Environment Council of Rhode Island

Key Environmental Legislation for 2003- 2004

  The Clean Energy Act

 Requires increasing amounts of the state's electricity to come from clean, renewable sources like solar and wind power. (Bates, Moura)

  The Smoke-Free Workplaces Act

 Protects the health of employees and customers by mandating almost all workplaces go smoke-free. (Sosnoswski, Fox)

  Separation of Powers

 Bills allowing a ballot initiative to remove legislators and their appointees from environmental boards and commissions. (Lenihan, Gorham)

  Budget Article 44A

 Approves ongoing annual funding of a coastal and estuary habitat restoration trust fund. (Paiva Weed, Malik)

  Strengthening the Freshwater Wetlands Act

 This bill significantly increasing fines for willful violations. (Sosnowski, Ginaitt)

  Legislation to help finance burying of high voltage power lines at India Point

 This act would require that any proposed transmission line for an energy facility which crosses over a significant natural resource or public asset of the state, be buried through the affected resource or asset. (DaPonte, Damiani and Perry)