Rhode Island
2006 Rhode Island Legislative Victories
Rhode Islanders will have a cleaner environment to celebrate. The general assembly passed several of the bills that Clean Water Action members supported this year. Thanks to all of you who wrote letters or made phone calls to your legislators and the Governor to bring us such a successful year! Here's a quick summary of some of the bills that you helped pass:
Preventing Dental Mercury Pollution
Mercury used in "silver" dental fillings becomes an environmental problem when it gets washed down the drain at dentists' offices. The Dental Mercury Pollution Prevention Act (sponsored by Rep. Ginaitt of Warwick) requires Rhode Island dentists to prevent mercury pollution. This law will prevent an additional 75 pounds of mercury from being released to our environment every year.
Stopping Toxic Trash
Computers, televisions and other discarded electronic equipment contain lead, mercury, and other toxins that can damage kidneys and nervous and reproductive systems in addition to disrupting hormones and harming developing children. The Electronic Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling Act (sponsored by Rep. Handy of Cranston and Sen. Sosnowski of South Kingstown) bans computers and televisions from our landfill and requires the state to develop a plan for the collection, recycling, and reuse of e-waste.
Preventing Diesel Pollution
Diesel exhaust can trigger asthma and heart attacks and cause cancer. The Anti-Idling Act (sponsored by Rep. Sullivan of Coventry and Sen. Alves of West Warwick) bans excessive idling of diesel engines, especially in circumstances where it poses a health threat, like school buses waiting to board. The law also requires the state to identify sources of diesel pollution in Rhode Island and strategies for reducing it.
Banning Toxic Flame Retardant PBDEs
PBDEs, flame-retardants added to many products, can cause developmental problems in children. This law, also sponsored by Rep. Ginaitt, severely restricts the use of some varieties of PBDEs.
Strengthening the Mercury Switch Collection Law
The Department of Environmental Management estimates that 602 pounds of mercury is contained in cars registered in Rhode Island. This law sponsored by Sen. Ruggerio of Providence and Rep. Handy strengthens Rhode Island's law by requiring auto manufacturers to pay a $5 bounty for mercury switches collected from automobiles.
