Assembly passes emissions reduction bill

PROVIDENCE – Legislation requiring contractors to use low-emissions construction equipment on some state jobs inched closer to becoming law last week with its passage in the General Assembly.
The bill requires contractors on jobs valued at more than $5 million to outfit vehicles on the job site for more than 30 days with emissions-reducing equipment. The requirement would become effective Jan. 1, 2013.
Amy Kempe, a spokeswoman for Gov. Donald L. Carcieri, said the governor had not yet had a chance to review the bill approved by the General Assembly during its marathon session to close out the year.
As of June 17, the General Assembly had yet to formally transmit the bill to the governor. Once transmitted, Carcieri has seven days to decide whether to veto the bill, sign it or let it become law without his signature.
The legislation would exempt a wide array of vehicles from the legislation, including those assisting with snow removal, emergency vehicles, farm equipment and vehicles “used to deliver equipment or material to and from the project site.”
The emission controls would also be subject to the availability of the state to reimburse contractors for the cost of outfitting their equipment.