Signed by Governor Lincoln Chafee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council.

Highlights:

• Establishes the “Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council” to assess, integrate, and coordinate “climate change efforts” throughout the state (Sec. 1). 

• Requires the council to perform certain actions, including, but not limited to, the following actions (Sec. 1):
• Identify strategies to prepare for the effects of climate change;
• Identify opportunities to educate the public about climate change; and
• Identify and leverage federal, state, and private funding opportunities for emission reduction and climate change preparedness for the state.

• Requires the council to submit a plan to the governor and general assembly that includes strategies, programs, and actions to meet the following targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, no later than December 31, 2016 (Sec. 1):
• 10% below 1990 levels by 2020;
• 45% below 1990 levels by 2035; and
• 80% below 1990 levels by 2050.

• Requires state agencies to support the council’s work in certain ways, including, but not limited to, the following ways (Sec. 1):
• By purchasing alternative fuel, hybrid, and electric vehicles that produce lower total emissions of greenhouse gases;
• By implementing programs to reduce greenhouse gases and energy expenses in state and municipal buildings to; and
• By assessing the vulnerability of infrastructure to impacts of climate change and recommending strategies to protect these assets.

• Establishes the following boards to assist the council in fulfilling its duties, accessing and educating the public, and maintaining current scientific and technical information relating to climate change (Sec. 1):
• The Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council Advisory Board; and
• The Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Council Science and Technology Advisory Board.

Full Bill Text