It’s the right thing to do – and it makes economic sense.
That is precisely why the Rhode Island business community should embrace the recommendations of the state’s Department of Environmental Management and Energy Office, as part of a "Greenhouse Gas Action Plan."
In a summer that has produced more than 20 days of plus-90-degree temperatures and has seen water bans instituted in several communities, we would be remiss if we did not recognize the seriousness of global warming.
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With its miles of coastline and acres of farmland, Rhode Island is susceptible to the potentially devastating impact of dramatic weather events. Add to that the high cost of energy that already exist in the Northeast, and it is easy to see global warming — and what can be done to reduce our contributions to it – is an issue worthy of serious attention.
DEM Director Jan Reitsma points out that energy conservation is very much a business issue.
"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."
The Action Plan came about after nine months of meetings attended by citizens groups and government, business and environmental leaders. It makes more than 50 suggestions.
By investing in energy efficiency policies now, businesses are likely to recoup initial costs quickly. The state’s Action Plan represents a solid blueprint. It just might help your business save money. You can access it at www.state.ri.us/dem.
Exercise your privilege
to vote
We are two weeks away from the primary elections. We urge you to get out and vote on Tuesday, Sept. 10. Whether you are Democrat, Republican, a member of the Green Party or an Independent (you can disaffiliate immediately after you vote in a primary), there are races that should pique your interest.
Both the Republican and Democratic tickets for governor have produced spirited campaigns. The candidate who emerges in November will be the point person in leading Rhode Island from a recession, to what we hope will be a prolonged period of economic recovery.
The Republican primary in the First Congressional District pitting Christine C. Ferguson, Dave Rogers and Mike Battles has been intriguing. The winner is sure to garner national attention in a race against Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy.
The Democratic primary for Secretary of State is another interesting one. Incumbent Ed Inman is facing a stiff challenge from newcomer Matt Brown.
There are also several key primaries as legislative redistricting begins to make its mark. Your local legislator – whether he or she represents the neighborhood where you live or where you work – is your easiest and most logical entrance into the political process. You should not only know whom that individual is, but you should feel comfortable calling them with any question or concern.
And of course in Providence, the Democratic primary for mayor marks the beginning of a new era – of real change for the capital city.
In recent years, voter turnout in Rhode Island has improved, but has remained embarrassingly low. The upcoming primary represents another chance to connect yourselves to the process.
Four votes against a living
wage
Speaking of politics, it was encouraging last week to hear all four Democratic candidates for mayor – David Cicilline, David Igliozzi, Keven McKenna and Joseph R. Paolino, Jr. – express their opposition to a living wage in the capital city during a Providence Rotary luncheon.
We have long argued that a living wage would do more harm than good. We remain convinced that it would harm the businesses that employ the very people the proposal aims to benefit.
Employers would be more likely to eliminate jobs than increase payroll. It would serve as a deterrent to companies considering a move to Providence.
We are pleased to see that the mayoral candidates grasp the concept of creating new, better paying jobs and of promoting education and training programs. Such an approach should prove more effective than artificially stimulating the economy by mandating a living wage.
