Legislative Update - May 29, 2026 🚨 Last chance before the session ends!

[Jeanine Silversmith]

For those of you who don't know, the state budget is being considered this afternoon, which means the end of the legislative session is close behind. Let's do what we can to get some important EE bills across the finish line!

♻️ If you haven't done so yet, please sign a letter to your state legislators ASAP and tell them to support S-3012/H-7911 Extended Producer Responsibility For Packaging and Paper Act (aka RI Recycling Reform Act) to fight litter and waste, and put funding towards environmental education. A huge thank you to our friends at Save The Bay for leading the charge and for putting together this action alert! 

🍅 S-2438 School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal - a bill that many Rhode Island youth have been working hard on! - is stalled in committee. Its companion bill, H-7342A, has passed in the House. Please email the Senate Environment & Agriculture Committee (emails and sample text below, RIEEA's testimony here): 

To: sen-so...@rilegislature.gov; sen-b...@rilegislature.gov; sen-v...@rilegislature.gov; sen-d...@rilegislature.gov; sen...@rilegislature.gov;
sen-k...@rilegislature.gov; sen-r...@rilegislature.gov; sen-...@rilegislature.gov
Cc: in...@rieea.org (to let us know you took action!)
Subject Line: Pass the School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal bill (S-2438)!

Sample text (revise as you see fit):
Dear Chair Sosnowski and members of the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee:

I am writing in support of S-2438 School Waste Recycling and Refuse Disposal. This bill would (1) amend school waste recycling and refuse disposal, (2) require reports of waste audits and program participation, and (3) authorize the use of share tables in schools. The bill would simultaneously reduce food waste, possibly save districts money (by reducing waste carting fees), and help address food insecurity.

Moreover, sorting, recycling, composting, and using share tables increases awareness of sustainability efforts. Students and staff will be trained at the beginning of each year, providing incredibly effective education every day of the school year!

Please support S-2438 and help make Rhode Island green.

Sincerely,

[Your name, city]

It is only when people speak up that real change can happen. Thank you for taking action! 

Jeanine

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Jeanine Silversmith, Executive Director

(she, her, hers - why pronouns matter)

jsilve...@rieea.org, 401-569-8758 (cell)

50 Sims Avenue, Space 209, Providence, RI 02909

www.rieea.org