Environment Council sets priorities for 2008

PROVIDENCE – The Environment Council of Rhode Island, a coalition of more than 60 organizations across the state, has announced its annual wish-list of policy and law changes to protect the state’s environment.
The nonprofit says its legislative priorities in 2008 will be:
• Fighting global warming. “Rhode Island needs 80-percent reductions in global-warming pollution by the year 2050. These are the reductions that scientists say are necessary to avert the worst impacts of global warming in our state.”
• Protecting our waters and water supply. “Rhode Island needs to protect and manage our natural resources to ensure wise use and to accommodate future growth.”
• Promoting clean energy. “Rhode Island needs clean, renewable sources of energy so we can maintain our way of life, protect the environment, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and promote new technologies.”
• Managing solid waste responsibly. “Rhode Island needs to guard against the pollution caused by the improper disposal of electronic waste and plastic bags, and the incineration of trash” at the state’s Central Landfill in Johnston.
• Promoting clean transportation. The state “needs to clean up large, polluting diesel vehicles – and promote public transit; safe pedestrian passage; and adequate routes for bicycling.”
• Preserving open space. “Rhode Island needs to continue to invest in open-space programs so that we have beautiful places for future generations to enjoy.”
• Promoting toxic-free communities. “Rhode Island needs to make polluters pay to clean up the toxins they impose on our communities, and protect children from harmful pesticides on school grounds.”
In other news, the group announced that its Education Fund is seeking nominations for the 2008 John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Awards. Completed applications are due at the ECRI’s Providence headquarters by Feb. 16.
The Environment Council of Rhode Island, founded in 1972, is a coalition of more than 60 local groups that serves as the Ocean State affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. Additional information – including application forms for the John H. Chafee Conservation Leadership Awards – is available at www.environmentcouncilri.org.