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, such as Audubon director of Avian Research Dr. Charles Clarkson and Senior Director of Conservation Dr. Scott Ruhren.
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.
Legislative Priorities
-
Banning SGARs: Vital for Raptor Conservation
Eagles, owls, foxes, and other predators are being sickened and killed after eating poisoned rodents. We're supporting local initiatives to reduce the use of rat poisons and protect our wildlife. -
Building Decarbonization ActThe Building Decarbonization Act was amended to require the state to produce a report and incorporate feedback on benchmarks for reducing the amount of carbon emissions produced by buildings. We encouraged membership involvement and look forward to working with legislators to promote the next steps in building decarbonization in order to meet benchmarks for carbon reduction outlined in the 2021 Act on Climate.
-
Rhode Island Housing & Conservation Trust Fund ActThe RI Housing and Conservation Trust Fund was established in 1990 to address the dual goals of creating and sustaining low and moderate-income housing for Rhode Islanders, while conserving and protecting Rhode Island's natural areas. This legislation would re-establish the board by increasing the number of members, ensuring better representation in appointments of stakeholders, facilitating appointments to the board, and expanding the opportunities the board can access for housing and land conservation projects. It also creates a designated account at the RI Infrastructure Bank to improve funding mechanisms.Image by Richard Staples
Local Priorities
Stormwater Utility
Stormwater Utilities is an important way to help mitigate the impacts of stormwater on local communities. Audubon Society of Rhode Island is working with municipalities across Rhode Island to support this important tool.
• • •
Visit our Take Action page to learn about how YOU can elevate a local priority in your community.
