Advocacy at Audubon
Through grassroots and direct advocacy, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island promotes public policies and initiatives that protect birds, other wildlife, and natural resources. Audubon organizes people into campaigns and coalitions to build a strong and respected environmental movement in Rhode Island and to increase the environmental literacy of elected officials and policymakers.
The challenges affecting today’s environment are on the rise as we face the climate crisis and new threats to our valuable natural resources. To remain a strong independent voice for nature, the support of Audubon volunteers, members, donors, and fellow community members is crucial.
Current Advocacy Priorities
We developed these priorities by engaging local advocates, other organizations, and our expert scientists. We encourage you to Take Action on each and every one of these pieces of legislation and local priorities.
If you are an elected official or member of the press and would like to learn more, please contact Director of Advocacy Phoenix Wheeler (they/them) at pwheeler@asri.org.
2025 Legislative Priorities
Audubon Society of Rhode Island supports legislation in 2025 that will protect wildlife, natural habitats, clean air, clean water, and a better quality of life for all Rhode Islanders.
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(H-5704, S-651) Sponsored by Representative Rebecca Kislak and Senator Melissa Murray
This bill phases in a ban on all anticoagulant rodenticides (rat poisons). It also provides opportunities for city and town governments to receive potential funding from the RI Department of Environmental Management for implementing plans for wildlife-safe rodent control.
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Building Decarbonization Act
(H-5490, S-91) Sponsored by Representative Rebecca Kislak and Senator Meghan Kallman
Recent studies show that 37% of global carbon emissions originate from buildings. This act provides for emissions tracking and electrifying buildings in Rhode Island in phases through 2040. The Building Decarbonization Act is an exciting step in combating climate change and fulfilling the state’s promise from the Act on Climate law, which mandates carbon emission reductions in Rhode Island over time. RePower Audubon has been a key component of our leadership in advocating for the bill, proving decarbonization is possible and necessary.
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Housing and Conservation Trust Fund Act
(H-5310, S-711) Sponsored by Representative June Speakman and Senator Jacob Bissaillon
Formed in 1990, the Housing and Conservation Trust Fund was designed to provide funding for affordable housing projects while protecting clean air, clean water, and quality of life for all Rhode Islanders. However, the Trust Fund has remained unfunded and without any appointments. This updated bill provides an equitable process for appointments to the board and the opportunity to raise grant and philanthropic dollars without impacting the state’s budget. Vermont’s bill, on which the Rhode Island act is based, has conserved approximately half a million acres of land since it was enacted. Audubon is excited to work together with housing advocates to pass this legislation.
Local Priorities
Nature-Based Stormwater Solutions
As flooding events increase across the state, local communities need to be able to mitigate the impacts of stormwater. Through the Stormwater Innovation Center, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island is working with municipalities across Rhode Island to support.
Is there an issue you'd like Audubon to know about?
Your priorities are our priorities! If there’s an issue you think we should know about, contact us with the details at audubon@asri.org. We’ll respond in 24-48 hours to let you know how and if we can get involved to help.
