There is worldwide agreement that greenhouse gases are warming the planet at a rapid rate.
No argument here in Rhode Island.
Given the oppressive temperatures and draining humidity we have endured during much of this summer, it would seem the state Department of Environmental Management and the State Energy Office could have found no better time to unveil Phase I of a massive campaign to cool global warming.
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The agencies have published a blueprint designed to help Rhode Island reduce its contribution to the release of greenhouse gases. As an added incentive, proponents of the voluntary program point out that following the suggestions could save a business money – and strengthen the very core of our economy.
"A lot of people in the business community are aware that this is an issue that needs to be considered," said DEM Director Jan Reitsma.
Publication of the "Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Action Plan," is the first step in a lengthy process. But, suggest state officials, the document is important because it sets an important tone and points to reasonable approaches to better protecting our environment and reducing, or stabilizing traditionally volatile energy prices.
No, it doesn’t qualify as light summer reading. But with air conditioners blasting and sprinkler systems churning all summer, conserving energy is a subject that clearly needs to be addressed.
The Action Plan is a product of a nine-month process organized by the DEM and the State Energy Office in response to growing international acceptance that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are warming the planet at an alarming rate.
Why should we care so much about such a thing here in Rhode Island?
Environmental officials believe the answers to that question are varied, but quite clear. Because of its potentially adverse impacts, including coastal flooding, saltwater contamination of drinking water, damage to local crops and severe weather events, suggests Reitsma.
"Flooding is a real concern in a coastal state like ours," said Reitsma. "There is the potential loss of land…and property issues. Water availability is a huge issue. Businesses depend on water. Farmers depend on water."
In the Action Plan, 33 representatives from government, business, industry, citizens groups and environmental organizations have identified 52 ways that Rhode Island can substantially reduce its contribution to greenhouse gases.
The Action Plan outlines programs and policies the state could undertake and builds on the New England Governors’ and Eastern Canadian Provincial Premiers’ agreement to tack climate change adopted last summer.
The NEG/ECPP agreement aims to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010, to at least 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, and up to 85 percent below 1990 levels over the long term.
"Many of the policies and programs advocated by this plan would save energy and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions at little or no cost to society," said Reitsma. "They would also help to improve air quality, increase recycling, and stabilize energy supplies."
Some of the priority measures identified in the plan include:
- Requiring that a percentage of electricity sold to Rhode Island consumers come from renewable sources such as wind, solar and biomass.
- Creating a fee and rebate system to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient automobiles.
- Providing technical assistance and financial incentives to encourage larger commercial and industrial firms to reduce the use of oil and gas in space, water and process heating.
- Integrating land-use zoning and transit planning efforts to reduce dependence on automobile travel. The initiative would ensure that new growth areas are walk-able and have easy access to public transportation and would promote existing neighborhoods that have adequate transportation infrastructures.
- Increasing recycling and reducing the amount of solid waste generated in the state.
In addition to in-state measures, the Action Plan endorses regional and national efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as national fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks that could eventually double the average miles per gallon of these vehicles to about 50 miles per gallon by 2020.
To Reitsma, everything about the Action Plan makes sense – to both the environmental and business communities.
"This is something we ought to be doing something about anyway," he said. "These measures we are talking about make sense."
Janet Keller, chief of DEM’s strategic planning and policy section, points out that all over Europe, countries are taking advantage of technological advances to become more energy efficient. Missing out on that kind of opportunity, she said, or to get caught behind the curve, would be disservice.
And Janice M. McClanaghan, chief of energy and community services at the state Department of Administration, points out that energy efficiency plays a vital role in the economy – and in the bottom lines of area businesses.
"When energy costs spiked a couple of years ago, people and businesses were really hurting," she said. "With demand, prices go up."
By investing in energy efficiency policies and procedures now, she said, businesses can often recoup expenses quickly — and then begin saving money.
Gary Ezovski is president of Lincoln Environmental, Inc., and a member of the planning group. Ezovski points out that taking steps to better protect our environment should be about solutions – not blame.
"There is no doubt that some of society’s impacts on our environment can be detrimental," said Ezovski. "Despite debate on cause and effect, it is important to find opportunities to act on issues that can positively impact both our environment and our economy."
