What Grows On in Rhode Island News

RI Agriculture Day ~ April 26, 2012

From RI Department of Environmental Management:

DEM Director to Release RI Agriculture Economic Impact Study

PROVIDENCE - To recognize the importance of the state's $100+ million agriculture industry, the Department of Environmental Management will host Rhode Island Agriculture Day at the State House on Thursday, April 26.

This year’s RI Agriculture Day program will feature a rollout of the Agricultural Economic Impact Study conducted by URI in partnership with DEM, the RI Nursery and Landscape Association, RI Turf Grass Foundation, RI Agricultural Partnership and EDC.  As part of the Rhode Island Agriculture Day festivities, approximately 50 exhibitors will host displays and offer local food samples in the State House Rotunda from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.            

The Agricultural Economic Impact Study to be released on Agricultural Day is a very recent assessment of the economic impact of local agriculture as well as what are commonly termed “green” industries (golf courses, landscaping, retail garden centers etc.).   The study has revealed a very significant and wide-spread economic impact, to which Tom Sproul of URI will speak.

The Agriculture Day speaking program will begin at 2 p.m. in the Governor's State Room, and the exhibits will be on display through much of the day in the State House Rotunda.  Along with DEM Director Coit, participants in the program include Tom Sproul, URI Agricultural Economist, Senator Susan Sosnowski, Representative Deborah Ruggiero, and Sarah Partyka and her father John of The Farmer’s Daughter and South County Farms, Inc. South Kingstown.

RI Agriculture Day is coordinated by DEM’s Division of Agriculture.

RenewableNow.TV ~ Wednesdays Beginning on May 11, 2011

New Web-based Show, ReNewable Now,

Focuses on the “Business Side of Green”
 

On May 11, the creators of Arpin Renewable Energy will debut a new Web-based show, ReNewable Now, an eco-conscious series dedicated to the “business side of green.” Peter Arpin, partner of Arpin International Group and award-winning green business advocate, hosts the program at ReNewableNow.TV.
 
“Businesses today are only just beginning to realize the substantial cost savings that ‘going green’ can create for them,” said Peter Arpin. “Our show features discussions with experts at the intersection of green technology and business, who offer valuable data and convincing arguments for why companies should adopt environmentally friendly programs and how they can take steps to implement them.”
 
The show will be launched through a world premiere broadcast on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. EDT at ReNewableNow.TV. Every week, a new episode will premier live and then be made available “on demand” the next day.
 
The inaugural show will feature guest Julian Dash, director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation’s Renewable Energy Fund, who will discuss how his organization is helping businesses move towards a greener economy.
 
ReNewable Now brings together government officials, business leaders, community groups, inventors, activists and others from around the world to shed light on ways in which companies can introduce green technologies, programs and practices for conducting activities in an environmentally and economically responsible manner.
 
During each broadcast, Peter Arpin and his guests will explore ways to help companies around the world progress toward sustainable development and engage in environmentally smart practices. The ReNewable Now series challenges viewers to recognize how effective environmental management can positively impact corporate profitability and sustainability.
 
ReNewable Now is currently inviting guests from companies, non-profits, and government organizations from around the world who have a story to share about the “business side of green.”  To be featured on an upcoming episode, visit ReNewableNow.TV and click on the “Become a Guest” button to submit your application.
 
About Peter Arpin
Peter Arpin is part of the fourth generation of family members to run Arpin Group, the U.S.-based moving and storage company first established in 1900. Via his company, Arpin Renewable Energy, Peter Arpin currently leads a team which conducts low-carbon growth research and develops initiatives for businesses. Visit Peter Arpin’s ReNewable Now Blog.

HopeEcoCenter ~ A Greenhouse Dream for Providence!

 On March 16 at about 11:15pm, after 4 hours of testimony and discussion, the Providence Zoning Board voted 4 to 1 to deny an application for a variance that would allow a drive-thru coffee shop at 398 Hope Street, the most recent location of Clarke Florist. This property has been used as a florist since the 1880s.

The Board said that they had received the third-highest number of opposing letters ever for any zoning application regarding this variance request. Sixty-one folks showed up to speak in opposition.

Exhibits/Sponsors Sought ~ URI ASLA Green Industry Conference & Exposition ~ February 25, 2011

On February 25 the University of Rhode Island's chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects will be hosting our annual Green Industry Conference & Exposition. We would like to invite you and your organization to join us as an exhibitor or sponsor.

The day begins with a conference session on green careers and employment options for graduates now and in the near future. A networking buffet luncheon follows the conference, along with an exhibit floor with pre-set booths for ease of participation.

A Better World By Design Conference ~ October 1-3, 2010

Brown U and RI School of Design students have organized the 10th "A Better World By Design" conference to be held October 1-3, 2010, in Providence, RI.

A Better World by Design is a three-day internationally acclaimed conference in Providence, RI that connects students, professionals, and individuals from a variety of disciplines in order to build a global community of socially conscious and passionate innovators. Presenters share engaging stories, workshops teach creative skills, and discussions reframe perspectives. A Better World by Design is an immersive experience, one that deepens our understanding of the power of design, technology, and enterprise to reshape our communities and sustain our environment. See the website for details, and register today!

Apeiron Seeking Executive Director ~ Apply through August 15, 2010

Apeiron Institute for Sustainable Living is accepting applications for Executive Director. Please forward this notice to people who might want to apply.
 Position Description
 
The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for leading Apeiron's effort to fulfill its mission and uphold its organizational values, strategic plans, policies and procedures. The ED assumes executive responsibility for all organizational operation, including development, budgeting, programming and staff management. The ED represents the organization publicly, and works to create partnerships with businesses, government agencies, education institutions, and other non-profit organizations. The ED actively assists the board and appointed committees with fundraising, strategic planning, board development and staff development.  The ED reports to the board on a regular basis on all areas of organizational operation.

Green Office Guide Published ~ July 2010

The Green Office Guide™ is a roadmap for businesses that want to transform their workspaces into more environmentally friendly places. It features 100 money-saving and money-making alterations that any business can make. The Guide is organized by topics, including

• Infrastructure & Construction
• Office Supplies
• Reduce + Re-Use + Recycle
• Corporate Kindess
• Vendors & Business Partners
• Energy Consumption & Production

The format is straightforward, leading readers to assess their current setup and explaining why they should consider making changes. Most topics have links to further information.

It is produced annually by Green Earth Corporate Kindness Organization (GECKO).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ~ April 8, 2010

Lots of bills on the agenda for April 8. These bills were to have been considered on April 1, but that hearing was canceled. Topics include:

• Clean Energy Biofuels
• Ultra-low Sulfur and Biodiesel Heating Oil
• Green-Jobs-Green RI Program
• Green Buildings & Job Creation Act
• Waters and Navigation - Water Pollution
• Small Wind Energy Systems
• Regulating purchase of Renewable Energy
• Air Pollution - Wood Stoves without EPA certification in densely populated areas
• Electronic Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling
• Hazardous Waste Cleanup
• DEM, Health etc. Agencies work re MOA on Farm Issues
• Incineration of Waste
• Ban of Pesticide Avitrol
• Repeal Requiring City & Town Plans to Conform with State Guide Plan for Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds
• Eliminate State Mandated Point Source Discharge Fees for Municipal Sewage Treatment Plants
  

Didn't list quite everything, especially a couple at the end that are vague, but may be important. Read on for details, watch what goes on in the legislature, and support sensible environmental legislation.

-- ed.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES ~ April 1,2010

Lots of bills on the agenda for April 1. Topics include:

• Clean Energy Biofuels
• Ultra-low Sulfur and Biodiesel Heating Oil
• Green-Jobs-Green RI Program
• Green Buildings & Job Creation Act
• Waters and Navigation - Water Pollution
• Small Wind Energy Systems
• Regulating purchase of Renewable Energy
• Air Pollution - Wood Stoves without EPA certification in densely populated areas
• Electronic Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling
• Hazardous Waste Cleanup
• DEM, Health etc. Agencies work re MOA on Farm Issues
• Incineration of Waste
• Ban of Pesticide Avitrol
• Repeal Requiring City & Town Plans to Conform with State Guide Plan for Bays, Rivers, and Watersheds
• Eliminate State Mandated Point Source Discharge Fees for Municipal Sewage Treatment Plants
  

Didn't list quite everything, especially a couple at the end that are vague, but may be important. Read on for details, watch what goes on in the legislature, and support sensible environmental legislation.

-- ed.

Hearing ~ RI House Committee on Environment & Natural Resources ~ March 4, 2010

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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES

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NOTICE OF MEETING

DATE:    Thursday, March 4, 2010

TIME:    Rise of the House

PLACE:    House Lounge – State House

SCHEDULED FOR HEARING AND/OR CONSIDERATION

House Resolution No. 7443
BY Melo, Ucci, Williams, Rice M, Savage
ENTITLED, HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING "EARTH HOUR" ON MARCH 27TH OF 2010 IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND {LC1662}
02/11/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration

SCHEDULED FOR HEARING ONLY:

House Bill No. 7201
BY Hearn, Edwards, Shallcross Smith, Marcello
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT {LC263} (would establish the Green Jobs-Green Rhode Island Program, the purpose of which would be to create and promote green jobs in RI and also to promote energy efficient construction and home modification)
01/26/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

House Bill No. 7262
BY Almeida, Carnevale, Slater, DeSimone, Diaz
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HAZARDOUS WASTE CLEANUP {LC372} (would exempt from liability a person who in the normal course of governmental duties provides assistance or services in mitigating hazardous discharge but does not immunize a responsible party or a person who contracts with the responsible party)
01/28/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

House Bill No. 7263
BY Rice M, Naughton, Pollard, Walsh, Malik
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO THE STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT -- DIVISIONS {LC865} (would authorize the dept of environmental management, agriculture division, to work in conjunction with the dept of health and other state agencies pursuant to a memorandum of agreement on farm and farm facility issues)
01/28/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

House Bill No. 7307
BY Brien, Edwards, MacBeth
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- ENERGY {LC1037} (would facilitate the creation of a waste-to-energy facility)
02/02/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

House Bill No. 7367
BY Walsh, Kennedy, Driver
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- HAZARDOUS WASTE CLEANUP {LC955} ( would exempt oil spill pollution prevention activities from the application of the "Waste Cleanup Good Samaritan Act." also make the immunity created by the act applicable to local fire depts and districts and DEM reps.)
02/04/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

House Bill No. 7406
BY Ferri, Segal, Fierro, Pacheco, Handy
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- INCINERATOR BAN {LC1275} ( would ban incinerators except those used to combust on-site generated solid waste)
02/09/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

House Bill No. 7407
BY Rice A, Walsh, Handy, Gallison, Malik
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- GREEN ECONOMY ROUNDTABLE {LC1126} ( would create the Green Economy Roundtable charged with identifying various opportunities associated with the green economy)
02/09/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

House Bill No. 7442
BY Serpa, Vaudreuil
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT {LC1137} ( would require the department of environmental management to adopt rules and regulations prohibiting the distribution, sale or use of a pesticide known as Avitrol)
02/11/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

House Bill No. 7502
BY Newberry
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION - THE RHODE ISLAND BAYS, RIVERS, AND WATERSHED - COORDINATION TEAM {LC1209} ( would repeal the provision of the general laws requiring cities and towns to amend their comprehensive plans to conform with the state guide plan for bays, rivers, and watersheds)
02/23/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

House Bill No. 7503
BY Newberry, MacBeth, Edwards
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION - WATER POLLUTION {LC1227} ( would eliminate the state mandated point source discharge fees chargeable to municipal sewage treatment plants)
02/23/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

House Bill No. 7504
BY Segal, Rice M
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD {LC1476} ( would encourage the use of renewable energy resources but protect owners from incurring costs which would be beyond their capacity to maintain)
02/23/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

House Bill No. 7552
BY McNamara, Naughton, Ferri, Flaherty, Gemma
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT {LC229}
02/24/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

House Bill No. 7553
BY San Bento, Flaherty, Corvese, Petrarca, Kilmartin
ENTITLED, AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES - UNIFORM RELOCATION PAYMENTS {LC1060} (would require an agency seeking to acquire a petroleum marine terminal for public use, to provide an alternative site which would be equal in size, include truck access to roads and highways and adhere to approved zoning and all site permits)
02/24/2010 Introduced, referred to House Environment and Natural Resources
03/04/2010 Scheduled for hearing

Richard Welch
Committee Clerk
222-2672

POSTED:   MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2010, 09:31 AM

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