Wood Stove Bill in Rhode Island Should be Model for all States

A Rhode Island bill, HB 7371, would make the state the first eastern state to adopt the progressive policies of Washington and Oregon on wood stoves. The bill, introduced by representative Art Handy and four other delegates, would phase-out wood stoves without EPA certification in densely populated residential areas.

House bill no.7371 states that beginning on January 1, 2013, an individual must obtain a permit before installing a wood stove in any residential home. Permits will only be issued for EPA certified models unless they are 50 feet from any lot line and 200 feet from a neighboring home. Property owners cannot sell, rent, or lease any home with an uncertified stove that is less than 50 feet from any lot line and 200 feet from a neighboring home. Additionally, only "clean wood" can be burned, meaning natural wood free of chemical paints, varnishes, preservatives, resins, or glues.

Washington and Oregon go even further than the Rhode Island bill, by applying to all stoves in all areas of the state – not just densely inhabited ones. “In states where there would not be the political will to pass a bill that impacts the entire state, this is an excellent measure to reduce the wood smoke that has the most impact on the most people,” said John Ackerly, President of the Alliance for Green Heat.

This commonsense approach may only apply to a minority of households and would not impact those households which are most likely to heat with stoves. “Ultimately, we need to see a quicker phase out of all old, uncertified stoves and this is an excellent step in that direction,” Mr. Ackerly said.

Exceptions will be made for those demonstrating financial hardship. If a person's household income is less than 250% of the federal poverty level, he or she may continue to operate an uncertified wood stove regardless of proximity to the lot line or neighboring home.

The Alliance for Green Heat supports this bill and urges legislators to pass it.