This bill allocates $250,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to study and explore the potential of seagliders in Rhode Island. The funds are designated for a feasibility study conducted in partnership with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative to assess how these electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicles could operate within the state's coastal areas. The resolution aims to evaluate whether seagliders can support local economic goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and improving transportation options, without making any guarantees about their future implementation.
Prohibits the use of black plastic takeout containers for use to take prepared foods and drinks from restaurants, stores, and other retail sales establishments.
Submits the state's 2026 capital development program relating to green bonds requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling $60,000,000 for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held in November, 2026.
Proposes a bond measure authorizing the State of Rhode Island to issue up to $100,000,000 in general obligation bonds, subject to voter approval, to fund coastal preparedness and resilience projects.
Creates rodent integrated pest management pilot programs for municipalities that choose to participate. Reports to be approved by the municipality's mayor or administrator and submitted to the department of environmental management.
Expands RI’s Renewable Energy Standard to include nuclear and hydroelectric power as eligible zero-emission resources and sets rules for how they qualify.
Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) to the RI Public Transit Authority to continue services, hire and train more bus operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals.
Merges the coastal resources management council with the department of environmental management and creates the bureau of coastal resources management within the department of environmental management.
Creates the multi-unit residential decarbonization initiative program to provide funding for feasibility studies to convert large, multi-family residential units to non-emitting renewable geothermal energy.
SB 2794 establishes the Beverage Container Recycling Act in Rhode Island to create a new system for recycling beverage containers. The bill defines key terms such as "covered beverage container," "producer," and "consumer" to clarify who is responsible for recycling efforts and which products are included in the program. It sets up a refund program where consumers can return empty containers at designated sites to receive refunds, with provisions for both full-service redemption sites and express redemption sites that use virtual accounts. The legislation also outlines rules for fraud prevention, requires independent audits, and includes definitions for environmental justice areas and de minimis exemptions for small businesses.
