TITLE 23

Health and Safety

CHAPTER 23-82

Implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Act

SECTION 23-82-2



   § 23-82-2  Legislative findings. –

It is hereby found and declared by the general assembly as follows:



   (1) Scientific findings indicate that the increase in

greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide, is accelerating the natural

greenhouse effect resulting in changes in the Earth's climate;



   (2) Climate changes pose serious health risks to humans, as

well as danger to ecosystems worldwide;



   (3) This act creates a strong incentive for the creation,

development, and deployment of more efficient technologies and processes,

energy efficiency and renewable energy supplies which will lead to less

dependence on the import of fossil fuels.



   (4) Rhode Island's implementation of the Regional Greenhouse

Gas Initiative, (hereinafter referred to as "RGGI"), should be managed to

maximize the state's contribution to lowering carbon emissions while minimizing

impacts on electric system reliability and costs to Rhode Island power

consumers over the long term. Adoption and use of cost-effective

energy-efficient products and programs and the strategic use of low and zero

carbon generation are the best means to achieve these goals.



   (5) It is the intent of the general assembly in enacting this

chapter that the state of Rhode Island shall fulfill the mutual understandings

and commitments of the regional greenhouse gas initiative so that the state may

fully participate in that initiative and all sales or auctions and other

proceedings as may be established under that initiative.



History of Section.

(P.L. 2007, ch. 119, § 1; P.L. 2007, ch. 206, § 1.)