Promising to “stand up to” man-made climate change and protect Rhode Islanders, Gov. Gina Raimondo on Friday announced the appointment of a “chief resiliency officer” to lead the state’s efforts climate-change preparations.
The new climate czar role was the centerpiece of an executive order “action plan” on global warming signed by Raimondo in a State House ceremony alongside the state congressional delegation.
But it won’t involve a new hire. Shaun O’Rourke, director of stormwater and resiliency at the Infrastructure Bank, has been appointed to the new role, and will remain employed by the quasi-state agency where he’s worked since June.