The bill amends Section 42-6.2-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-6.2, known as the "2021 Act on Climate." It establishes that addressing climate change impacts is a responsibility of all state departments, agencies, commissions, councils, and quasi-public agencies. Each entity is required to incorporate climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience into their existing authority and operations, aligning with their respective missions and responsibilities. Additionally, the bill grants agencies the authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to meet greenhouse gas emission reduction mandates.

A significant addition to the law is the requirement for the governor, when presenting proposed budget articles for each fiscal year, to set forth the climate considerations that were undertaken to move the state towards the mandated goals set forth in the 2021 Act on Climate. This provision aims to ensure that climate change is a central factor in state budgeting and planning processes. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2659: 42-6.2-8