware, and single-use |
| plastic water bottles; and be it further |
| RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby further requests the DOA to provide a timeframe to |
| enter into purchase agreements that support the transition to green technology and practices, and |
| report its findings and recommendations to the Senate on or before February 1, 2024; and be it |
| further |
| RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to |
| transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Director of the Department of |
| Administration. |
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| LC000289/SUB A |
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