Clean Water Action Rhode Island Names Environmental Champ

From Rhode Island General Assembly: Rep. Michael Morin (D-Dist. 49, Woonsocket) has been named an Environmental Champion by Clean Water Action Rhode Island.

He received the award in the category “Legislator of the Year” along with Sen. Adam J. Satchell (D-Dist. 9, West Warwick) during the group’s Earth Day Breakfast of Champions on May 3 at the Aspray Boat House in Pawtuxet Village.

“I am extremely honored to be recognized by one of the finest environmental organizations in the state,” said Representative Morin. “It’s certainly gratifying to have my legislative efforts recognized by a group that works so tirelessly to improve the ecological life of Rhode Island.”

This year, Clean Water Action celebrated community leaders who are working to prevent stormwater pollution and flooding, engage youth in the environmental movement, prevent litter and marine debris through source reduction policies, and provide financing for climate resilient infrastructure projects.

“Representative Morin’s tireless dedication last year to passing the bill to ban organohalogens in flame retardants allowed our state to become a national leader in protecting the health of Rhode Island families, children and first responders,” said Johnathan Berard, Rhode Island state director of Clean Water Action.

The legislation (2017-H 5082Aaa), which became law last year, prohibits the manufacture, sale, and distribution of residential upholstered furniture and upholstered bedding and children's products that contain certain amounts of a chemical containing the element bromide or chlorine bonded to carbon that is added to a plastic, foam, or textile.

Photo courtesy of Rhode Island General Assembly