Requires the department of transportation, in consultation with the department of environmental management also to conduct an environmental impact study of motor vehicle non-exhaust particle emissions.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would require Rhode Island's Department of Transportation, working together with the Department of Environmental Management, to conduct an environmental impact study focused on a specific type of pollution from vehicles — particles that don't come from a car's exhaust pipe. These "non-exhaust" particles include tiny pieces of material shed from brake pads, tires, and road surfaces as vehicles drive and stop. Unlike tailpipe emissions, these particles are released regardless of whether a vehicle runs on gasoline, diesel, or electricity.

The study would examine how these particles affect the environment and potentially public health in Rhode Island. As electric vehicles become more common and tailpipe emissions decrease, non-exhaust particles are receiving growing attention from researchers because they remain a source of pollution even in zero-emission vehicles. The bill recognizes this gap and seeks to better understand the scale and impact of this issue within the state.

This bill would primarily affect state government agencies tasked with carrying out the study. Indirectly, it could affect all Rhode Island residents, particularly those who live near heavily trafficked roads, as the findings could eventually inform future policies around transportation, road maintenance, or vehicle regulations. At this stage, the bill only calls for a study — it does not require any specific policy changes or spending beyond conducting the research.

The bill has been introduced and referred to the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee, where it will be reviewed before any further action is taken.