What Grows On in Rhode Island News

Clean Diesel Ordinance ~ Providence City Council ~ June 25, 2009

From Clean Water Action:

Support Clean Air!
Help Providence Pass the Clean Diesel Ordinance!

Thursday, June 25th
CITY HALL 25 Dorrance St.
5:30 PM | 3rd Floor

You Make It Happen
Call your City Councilman and stand in the room with the Ordinance Committee this Thursday to let them know you care – that there is a better way of doing business – that Providence can grow jobs and protect people at the same time >> [email protected] | (401) 521-7477

Diesel Hearing Action Alert

For info re an earlier city council meeting: http://www.cleanwateraction.org/action/providence-needs-cleaner-air-now-push-clean-construction

Outdoor Hydronic Heaters (Wood Boilers) in Rhode Island

This information is from Rhode Islanders for Clean Air ([email protected])

RE: RI House of Representatives Legislation:  H 5218 Outdoor Hydronic Heaters, commonly known as wood boilers

As anticipated our legislature will try to vote this bill out of committee in hopes of it getting passed on the house floor by the end of the session.   The hearing is for Thursday June 25th,2009, at the rise of the house (aprox 4:30).  If everyone has done their part and contacted their representative it should not pass the floor.  Obviously we need to stop it in committee.  If everyone can please show their support and come to the hearing.  Below is a list of what the bill must contain:

The most important is a limit on the amount of Particulate a boiler can emit measured in   GRAMS PER HR.  The bill currently only allows for a reduction to .32 lbs. mm/ btu This allows the device to emit anywhere from 18 to 71 grams per hr.  (a woodstove emits 4 ½ ) The Nescaum model rule (which assists states in regulating OWB’s) limits the boilers to 15 grams per hr. The EPA, Nescaum, the department of health and all of us living and breathing OUR air want a limit of particulate matter  measured in grams per hr.

Save the Bay Calls for Action on CRMC

From Save the Bay:

 Bill to fix CRMC stuck in RI House

Save The Bay calls on House to act before end of session

PROVIDENCE (June 19, 2009) – As time ticks down on the current session of the Rhode Island General Assembly Save The Bay is calling on the RI House of Representatives to pass Senate Bill 414A and put the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) on firm legal footing before the time runs out.

Hearing on CRMC ~June 25, 2009

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON SEPARATION OF POWERS AND OVERSIGHT NOTICE OF MEETING

JOBS ~ AmeriCorps Bridges 4 Learning

Position: 15 Full-Time AmeriCorps Member with Bridges 4 Learning
Host Sites:   Cranston, Providence & Woonsocket
8 Members:  June 2009 - May 2010, approximately 37 hours/week (includes occasional nights & weekends)
7 Members:  Aug. 2009 - July 2010, approximately 37 hours/week (includes occasional nights & weekends)

Are you looking for an opportunity to develop your communication, community outreach, and teaching skills?  Do you have a passion for the environment, theater, education and children?  Are you looking for a unique opportunity to serve your country developing new programming for diverse communities? The Bridges 4 Learning (B4L) Collaborative is the AmeriCorps program for you! 

Volunteers Needed ~ International Society of Arborists Conference ~ July 23-29, 2009

Volunteer at the International Society of Arborists conference to be held in Providence
Annual ISA Conference in July
NOW IS THE TIME
Please sign up for volunteer jobs!

 

JOB ~ Director of Water Quality, Water Supply Board ~ Apply by July 2, 2009

Job Title: Director of Water Quality
Organization: City of Providence
Location: Water Supply Board

Job Description

Volunteers Needed ~ 2009 RI Butterfly Count

Audubon Society of Rhode Island
Annual Rhode Island Butterfly Count
Volunteers Needed
June 27, 2009 (East Bay) and July 11, 2009 (West Bay)
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

(June 10, 2009) – Audubon Society of Rhode Island seeks butterfly enthusiasts for the 6th annual North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Butterfly Counts on Saturdays, June 27 and July 11, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Amateurs and experts team up to identify and record all the butterflies they can in one day.  Orientations sessions before the Count will help participants identify butterflies.   Beginners are welcome, and special beginner groups will be organized for the survey.

What Grows On in Rhode Island ~ News Blog Update

FYI ~ I'm working on a better way to distribute news releases I receive as the Providential Gardener, and so this News Blog has been in hiatus since [gasp!] October 2008. However, since the new News Blog still isn't ready, and since Audubon has a pressing need for volunteers for the Butterfly Count, to say nothing of CRMC legislation and other matters before the House and Sentate, as well as some job postings, I'm reviving this blog for the time being.  ~ SK