Providence, RI – With President Obama’s budget now approved by Congress, Rhode Island may soon get funds to boost its transition to a clean energy economy and protect Narragansett Bay, according to a report released today by Environment Rhode Island.
“Investing in renewable energy will create green jobs, protect our environment, and help get our economy back on track,” said U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee.
The report, Vision 2010: President Obama’s Budget, Clean Energy and the Environment, estimates the proportion of the president’s proposed Fiscal Year 2010 federal budget that would be used to prevent water pollution, clean up toxic waste, and spur clean energy businesses. The President’s budget pays for these investments by removing windfalls for polluters – including global warming-inducing coal plants, generators of toxic chemicals, and oil companies.
Environment Rhode Island’s report illustrated the following benefits for the state:
• $2.2 billion over 10 years from making polluters pay for global warming pollution (if the revenues are apportioned by population);
• $110 million in Rhode Island taxpayer dollars that will no longer subsidize profits for Big Oil; and
• Helping to clean up Narragansett Bay by providing $13.4 million to clean up sewage treatment plants - 15 of which exceeded clean water permits in 2005.
On the last point, Environment Rhode Island is currently working to end sewage overflows in Newport and Middletown. “Together with the stimulus package, this budget will give our communities urgently-needed resources to protect our Bay and its beaches,” said John Rumpler, Senior Attorney for Environment Rhode Island. The President’s budget will also bring money for clean energy to Rhode Island.
Such environmental investments will also boost Rhode Island’s economy. “We’ve had all kinds of economies here – up and down – but we’ve never had a green economy” observed Al Durand, business manager for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local #99. “The President’s budget will help us get there.”
Yesterday, Congress gave its final approval to the President’s budget for fiscal year 2010. It will now take actual appropriations to bring the promised funds back to the Ocean State.
"By passing the Obama FY2010 budget, Congress has taken a key step toward rebuilding and renewing America in a way that ensures the green energy future that our country needs," said Peter Asen, Associate Director of Ocean State Action.
The first piece of legislation to implement policies assumed in the budget will be considered by the Energy and Environment subcommittee of the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce committee next week. The American Clean Energy and Security Act will set standards for generating renewable electricity, improving energy efficiency, and making science-based cuts in global warming pollution.
“We look forward to working with Congress on legislation that delivers on the clean, green promise of this budget resolution,” concluded Rumpler.
RIE-2010VisionFinal.pdf