Ban Beach Smoking in Rhode Island!
The chapter worked with our Northeast Regional Manager to try to pass statewide legislation that would have banned smoking on Rhode Island's beaches.
A bill introduced by Rep. Joseph Shekarchito on April 14, 2016 would have banned smoking on Rhode Island's beaches, rendering fines of up to $1,000 for violators caught smoking within 20 feet of a public beach. It would also allow judges to order violators to perform beach cleanup work, which is music to Surfrider ears as we continue to pick up more and more cigarette butts off our beaches, every day.
Not sure why butts are so bad? Check this out: http://www.beachapedia.org/Cigarette_Butt_Litter.
Surfrider urges smokers not to smoke on beaches, and to hold on to their butts when smoking outside rather than discard them on the ground so these toxic items don't wind up in the ocean.
Unfortunately, at the April 27, 2016 public hearing, the committee recommended 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.