- June 21, 2022
- MEDIA ADVISORY
- CONTACT: Priscilla De La Cruz | 401-868-5993 | pdelacruz@asri.org
ENVIRONMENT COUNCIL, PEOPLE’S PORT AUTHORIY, AND SOUTH SIDE COMMUNITY RALLY AT THE STATE HOUSE TO STOP TOXIC, PLASTIC-BURNING BILLS
- PROVIDENCE— The Environment Council of RI (ECRI), People’s Port Authority, and environmental justice organizations, and community members jointly express strong opposition to toxic, plastic burning or so-called “advanced recycling” bills (S2788/H8089) which undermine efforts to protect environmental justice communities and meet Act on Climate goals. The Senate passed S2788 (sponsored by Senator Lombardo)—which contradicts the proposed Environmental Justice Act, also passed by the Senate. The House companion bill 8089 (sponsored by Representative Casey) would exempt “advanced recycling” facilities from solid waste laws and regulations. High-heat plastics-burning technologies, including pyrolysis and “advanced recycling,” are toxic and climate-damaging, and often sited on the backs of frontline communities who are already burdened by pollution and experiencing deep inequities.
- What: Join allies who want to stop plastic burning and environmental injustice!
- When: Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 21st
- Where: RI State House, 82 Smith Street, Providence (outside on capital grounds, facing Smith St.)
- Who: Speakers include—Angel Ramos, People’s Port Authority; Terri Wright, Direct Action for Rights & Equality; Linda Perri, Washington Park Neighborhood Association; Dwayne Keys, South Providence Neighborhood Association; Kevin Budris, Conservation Law Foundation; Priscilla De La Cruz, Environment Council of RI; David Veliz (tentative), RI Sierra Club; and Southside Community Land Trust (invited).
- Why: We have a short amount of time to stop a proposal to allow facilities that burn plastic to be exempt from oversight by the RI DEM and environmental regulations, and likely be placed in communities who are already struggling with a legacy of environmental injustice. Read the signatory environmental factsheet and environmental regulations infographic.
###
About the Environment Council of Rhode Island: The Environment Council of Rhode Island is a coalition of organizations and individuals whose mission is to serve as an effective voice for developing and advocating policies and laws that protect and enhance the environment. www.environmentcouncilri.org