The Rhode Island Senate has approved legislation that would require the consideration of climate change and rising sea levels in economic development plans.
“Our changing climate and the rising seas are a reality with profound effects on our future here in Rhode Island,” said Sen. Pamela Lauria, D-Barrington, who sponsored the legislation. “When we are planning any aspect of that future, particularly something as far-reaching as our economic aspirations and strategies, we have to take climate change into account.”
Lauria said the legislation would help ensure that the state takes a proactive approach in planning for the effects of climate change, including sea level rise and coastal resiliency.
“We need to consider where we are putting our investments, whether and how they will stand up to the changes that are already happening and that we know will be advancing, and how we can make investments that not only withstand these changes, but put Rhode Island in a position to thrive,” she said.
The legislation now moves to the Rhode Island House of Representatives, where a similar bill has been introduced.
If approved, the legislation would require the Rhode Island Commerce and Division of Planning to consider climate change and coastal resiliency when creating long-term economic development plans for the state.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
