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Help Rid Rhode Island of Single-Use Abuse!

Help Rid Rhode Island of Single-Use Abuse!

The Surfrider Foundation Rhode Island Chapter worked with our Northeast Regional Manager to try to support the passage of S 2527, a RI state-based bill that would have prohibited retail sales establishments from making available plastic checkout bags, or plastic water bottles or expanded polystyrene disposable food containers at the point of sale.

The bill would have banned certain single-use plastic bags and EPS foam food packaging, as well as the sale of unflavored bottled water. We supported this legislation and advocated for an amendment to add a pass-thru charge of 25-cents for all paper bags at point of sale, and an amendment to section 23-19.17-3(c) to include a fine as penalty for violations; the current bill states only a written notice for all infractions.

Read the text of the bill.

BILL PROGRESS:

The bill was introduced and referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture on 02/25/2016. Unfortunately, on March 30 the Committee recommended that the measure be held for further study, which essentially means it's dead.

The best way to support our work is to become a member of the Surfrider Foundation. To get more directly involved in our efforts in Rhode Island, please give a shout at ri@surfrider.org.

We hope you will also consider testifying when this bill comes to public hearing! Stay tuned to our Facebook event for more information.

Can't attend the hearing?  No sweat - you can still help by emailing your support. We'll provide committee emails and talking points for written testimony when the bill is scheduled for public hearing.

Questions…?  Please message our Northeast Regional Manager at mgates@surfrider.org.

Thank you!