Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 8206: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $50,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

HR 8206 is a joint resolution appropriating $50,000 to the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) for new firefighting equipment. It directly funds the purchase of forestry hoses, specifically for use by DEM's forestry or fire management units. The bill was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the House Finance Committee. This is a straightforward budgetary request with no broader policy changes or public impact beyond the specified equipment purchase.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds $50k for DEM forestry firefighting equipment, directly enhancing natural resource protection and wildfire management within environmental agency operations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 8216: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

Requires the coastal resources management council to conduct a review of certain water classifications and existing policies and regulations to properly account for sea level rise.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires coastal council to review policies for sea level rise adaptation, strengthening environmental protection against climate change impacts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2547: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE

Raises the minimum fee per barrel of petroleum products or crude oil from five cents ($0.05) to twelve cents ($0.12) per barrel as part of the uniform oil spill response and prevention fee.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRaises oil spill prevention fee to fund environmental protection, directly advancing climate and pollution control measures per bill title and summary.90% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2516: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

SB 2516 repeals the energy efficiency charge previously included in utility base rates for electricity and water providers. This bill removes a specific fee that utilities had been allowed to add to customer bills to fund energy efficiency programs. The repeal does not affect existing funding for renewable energy programs (which continue at 0.3 mills per kilowatt-hour until 2028) or demand-side management programs for electricity and gas utilities. The bill directly affects regulated utilities distributing electricity, water, or gas, as it eliminates one cost they could pass to customers.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRepeals energy efficiency charge fee, defunding efficiency programs while maintaining renewable energy funding (0.3 mills/kWh until 2028).92% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRepeals energy efficiency charge funding, defunding programs that reduce energy use and emissions, while preserving renewable energy funding.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 10, 2026

HR 7992: JOINT RESOLUTION URGING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO STUDY AND REGULATE THE IMPACT OF WAKE BOATS ON RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC WATERWAYS

This resolution urges Rhode Island's Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to study how wake boats - specialized vessels creating large waves - impact the state's freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. It specifically requests DEM to analyze environmental effects (like sediment disturbance and algae blooms), shoreline erosion, public safety risks, and invasive species transport, while reviewing regulations from other states. If the study finds significant harm, DEM would then develop regulations to limit wake boat operations, such as setting minimum lake sizes, depth requirements, or shoreline setbacks. The resolution directly affects Rhode Island's 237+ freshwater bodies (covering 18,845 acres), which are vulnerable due to their small size and ecological sensitivity.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentUrges study of environmental impacts (sediment, algae, erosion) from wake boats, aiming to develop regulations if harm is found, aligning with environmental protection goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 7990: AN ACT RELATING TO MOTOR AND OTHER VEHICLES -- TIRE EFFICIENCY STANDARDS

HB 7990 would establish state efficiency standards for tires sold in the state, requiring manufacturers to meet specific performance criteria aimed at improving vehicle fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. It directly affects tire manufacturers (who must comply with new standards) and vehicle owners (who would purchase tires meeting these requirements). The key provision sets measurable efficiency targets for tires, with the goal of lowering greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. The bill is currently under review by the House State Government & Elections committee, having been referred for further study after a committee hearing.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEstablishes tire efficiency standards to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, directly advancing energy efficiency in transportation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes tire efficiency standards to improve fuel efficiency and directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles as stated in the summary.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEstablishes tire efficiency standards to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, directly promoting sustainable transportation through vehicle regulation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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passed · Rhode Island · House Apr 3, 2026

HB 7738: 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 ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyMoratorium on energy code updates prevents stronger conservation standards, restricting progress toward efficiency goals.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentMoratorium blocks updates to energy conservation code, preventing stricter environmental standards and conservation requirements until 2031.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Conservation

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passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 5, 2026

SR 2657: JOINT RESOLUTION URGING THE RHODE ISLAND DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT TO STUDY AND REGULATE THE IMPACT OF WAKE BOATS ON RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC WATERWAYS

SR 2657 is a non-binding joint resolution urging the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to study and potentially regulate the impact of wake boats on public waterways. It directly affects DEM, which would be required to conduct this study, and indirectly affects wake boat operators and public waterway users by potentially leading to future regulations. The resolution does not create new law but requests DEM investigate how wake boats affect water quality, safety, and ecosystems before considering regulatory action. This is a procedural step focused on gathering data, not implementing immediate changes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentUrges study of wake boat impacts on water quality/ecosystems, indicating environmental concern without direct action; focuses on potential regulation for protection.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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died · Rhode Island · House May 29, 2026

HB 8032: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- LOW AND MODERATE INCOME HOUSING

Eliminates mandated housing densities/density bonuses for public drinking water supply watersheds/groundwater. Requires densities not exceed water availability, introduce pollution, stay within public water or sewer system capacity limits.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill restricts housing density in watersheds to prevent pollution and ensure water availability, directly aligning with environmental protection goals.85% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingEliminates density bonuses for housing in watersheds, restricting development to water capacity limits and potentially limiting affordable housing options.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2441: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- COMPOSTING AND ORGANIC WASTE DIVERSION

SB 2441 imposes a $2-per-ton fee on solid waste disposal in Rhode Island, collected from waste haulers and landfill operators. Revenue from this fee funds a Compost Fund that awards grants to support composting facilities, organic waste diversion programs, and municipal waste reduction initiatives. Municipalities must opt into the fee program to qualify for related grants. The bill directly affects waste disposal companies, participating municipalities, and organizations seeking funding for composting infrastructure, aiming to reduce landfill use as Rhode Island's central landfill is projected to fill by 2043.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates $2/ton fee (tax) on waste disposal, revenue funds Compost Fund for grants. Directly establishes new revenue stream for government spending, advancing fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill imposes waste disposal fee to fund composting/grants, reducing landfill waste and advancing organic waste diversion for environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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