We are excited to introduce Clean Water Action’s new Rhode Island Interim State Director, Emily Howe! Emily was born and raised in Rhode Island, and lives in Warwick with her husband and 3 young kids. She was most recently the Executive Director of the Rhode Island Democratic Party and brings a wealth of Rhode Island political and campaigns experience to the team. Emily got her start in environmental advocacy with Clean Water Action as a community organizer from 2007-2009, and we are thrilled to welcome her back.
What campaign in Rhode Island are you most excited to work on?
The Bottle Bill. As a mom who takes her kids on daily walks, I see an astounding amount of litter in the neighborhood streets. This is an issue that my young kids can see and understand. We can do better in the Ocean State. I am excited to get to work on a bill that makes it easy for Rhode Islanders to properly return containers, keeps litter out of our waterways and off our beaches, and improves our recycling rate. The next generation deserves a strong plan to fight plastic pollution and waste.
What drives your passion for environmental and justice advocacy?
I am lucky enough to live in Warwick, by the water, and my kids and I often ride our bikes down to the beach and walk the coastline, seeing what sea life is around. As a parent, I am teaching my children to be good stewards of our environment, and I am also extra motivated to fight for a livable climate future for them and their peers. I know from my time canvassing that most Rhode Islanders feel the same way.
What are you most excited about in this new role?
I am really looking forward to working with the incredible legislators in our state who take the environment seriously and who are always at the forefront of change. Rhode Island has small state legislative districts which means we can participate in democracy in a more direct way here. I can’t wait to get to work.
What's one fun fact about you Rhode Islanders should know?
I pride myself on always having snacks on hand which I will gladly share with friends.
