R.I. Gen. Laws § 23-19.14-2: Declaration of policy.

It shall be the policy of this state to assure that:

(1) Activities are taken to control and eliminate contamination at industrial properties that are fair, consistent, and compatible with the current and reasonably foreseeable future use of the property;

(2) Environmental barriers to economic redevelopment and beneficial reuse of contaminated properties are removed;

(3) Opportunities are available for businesses to realistically manage their environmental liabilities;

(4) Voluntary and cooperative clean-up actions are encouraged to the greatest extent possible; and

(5) Processes for environmental clean-up and liability relief are effective and efficient and minimize transaction costs to the extent reasonably feasible in order to facilitate appropriate reuse of contaminated properties.