Jamestown’s state senator has been appointed chairwoman of the Committee on Environment and Agriculture for the 2021 legislative session.
“I am so excited for this opportunity to shape our environmental policy, and our future, here in the Ocean State,” said Sen. Dawn Euer, a Democrat who represents Newport and Jamestown. “We are in the midst of a climate crisis that we cannot afford to ignore. The environment and our economy are tightly connected.”
Euer, 41, has served on the committee since she was elected to the District 13 seat in August 2017. She was re-elected Nov. 3 to her second full term.
Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, a Providence Democrat, said he tabbed Euer because of her legislative history of protecting the environment. She has sponsored bills aimed at resiliency planning, reducing carbon pollution and developing renewable energy. Euer also was a vocal opponent of a proposal by President Donald Trump to allow offshore oil drilling in the Atlantic Ocean. That 2017 executive order was ruled illegal by an Alaskan federal judge in March 2019.
According to Euer, Rhode Island is “experiencing the very real effects of rising sea levels on a regular basis.” She said this is “particularly” true in her district because it comprises two islands. Euer is “very hopeful” for change, however, following the election of Joe Biden for president.
“We are poised to make progress toward shifting the trajectory,” she said. “It will take global change to address this global problem. I’m eager to help Rhode Island be part of the solution.”
Euer, who considers herself “a lifelong environmental activist,” came to Rhode Island to study law at Roger Williams University. She also focused on marine affairs because of the state’s leadership in offshore wind development.
