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Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management 235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401. 222. 4700 | www. dem. ri. gov | @RhodeIslandDEM CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100 Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 Evan. LaCross@ dem. ri. gov
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Impact",sans-serif;color:#00457A">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">235 Promenade Street | Providence, RI 02908 | 401.222.4700 |</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0070C0">
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#00457A">| @RhodeIslandDEM</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#1F497D"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">CONTACT:</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">
<b>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">Evan LaCross, 401-799-0100 Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="mailto:Evan.LaCross@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">Evan.LaCross@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">
</span></u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">DEM REMINDS PUBLIC THAT PLASTIC WASTE REDUCTION ACT REGULATIONS GO INTO EFFECT IN THE NEW YEAR<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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Description automatically generated" v:shapes="Picture_x0020_1"><![endif]><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">PROVIDENCE,
RI –<span style="color:black"> The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is reminding the public that the Plastic Waste Reduction Act
</span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.rilegislature.gov/pressrelease/_layouts/15/ril.pressrelease.inputform/DisplayForm.aspx?List=c8baae31-3c10-431c-8dcd-9dbbe21ce3e9&ID=372917__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!M9MyBlGMSFSJxzpI7_-_yWrLuogxqKGeHrWtcFU8MT-MtsJrWn_eJDCExazYp97brKdWk4wK-hTJtWI-xFFhQ01PHRdnxc_DdxWb$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">passed
by the Rhode Island General Assembly in the 2022 session</span> [rilegislature.gov]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"> and signed into law by Governor Dan McKee, will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2024.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">The law bans retail establishments from providing single-use plastic bags to customers at the point of sale. Eighteen of 39 Rhode Island communities have passed
similar plastic bag bans. The law ensures a uniform and consistent legal standard statewide on plastic bags.
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/Part/250-140-20-5"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt">Click here to view the regulations.</span></a></span>
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt">Unsightly, harmful, toxic coastal litter. Misquamicut State Beach, Westerly.</span></i></b><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt"><o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt"><o:p><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">The law, authored by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio and
<a name="_Hlk152944418">Representative Carol Hagan McEntee</a>, directed DEM </span>
<span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://dem.ri.gov/press-releases/dem-announces-public-comment-period-open-plastic-waste-reduction-act-regulations"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;background:white">to
conduct a cost benefit analysis</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;background:white">
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">along with drafting regulations to implement the law. DEM
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com/DEM/13024/PBN_13024_20230901095739570.pdf__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!M9MyBlGMSFSJxzpI7_-_yWrLuogxqKGeHrWtcFU8MT-MtsJrWn_eJDCExazYp97brKdWk4wK-hTJtWI-xFFhQ01PHRdnxQtVDJYj$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;background:white">held
a hearing on the regulations on Sept. 26</span> [risos-apa-production-public.s3.amazonaws.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black;background:white"> and
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://ri.commentinput.com/?id=DJcSCApbN__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!M9MyBlGMSFSJxzpI7_-_yWrLuogxqKGeHrWtcFU8MT-MtsJrWn_eJDCExazYp97brKdWk4wK-hTJtWI-xFFhQ01PHRdnxWIUMqBf$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;background:white">the public comment period closed on Oct. 1</span> [ri.commentinput.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black;background:white">.
DEM has engaged in outreach to industry and businesses to remind them of the regulations.
<br>
<br>
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, DEM reminds consumers that by bringing their own reusable bag whenever they shop</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black">, they are doing their part to reduce litter
and waste and help lessen the harmful effects of single-use plastics on Rhode Island’s environment. By keeping reusable bags in the trunk of your car or storing them near a door or coat closet, shoppers will be more likely to remember them on the way out to
get groceries or go holiday shopping. </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">“The Plastic Waste Reduction Act, which I was proud to sign last year, shows that Rhode Island is committed to addressing plastic pollution,” said
Governor Dan McKee. “Single-use plastic bags have many environmental impacts on the health of our local waters and wildlife and are a major component of unsightly litter. Keeping our natural spaces clean is everyone’s responsibility and by bringing reusable
bags whenever you shop, consumers are protecting our natural heritage and helping
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://litterfree.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF;letter-spacing:.1pt">keep Rhody litter free</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">.”
<br>
<br>
“Eliminating the retail distribution of single-use plastic bags helps prevent litter and plastic debris from entering Narragansett Bay and our local waters, which are central to the Ocean State’s environment, way of life, and economy,” said DEM Director Terry
Gray. “A more sustainable world starts with all of us, and DEM remains committed to promoting sustainability throughout our programs and operations. We continue to develop a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan for sustainable materials management.”</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:black"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><a name="_Hlk152944956"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">“From microplastics in our waters to litter on our streets, the negative impacts of plastic pollution
are easily seen,” said Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio. “Beyond the many environmental and social benefits of reducing reliance on single-use plastic bags, the Plastic Waste Reduction Act will help save money by reducing the significant recycling and
disposal issues that plastic bags pose.”<o:p></o:p></span></a></p>
<span style="mso-bookmark:_Hlk152944956"></span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;letter-spacing:.1pt">“The Plastic Waste Reduction Act will reduce the amount of single use plastic bags that end up in the landfill, in our
local waters, and as litter in our communities,” said Representative Carol Hagan McEntee. “Rhode Islanders can make a tangible difference in reducing plastic pollution by reminding their family, friends, and neighbors to bring their reusable bags whenever
they shop.”</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit
</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">.
Follow </span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif"><a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.facebook.com/RhodeIslandDEM__;!!KKphUJtCzQ!M9MyBlGMSFSJxzpI7_-_yWrLuogxqKGeHrWtcFU8MT-MtsJrWn_eJDCExazYp97brKdWk4wK-hTJtWI-xFFhQ01PHRdnxUgOBieG$"><span style="font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif;color:#0066FF">DEM on Facebook</span> [facebook.com]</a></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif">,
Twitter (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Calibri Light",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><br>
Evan LaCross, MPA</span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#1F4E79;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Programming Services Officer, Public Affairs<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:"Cambria",serif;color:#004678;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">235 Promenade Street, Providence RI 02908</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">401-799-0100 (c)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="mailto:evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">evan.lacross@dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:gray;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
</span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">(E);
</span><span style="mso-ligatures:standardcontextual"><a href="http://www.dem.ri.gov/"><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171">www.dem.ri.gov</span></a></span><span style="font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#767171;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">
(W)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif;color:#0096D2;mso-ligatures:standardcontextual">Follow DEM on
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