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SB 405

AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE RHODE ISLAND CLEAN AIR PRESERVATION ACT

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elaine Morgan and 1 co-sponsor

Rhode Island bill establishes clean air preservation standards and pollution controls to improve state air quality and public health outcomes.

02/26/2025 Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
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Bill Summary · SB 405

Legislative bill overview

SB 405, the Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act, aims to establish or strengthen air quality standards and pollution control measures within Rhode Island. The bill addresses environmental health by targeting air quality improvements across the state. Specific provisions are not detailed in the available information, but the title suggests comprehensive air quality management framework.

Why is this important

Air pollution directly affects public health, contributing to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and premature mortality—particularly in vulnerable populations like children and elderly residents. Rhode Island's air quality impacts extend beyond state borders through regional atmospheric circulation, affecting neighboring states while also receiving pollution from external sources. Economic considerations include healthcare costs, productivity losses, and potential business compliance expenses.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Regulations on businesses and industries may increase compliance costs, which could be passed to consumers or affect competitiveness
  • Economic vs. environmental balance: Stakeholders may disagree on how stringent standards should be and what burden they place on manufacturing, transportation, and energy sectors
  • Enforcement mechanisms and funding: Questions about whether the state has adequate resources, monitoring infrastructure, and enforcement capacity to implement new air quality standards effectively

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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