Following the close of the 2024 legislative session in mid-June, we would like to thank you all for your calls, emails, written testimony, and advocacy for environmental education and justice here in Rhode Island.
Though our priority bill, the Rhode Island Climate Change and Ocean Protection Youth Education and Workforce Development Act (S-2356 / H-7496), did not move out of committee, there were several other bills we supported that were successful.
For more information about the bills we tracked and supported this legislative session, please check out our 2024 Bill Tracker.
We look forward to continuing our efforts in our four priority areas to support environmental education, environmental justice, access to outdoor spaces, and community awareness. Thank you for your help!
2024 Bills
Green Bond (S-2336 / H-7550): Along with coalition partners, we were able to get $13 million into the proposed 2024 Green Bond, including $5M for farmland preservation, $5M for forest and habitat management, and $3M for the state open space grant program! The original proposal did not include any funding for these types of projects. We hope you will join us in voting to pass the Green Bond on election day in November to help increase and improve access to outdoor spaces in Rhode Island.
Long-Term Economic Development (S-2043SubA / H-7246SubA): This bill added climate change, sea-level rise, and coastal resiliency to the analysis of data of the strategic plan for economic development policy. The Economic Development Planning Council includes the commissioner of elementary and secondary education and the commissioner of higher education.
Resolution for $180,000 for the Rhode Island State Conservation Committee and Conservation Districts (S-2958 / H-7775): The 2025 Budget includes this funding for the general operating budgets of the Rhode Island State Conservation Committee and each of the three Rhode Island State Conservation Districts, all of which engage youth, landowners, and municipalities in high quality environmental education and outreach programs.
Real Estate Sales Disclosures (S-2185SubA / H-7376SubA): With the passage of this bill, buyers of oceanfront or shoreline property will be required to acknowledge that they have been informed of the public’s rights and privileges of the shore. This will hopefully limit disputes over public access.