Environment

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2802: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- RHODE ISLAND RESOURCE RECOVERY CORPORATION

This bill prohibits the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation from using artificial turf to cover compacted solid waste at sanitary landfills, with an exemption for turf already installed before July 1, 2026. It also bans the use of organic materials like wood, paper, and yard waste for landfill cover unless approved as a final layer, and establishes a pilot program to test grass or plant mixes with pollinators as an alternative cover material. The Resource Recovery Corporation must submit annual reports on its activities and include data on artificial turf disposal volumes, while also reporting on the pilot program results by January 1, 2028. Facilities that violate the artificial turf prohibition face fines between $2,500 and $5,000 paid to the local city or town.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill restricts artificial turf and organic materials at landfills, promoting pollinator-friendly plant mixes to protect environment and reduce pollution.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HR 8271: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 TO 401 TECH BRIDGE TO STUDY AND EXPLORE SEAGLIDERS IN RHODE ISLAND

This bill appropriates $1,000,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to study and explore the use of seagliders in Rhode Island. The funding is intended to support a feasibility study that will assess how these electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicles could operate in the state's maritime environment. The money will be used in partnership with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative to evaluate potential benefits for transportation, economic development, and environmental sustainability. This resolution directly affects 401 Tech Bridge and the organizations involved in the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative by authorizing the expenditure of state funds for this research project.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates $1,000,000 in funding for a feasibility study, directly advancing state budget allocation for research and development.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill funds study of seagliders, which are electric vehicles, advancing renewable energy and clean transportation technology in maritime environments.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds seaglider study for environmental sustainability, clean energy exploration, and maritime environment assessment.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates $1M to study seagliders for potential transportation benefits, indicating support for innovative transportation solutions.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Government Spending Bridges Ports

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 3032: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- STATE BUILDING CODE

Establishes a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code from the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code until January 1, 2031, unless approved by the legislature and made effective by the governor.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill freezes energy conservation code updates for 7 years, preventing potential improvements in energy efficiency standards that would reduce emissions and protect environment75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SB 3012: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PACKAGING AND PAPER ACT

Creates multiple chapters to provide and establish a comprehensive program for extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, and for recycling of beverage containers.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper, promoting recycling and reducing waste, which directly supports environmental protection and conservation goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2765: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- THE GREEN BUILDINGS ACT

This bill establishes the Green Buildings Act Commission, a 17-member body tasked with overseeing the implementation of green building standards for public construction projects. The legislation requires that all new or significantly renovated public facilities larger than 10,000 square feet meet specific environmental certification standards, such as LEED, SITES, or equivalent high-performance benchmarks, as a condition for receiving building permits and certificates of occupancy. Public school facilities receiving state funding must comply with these standards or the Northeast Collaborative for High-Performance Schools Protocol. The Department of Administration's State Building Office will provide administrative support and funding to the commission, while public agencies must submit required reports and information to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates green building standards and environmental certifications for public facilities, promoting energy efficiency and sustainable construction practices.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes Green Buildings Act requiring environmental certification for public buildings, advancing environmental protection and sustainable construction standards.95% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8315: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- MOTOR FUEL TAX

Sets the allocation to RIPTA at the greater of $0.1175 per gallon or 29.375% of total proceeds, with $0.005 per gallon derived from the $0.01 per gallon environmental protection fee.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes motor fuel tax allocation to RIPTA, increasing funding for public transit services and fiscal management.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allocates funds from environmental protection fee to RIPTA, supporting public transit which reduces vehicle emissions and promotes sustainable transportation.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates motor fuel tax proceeds to RIPTA (public transit), directly funding transportation infrastructure and services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Transportation Funding

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2796: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

Requires the producer of artificial turf and turf infill sold or distributed in RI to report its chain of custody, from installation to use, repurposing, recycling and disposal to the department of environmental management.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill requires chain of custody reporting for artificial turf and infill, promoting recycling, repurposing, and proper disposal to reduce environmental impact and pollution.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 8299: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS

$20,000,000) TO SUPPORT GREEN ECONOMY AND CLEAN ENERGY BOND INITIATIVES (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $20,000,000 to support the green economy and clean energy bond initiatives.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates $20M to fund green economy and clean energy initiatives, directly advancing budget allocation for public programs.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly appropriates $20M to support green economy and clean energy bond initiatives, directly advancing renewable energy and clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allocates $20M to support green economy and clean energy bond initiatives, directly advancing environmental protection and clean energy goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Renewable Energy

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2793: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES -- LEAD BY EXAMPLE ACT

Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility through state purchasing policies, encouraging sustainable practices and energy efficiency which aligns with responsible budget management.75% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates state purchases of electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies, directly promoting clean energy adoption and energy efficiency.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates state purchases of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies while banning plastic bottles, directly advancing environmental protection and reducing pollution.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes sustainable transportation by requiring state purchases of electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies, advancing green transportation infrastructure.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Recycling Electric Vehicles

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2799: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- CONSUMER PFAS BAN ACT OF 2024

SB 2799 amends the Consumer PFAS Ban Act of 2024 to clarify definitions and enforcement provisions related to the ban on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products. The bill specifies which items are covered by the ban, including artificial turf, carpets, cookware, cosmetics, juvenile products, menstrual products, and certain apparel, while explicitly excluding items like vehicles, electronic devices, and medical equipment. By refining these definitions, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance for manufacturers and regulators on which products must comply with PFAS restrictions. This clarification helps ensure consistent enforcement of the existing ban without changing the core prohibition on intentionally added PFAS in covered consumer goods.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental protection by banning PFAS, a class of persistent pollutants, in consumer products, reducing pollution and health risks.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water