#LetUsBreathe Clean Air and Environmental Justice for Our Community

Superior Court Judge Brian Stern

We, the undersigned residents of Providence, urgently call upon the RI Superior Court to take decisive action in the wake of the recent devastating fire that has ravaged our neighborhood and forced the shutdown of RI Recycled Metals.

Our community has suffered long enough. It’s time to demand justice and ensure a safer, healthier future for ourselves and our loved ones. By signing this petition, you are joining a powerful movement to protect our families, our environment, and our city from further harm.

Together, we can make a difference. Stand with us and raise your voice for a cleaner, safer Providence! #LetUsBreathe


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PETITION TEXT:

We, the undersigned residents of Providence, urgently petition the RI Superior Court to address the aftermath of the recent fire that has severely impacted our neighborhood and led to the shutdown of RI Recycled Metals.

Background: On April 10th, a devastating fire broke out on Allens Avenue in the Washington Park neighborhood of Providence, resulting in significant pollution and environmental hazards in our community. On July 10th, exactly three months later, another fire raged in our backyards, cloaking large portions of the city in smoke. For the second time this year, our families and neighbors were forced to choke on the smoke produced by the negligent owners of RI Recycled Metals.

These fires emitted toxic smoke and chemicals into the air, posing serious health risks to our families, especially children and elderly residents. The environmental impact has been substantial, affecting not only the air quality but also the surrounding ecosystem and our quality of life.

To date, RI Recycled Metals has only been fined $25,000 for failing to submit a Public Involvement Plan on time.

Highlights of How We Got Here:

  • 2012: First environmental enforcement action against RI Recycled Metals.
  • 2015: DEM and then-Attorney General Peter Kilmartin issued a series of enforcement actions against the company.
  • 2023: Fined $25,000 for failing to submit a Public Involvement Plan on time.
  • April 10, 2024: Fire rages on RI Recycled Metals site. Mayor Brett Smiley issues a Cease and Desist Order.
  • July 10, 2024: Fire rages on RI Recycled Metals site.

Enough is enough. No more unregulated polluters in our backyards. #LetUsBreathe

Immediate Action Required:

  • Air Quality Monitoring: Implement continuous air quality monitoring systems in our neighborhood to track pollutant levels and provide real-time updates to residents.
  • Health Assessments: Conduct comprehensive health assessments for all residents exposed to the fire's smoke and pollutants, with a focus on vulnerable populations.
  • Providence Comprehensive Plan Review: Review and strengthen local zoning regarding industrial and environmental protections to prevent future incidents and similar industrial polluters in our backyards.

Long-Term Commitments:

  • Community Engagement: Establish a transparent communication channel between authorities and residents regarding industrial operations and emergency response protocols.
  • Environmental Justice: Ensure statewide protections for all frontline communities impacted by industrial polluters that abut our residential neighborhoods and ensure the equitable distribution of environmental resources and protections to prevent disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.
  • Public Health Initiatives: Invest in long-term public health initiatives to support affected residents and mitigate the health impacts of environmental disasters.

Why Sign This Petition? By signing this petition, you will join in our collective demand for immediate action and long-term solutions to safeguard our community's health and environment. We refuse to accept continued exposure to pollution and environmental hazards without adequate protections and remedies.

Conclusion: We, the undersigned, call upon the Rhode Island Superior Court to prioritize the health and well-being of Providence residents by shutting down RI Recycled Metals operations in the Port of Providence.

Sponsored by
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Black Lives Matter RI PAC
Cranston, RI
Additional Sponsors
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Mack District 6
Providence, RI

To: Superior Court Judge Brian Stern
From: [Your Name]

We, the undersigned residents of Providence, urgently petition the RI Superior Court to address the aftermath of the recent fire that has severely impacted our neighborhood and led to the shutdown of RI Recycled Metals.

On April 10th, a devastating fire broke out on Allens Avenue in the Washington Park neighborhood of Providence, resulting in significant pollution and environmental hazards in our community. On July 10th, exactly three months later, another fire raged in our backyards, cloaking large portions of the city in smoke. For the second time this year, our families and neighbors were forced to choke on the smoke produced by the negligent owners of RI Recycled Metals.

These fires emitted toxic smoke and chemicals into the air, posing serious health risks to our families, especially children and elderly residents. The environmental impact has been substantial, affecting not only the air quality but also the surrounding ecosystem and our quality of life.

To date, RI Recycled Metals has only been fined $25,000 for failing to submit a Public Involvement Plan on time.

Highlights of How We Got Here:

2012: First environmental enforcement action against RI Recycled Metals.
2015: DEM and then-Attorney General Peter Kilmartin issued a series of enforcement actions against the company.
2023: Fined $25,000 for failing to submit a Public Involvement Plan on time.
April 10, 2024: Fire rages on RI Recycled Metals site. Mayor Brett Smiley issues a Cease and Desist Order.
July 10, 2024: Fire rages on RI Recycled Metals site.

Enough is enough. No more unregulated polluters in our backyards. #LetUsBreathe

Immediate Action Required:

Air Quality Monitoring: Implement continuous air quality monitoring systems in our neighborhood to track pollutant levels and provide real-time updates to residents.

Health Assessments: Conduct comprehensive health assessments for all residents exposed to the fire's smoke and pollutants, with a focus on vulnerable populations.

Providence Comprehensive Plan Review: Review and strengthen local zoning regarding industrial and environmental protections to prevent future incidents and similar industrial polluters in our backyards.

Long-Term Commitments:

Community Engagement: Establish a transparent communication channel between authorities and residents regarding industrial operations and emergency response protocols.

Environmental Justice: Ensure statewide protections for all frontline communities impacted by industrial polluters that abut our residential neighborhoods and ensure the equitable distribution of environmental resources and protections to prevent disproportionately affecting marginalized communities.

Public Health Initiatives: Invest in long-term public health initiatives to support affected residents and mitigate the health impacts of environmental disasters.

Why Sign This Petition?

By signing this petition, you will join in our collective demand for immediate action and long-term solutions to safeguard our community's health and environment. We refuse to accept continued exposure to pollution and environmental hazards without adequate protections and remedies.

Conclusion

We, the undersigned, call upon the Rhode Island Superior Court to prioritize the health and well-being of Providence residents by shutting down RI Recycled Metals operations in the Port of Providence.