FIRE BAN IN EFFECT In response to the continued elevated risk of wildfires, DEM has issued a fire ban at all State Parks, campgrounds, and management areas until further notice. The ban is effective as of today (10/28/24) and includes campfires in designated campfire areas, including charcoal fires and cooking fires. This preventative measure applies to all DEM-managed lands and aims to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires. DEM will continue to monitor and evaluate conditions to determine when the ban can be lifted. Together we can protect our communities and keep first responders safe by reducing the risk of wildfires: 📞 Call 911 if you spot a fire/smoke. Timely information is critical to contain fires before they spread. 🔥 Remember, any outdoor fire is a potential source for a wildfire. Be careful with cigarettes and ashes. When disposing of wood stove ashes, put the ashes in a metal bucket of water. 🚒 Check with your local fire department for any other restrictions and permitting information. 🚨 Stay informed and find resources at dem.ri.gov/wildfirestatus.
Light Duty Vehicles Light duty vehicles refer to passenger cars and trucks under 8,500 pounds according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Office of Air Resources oversees a variety of regulations, programs, and policies to limit emissions from light duty vehicles. Low Emission Vehicles (LEV) Program Requires manufacturers to meet fleet-average emissions targets through the sale of vehicles that emit low levels of pollutants that contribute to ozone formation such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and particulate matter that pose risks to public health. The purpose of the program is to ensure that motor vehicle standards in Rhode Island are consistent with California's Advanced Clean Cars (ACC) program. Rhode Island incorporated ACCP's rules under its Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 37. Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) Program Requires manufacturers to meet a certain portion of sales with electric, plug-in hybrid-electric, and fuel cell (hydrogen) vehicles. The purpose of the ZEV mandate is to help to reduce petroleum consumption while furthering the development and deployment of advanced technology vehicles. The 2012 ZEV amendments enhance compliance flexibility and extend program requirements through model year 2025: Increase sales percentage requirements for ZEVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which become more stringent over the course of the program. Manufacturers receive more credit for a vehicle with greater "all-electric" driving range. Allow manufacturers to "pool" or trade emission and ZEV credits among other states that have adopted California standards. Inspection & Maintenance (I&M) Program DEM and the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are jointly responsible for the administration of the Rhode Island Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Program. DMV is responsible for the operation and enforcement of the program and DEM is responsible for the environmental aspects of the program. The I/M Program requires a biennial inspection that includes all light-duty vehicles, 25 years old and newer, up to 8,500 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rate (GVWR). DEM assures that the State's motor vehicle I/M program identifies high emitting vehicles and gets them repaired. Visit the DMV's Safety and Emissions Inspections website or see Air Pollution Control Regulation No. 34 for more information. The purpose of the program is to reduce motor vehicle related pollution through inspection and emissions-related repair of gasoline and diesel powered light duty motor vehicles. The program ensures that Rhode Island is positioned to comply with the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for Ozone, reduces the amount of particulate matter emitted into the air, and protects human health and the environment. The State is required to submit Annual Reports for the I/M Program under 40 CFR 51.366, the data analysis and reporting section of the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA's) rule on Inspection and Maintenance Program requirements. This section of the rule was designed to allow for monitoring and evaluation of the I/M Program by the State's program management and the EPA. The information in the Annual Reports includes inspection test data statistics, as well as evaluations of the quality assurance system, the quality control program, and the enforcement elements. 2020 Annual EPA Report 2021 Annual EPA Report Additional Resources Rhode Island ZEV Credit Balances 2022 Rhode Island ZEV Credit Balance 2021 Rhode Island ZEV Credit Balance 2020 Rhode Island ZEV Credit Balance 2019 Rhode Island ZEV Credit Balance 2018 Rhode Island ZEV Credit Balance 2017 Rhode Island ZEV Credit Balance 2016 Rhode Island ZEV Credit Balance 2015 Rhode Island ZEV Credit Balance 2014 Rhode Island ZEV Credit Balance 2013 Rhode Island ZEV Credit Balance Relevant Links California Air Resources Board (CARB) Framework Agreements on Clean Cars Motor Vehicle Inspection Program Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles Rhode Island Public Transit Authority U.S. EPA EPA's SmartWay Transport Program