Rep. Boylan, Sen. Valverde want Rhode Island to lead by example on sustainability
STATE HOUSE — Rep. Jennifer Boylan and Sen. Bridget Valverde have introduced legislation to move Rhode Island toward meeting its sustainability goals by empowering the state agencies of Rhode Island to lead by example.
Rep. Jennifer Boylan
“Building a sustainable Rhode Island is a team effort,” said Representative Boylan (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence). “This legislation empowers the public sector to test and develop sustainable practices that can then be used by businesses and households throughout the state, while also sending a message that our state agencies are committed to doing their part to meet the sustainability needs of Rhode Island.”
The legislation (2025-H 5343, 2025-S 0641) codifies and expands on a 2023 executive order instructing state agencies to lead by example to reduce energy usage and climate emissions in order to meet Rhode Island’s Act on Climate goals. The bill aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste produced by state agencies by amending state purchasing law covering electric vehicles, renewable energy, recycling and compost, leaf blowers and plastic bottles.
“State purchasing is a powerful tool to reduce climate emissions and promote good environmental policy,” said Senator Valverde (D-Dist. 35, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, South Kingstown). “When state entities reduce their carbon and waste footprints, it doesn’t just have positive environmental and economic benefits — it raises public awareness and shows that there are workable solutions to our sustainability challenges that make a real impact.”
Under this legislation, as older state vehicles with internal combustion engines reach the end of their useful life, they would be replaced with electric vehicles. The bill also requires that by 2030 electric vehicles make up at least 45% of the state’s light-duty vehicle fleet and at least 200 electric vehicle charging stations will be installed on state-owned property.
These essential steps would help meet the state’s commitment to reduce emissions, made in the 2021 Act on Climate. The bill provides exceptions to lease or purchase a hybrid vehicle if an electric vehicle is unavailable and to lease or purchase a conventional vehicle if no electric or hybrid vehicle is available.
This legislation would also direct the Department of Administration’s capital asset management division to reduce energy use at state buildings by 20% by 2030, 30% by 2040 and 40% by 2050, compared to 2014 energy usage as a baseline. To achieve that, it would require that the state install renewable energy technologies, such as solar panels and heat pumps, and energy efficient technologies, such as efficient HVAC and lighting systems, during the construction of new state buildings and the renovation or repair of old state buildings.
“If we desire a more sustainable future in Rhode Island, there must be examples of how individuals, businesses and government agencies can reach these goals,” said Jeffrey C. Hall, executive director of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. “In 2024, RePower Audubon was launched, a comprehensive plan for the organization to eliminate its use of fossil fuels by 2030. We know the technology is available and the transition to renewable energy is possible. State government can also lead by providing solutions that reduce waste and energy consumption while transitioning away from fossil fuels. This legislation aligns with the Act on Climate goals and invests in new carbon-free, efficient technologies for buildings and vehicle purchases.”
The bill would also require all state buildings to purchase recycling bins and compost bins, contract with a compost disposal service to service these bins and ensure that all public buildings have at least one custodial staff member trained in the fundamentals of composting and recycling. State cafeterias would have to provide biodegradable or compostable utensils, plates, cups, straws and napkins by 2026.
According to estimates from the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, 32% of the municipal waste that ends up in the Johnston landfill could instead be composted, a change that would lower greenhouse gases by an equivalent of removing over 9,000 cars from the road per year.
“The Act on Climate of 2021 set mandatory, science-based mandates for eliminating carbon emissions from our economy. Achieving these goals is The Nature Conservancy in Rhode Island’s top legislative priority. This legislation is an important early step in implementation because it demonstrates that state operations can go first and lead the way and helps clear the path for others. This type of leadership from the state is essential and appreciated,” said Sue AnderBois, director of Climate & Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy Rhode Island.
Sen. Bridget Valverde
The bill would also transition the state to electric leaf blowers, stopping state purchasing of gas-powered leaf blowers by July 1, 2025, and requiring all state employees and contractors to only use electric leaf blowers by 2028.
According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency analyzed by Georgia Tech Professor Michael Leamy, running a gas-powered leaf blower for 30 minutes emits more unburnt hydrocarbons than driving a pickup truck from New York City to Los Angeles. This contributes to both global warming and to adverse health effects, ranging from respiratory diseases like asthma to cardiovascular disease and even cancer.
Representative Boylan introduced a rebate program for commercial landscapers to transition to electric leaf blowers that was included in the state budget last year.
“Gas-powered lawn and garden equipment are a significant source of air pollution that is often overlooked in sustainability and decarbonization initiatives,” said Jennifer Martenson of Quiet Clean Rhode Island. They contribute an annual 58 tons of fine particulates to Rhode Island’s air — equivalent to having more than 600,000 cars on the road. Battery-powered alternatives are competitive in performance, and save money over the long term due to fuel savings, so there really is no reason to buy new gas leaf blowers.
Quiet Clean Rhode Island is grateful to Representative Boylan and Senator Valverde for making sure this is included in the state’s efforts to Lead by Example. We hope to see Rhode Island departments go beyond this one mandate and make rapid strides toward zero-emission landscape maintenance.”
Finally, the bill would also prohibit the use of state funds to purchase single-use bottled water, provided public or potable well water is available. It would provide exemptions for health, safety and emergencies.
“The best way to fight plastic pollution and litter is to reduce the amount of plastic used in the first place,” said Emily Howe, Rhode Island director of Clean Water Action. “We support Rhode Island ‘leading by example’ by not purchasing single-use plastic bottles and plastic dining ware destined for the landfill. Reducing our consumption of plastic protects our coastal waters and demonstrates a more sustainable path forward.”