The bill HR 5074, introduced by Representatives Carson, Kazarian, Cortvriend, McGaw, and Speakman on January 16, 2023, and referred to the House Environment and Natural Resources, requests the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC) to conduct a recycling and waste audit of the Rhode Island State House. The purpose of this audit is to analyze the waste stream generated by the facility, identifying the types and amounts of waste produced, as well as what is being recycled. The findings from the audit are expected to reveal inefficiencies and provide insights into potential waste reduction strategies. The RIRRC is tasked with reporting its recommendations back to the House by January 5, 2026.
Additionally, the bill calls for the Executive Director of the Joint Committee on Legislative Services, in collaboration with RIRRC and the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), to explore the installation of water filling stations and electric car chargers in the State House parking lots. This initiative aims to reduce the reliance on plastic water bottles and align with the carbon emission goals outlined in the Act on Climate. A report on these efforts is also expected by January 5, 2026. The bill concludes by directing the Secretary of State to send certified copies to relevant state officials.