Bill > H7004

This bill, titled the Rhode Island Climate Superfund Act of 2026, establishes a fund managed by the Department of Environmental Management (DEM) to address the impacts of climate change. It aims to hold "responsible parties," defined as entities involved in extracting or refining fossil fuels that have contributed significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, accountable for the costs associated with climate change response work. This work includes projects like coastal protection, infrastructure upgrades, and ecosystem restoration necessary to safeguard people, property, and the economy from climate-related hazards such as rising sea levels and extreme weather. The DEM will use an "accepted attribution methodology," a scientific approach consistent with international standards, to calculate each responsible party's share of greenhouse gas emissions and issue "cost recovery demands" for reimbursement. Funds collected will be deposited into a dedicated climate superfund account and used exclusively for qualifying expenditures, with a portion distributed to municipalities, tribal governments, and community organizations for eligible response costs. The bill also outlines procedures for administrative hearings and appeals for responsible parties and preserves other existing legal remedies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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