RHODE ISLANDERS AIM TO COOL GLOBAL WARMING; IDENTIFY MORE THAN 50 WAYS TO CUT GREENHOUSE GASES

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RI Department of Environmental Management
235 Promenade Street, Providence, RI 02908
(401) 222-2771 TDD/(401) 222-4462

For Release:	August 1, 2002
Contact:	Gail Mastrati 222-4700 ext. 2402 Stephanie Powell 222-4700 ext. 4418

RHODE ISLANDERS AIM TO COOL GLOBAL WARMING; IDENTIFY MORE THAN 50 WAYS TO CUT GREENHOUSE GASES

PROVIDENCE - Thirty-three representatives from government, business, industry, citizen groups and environmental organizations have jointly identified 52 ways Rhode Island can substantially reduce its contribution to greenhouse gases in their just-published Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Action Plan.

The Action Plan is a product of a nine-month process organized by the Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island State Energy Office in response to growing international agreement that carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are warming the planet at a rapid rate. Global warming is a major concern for Rhode Islanders because of its potential adverse impacts, including flooding in coastal areas, saltwater contamination of drinking water, extreme weather events, and damage to local crops.

The Action Plan outlines programs and policies the state could undertake and builds on the New England Governors' and Eastern Canadian Provincial Premiers' (NEG/ECPP) agreement to tackle climate change adopted in August 2001. 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.

According to DEM Director Jan Reitsma, " 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. They would also help improve air quality, increase recycling, and stabilize energy supplies. Many options expand and extend existing Rhode Island programs and policies while others call for new initiatives."

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. Under such a "fee-bate" system, residents who purchase low-efficiency cars, SUVs or trucks would pay a higher fee, and those who purchase high-efficiency vehicles would get a rebate.

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.

The stakeholders reached consensus on 49 of the 52 options that were discussed. Stakeholders registered varying opinions on two options to upgrade state building codes for greater energy efficiency and an option to increase the state gasoline tax to provide an incentive for energy efficient motor vehicles.

In addition to in-state measures, the 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. That program alone would result in more than 250,000 tons of carbon saved by 2020 and significantly improve Rhode Island's air quality by reducing tail pipe emissions that cause ground level ozone.

Robert W. Varney, EPA New England's Regional Administrator, heralded the Action Plan and the group effort. "Rhode Island's Greenhouse Gas Action Plan is a terrific example of how states can help meet the challenge of climate change," he said. "EPA is proud to support a plan that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality, while at the same time generating net economic benefits for the state. We are especially pleased that the process produced strong support for implementing the plan among such a broad and diverse group of stakeholders."

"We encourage collaborative initiatives such as Rhode Island's which bring together environmental and energy arms of the state along with other key stakeholders," said Lois Pasquerella, a participant in the process from the US Department of Energy's Boston Regional Office. "The proposed Action Plan could have a positive impact and far-reaching benefits for Rhode Island's energy, environment, and economy for generations to come," she added.

Gary Ezovski, president of Lincoln Environmental, Inc., and a member of the greenhouse gas planning group, said, "There is no doubt that some of society's impacts on our environment can be detrimental. 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. The greenhouse gas planning process initiated by DEM utilized a science-based approach to identify and endorse behavioral changes by individuals and businesses that potentially can generate win-win benefits. I encourage large and small business owners and industry groups who have yet to participate to join the discussion."

Publication of the Action Plan marks the end of the first phase of the process. In September the group will undertake further research, and begin exploring the best ways to implement the recommended actions.

Dr. Jonathan Raab of Raab Associates, Ltd. facilitated the group discussions. Tellus Institute, led by Dr. Steven Bernow, provided technical analysis and modeling. DEM, the RI Energy Office, the US Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the US Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution funded the project.

The Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Action Plan is available on DEM's website, www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on "Publications," or by calling DEM at (401) 222-3434, extension 4430.

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