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10/23/2023
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Rep. Speakman Receives Audubon 2023 Legislative Leadership Award
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 SMITHFIELD - Rhode Island Representative June Speakman was honored with the Audubon Society of Rhode Island 2023 Legislative Leadership Award at the Society’s 126th Annual Meeting on Oct. 22 in Bristol. Audubon recognized Representative Speakman for her dedication to Rhode Island’s environment, action on the climate change crisis and the protection of birds, wildlife and the people of Rhode Island.
Representative Speakman (D) was first elected to represent District 68 in Warren and Bristol in March 2019. Audubon called her "an exceptional legislator who cares about conservation issues and prioritizes them in her policymaking."
Representative Speakman has been a strong voice in advancing the conservation of forests and siting for renewable energy sources in the age of the climate change crisis. During the 2022-2023 legislative session she succeeded in passing critical solar siting reform legislation to protect core forests. She is a consistent advocate for environmental protection and climate change resiliency as a member of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee and chairwoman of the Housing Affordability Commission in the Rhode Island House of Representatives. In 2021, she sponsored the Forest Conservation Act, which was enacted into law. This legislation created the Forest Conservation Commission under Department of Environmental Management, dedicated to identifying incentives for landowners to maintain their properties as forest.
Representative Speakman persistently works to advance laws that prevent exposure to cancer-linked polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). She was the sponsor of the 2022 law that requires the Department of Health to set standards for the chemicals in drinking water.
Audubon applauds Representative Speakman for her dedication and support of critical environmental legislation.
IN PHOTO: Representative June Speakman (center) receives the Audubon 2023 Legislative Leadership Award from Audubon Executive Director Jeff Hall (left) and Audubon Board President David Caldwell, Jr.(right).
For more information, contact:
Meredyth R. Whitty, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-1923
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