2025-02

WHEREAS, City Council restated the Mission, Purpose and Authorities of the Energy and Environment Commission by Resolution (No. 2024-51) on May 22, 2024; AND

WHEREAS, the World, the United States, the State of Rhode Island and the City of Newport recognize matters of energy and environment directly impact the future of its citizens to live in comfort, safety and security; AND

WHEREAS, the City of Newport should bolster its Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan with amplifying elements directed to encourage conservation of energy resources, to support renewable and alternative energies, to allow efficient allocation and movement of water, and to mitigate the challenges of natural hazards and severe storms for the safety, security and stability of homeowners and businesses in the city; AND

WHEREAS, Energy goals, policies and actions are a required chapter and element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, a document which must be updated within the next two years. A 10-Year Plan created by the EEC has the potential to inform or serve as the Comprehensive Plan’s Energy Chapter update; AND

WHEREAS, the City of Newport has dedicated a renewed focus and investment to Resilience and Sustainability with a goal to ensure all departments incorporate resilience thinking across all planning efforts and activities, including the use of resources and investments to ensure that resilience and sustainability are being considered in all relevant decisions; AND

WHEREAS the City of Newport desires to develop communications and educational materials and campaigns to inform and educate the community about resilience and sustainability in addressing short and long-term solutions; AND

WHEREAS the City of Newport seeks to promote meaningful and robust community engagement to learn from multiple stakeholders, identify resilience opportunities, and build public support for related City initiatives; NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, that the Council hereby directs the Energy and Environment Commission to develop a 10-Year Energy and Environment Plan for the City of Newport, Rhode Island with the following guidelines:

The plan should integrate with, amplify and support Section 5 of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, as well as the City’s Strategic Plan;

The plan should reference, be consistent with, and look for support from, State and Federal directions and programs on Energy and Environment;

The plan should be specifically consistent with the State of Rhode Island 2021 Act on Climate to follow climate emissions reduction mandates and support requirements;

The plan must take a science-based approach, guided by objective and reliable information, supported by the input and review of qualified individuals, and documented with cited sources of information;

The Commission should liaise with City Staff, specifically the Director of Resilience and Sustainability, with other related City Boards and Commissions, and with public and private resources, as required;

The Commission should properly vet the Plan with City Staff, City Council, related Commissions and Organizations, and ultimately in one or more Public Forums before the final Plan is approved and adopted. The Commission should have a DRAFT Framework back to City Council by the end of March 2025.

STEPHANIE SMYTH
CHARLIE HOLDER
ELLEN PINNOCK
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
JANUARY 8, 2025

SULPICIO C. ALAAN III
DEPUTY CITY CLERK