Mayor Donald R. Grebien was joined by Pawtucket City Councilors Meghan Kallman, Albert Vitali, Jr., and Sandra Cano to reaffirm the City of Pawtucket’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and being environmentally friendly. Mayor Grebien, on behalf of the City, signed on to the Climate Mayors network and their commitment to adopt the Paris Agreement goals. The group is committed to adopting smart policies around sustainability and energy efficiency, and working together to cut greenhouse gas emissions and help create the 21^st century clean energy economy.

“We represent the people of Pawtucket, and the people of Pawtucket resoundingly agree that protecting our environment must be a top priority,” said Mayor Grebien. “We here in the Ocean State value our natural resources and recognize their importance to our health, quality of life, recreation, and so much more. As the Climate Mayor’s statement reads: ‘the world cannot wait – and neither will we.’”

“Climate change is one of the gravest threats confronting this generation,” said Ward 5 City Councilor Meghan Kallman. “In the face of the anti-democratic and irresponsible decision of the President, I am deeply proud that Pawtucket is leading on this issue. Rhode Island is a coastal community, and we are especially vulnerable to threats from rising seas and severe storms. We owe it to our children and our grandchildren to leave them a just and habitable world.”

“The Blackstone River and our natural resources were the economic drivers that built Pawtucket into what it is today,” said City Councilor Albert Vitali. “We will continue to protect our natural resources and focus on expanding clean energy and jobs to our community.”

“We must come together as a community to protect our natural resources for future generations,” said City Councilor Sandra Cano. “Our rivers and parks are a vital part of our culture and community. I am proud to stand with my fellow leaders to reaffirm our commitment to the environment.”

The announcement was made today because June 5^th is World Environment Day, the United Nations awareness and call to action day surrounding the protection of the environment. Pawtucket continues to focus on environmental stewardship and beautifying our community. Many of Pawtucket’s neighborhood groups host community cleanups and participate in Earth Day efforts to make Pawtucket more environmentally friendly. The Pawtucket Foundation hosts its annual Pawtucket Proud Day (which is actually this Thursday, June 8) to “bring the city’s business community together to help showcase public spaces, neighborhood parks, and ‘gateways’ of our city”. Individual residents and businesses regularly help out by picking up trash in their area, weeding and watering flower beds, and recycling at high rates.

The City of Pawtucket continues to implement programs to help our environment and make our community cleaner and greener, including a new program for residents to acquire free rain barrels (supplies are limited) and the free street tree program which helps with storm water issues and beautifies our neighborhood streets. Please see our video. The City has also begun replacing older vehicles with more fuel efficient and cleaner equipment. In addition, City leaders remain focused on energy saving initiatives such as LED lights, and are looking into opportunities surrounding solar energy. 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE         

June 5, 2017

Contact: Lauren Greene

401-728-0500 ext. 358