Michael Rubin, Special Assistant Attorney General, Unit Chief

The Environmental Unit investigates complaints regarding environmental matters, initiates legal actions enforcing state environmental laws and/or seeks injunctive relief pursuant to common law powers, and represents the State and its administrative agencies in cases involving various environmental concerns. The Unit's four attorneys work on issues ranging from access to the shore issues; lead paint enforcement issues; solid and hazardous waste issues; federal environmental law, including clean air, clean water, and CERCLA; and may also pursue a range of public nuisance actions, or actions to recover damages for harm to the environment. The Environmental Advocate is a position within the environmental unit, but is a unique statutory position created by state law (R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-20-3). The Attorney General's Environmental Advocate, by statute, may take any action to enforce environmental quality standards, including, but not limited to formal legal action, lobbying and education on behalf of the public.