Bill > S0400

This bill completely repeals the 2021 Act on Climate, which was a comprehensive state law establishing a framework for addressing climate change in Rhode Island. The original law created an executive climate change coordinating council responsible for developing and implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with specific reduction targets including 10% below 1990 levels by 2020, 45% below 1990 levels by 2030, 80% below 1990 levels by 2040, and net-zero emissions by 2050. The repealed act also established advisory boards, required regular reporting, and created mechanisms for enforcement of climate goals. By eliminating the entire chapter of law, the bill would remove all of these climate change coordination and reduction initiatives, effectively dismantling the state's formal approach to greenhouse gas emissions reduction and climate change preparedness. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, which means the state would no longer have a legally mandated climate action plan or dedicated council to oversee climate-related efforts.