PROVIDENCE, RI — The Rhode Island legislature passed a bill (H277/S2274) that would set the fastest timeline for any state in the nation to get 100% of its electricity from renewables. The legislation imposes incrementally increasing annual benchmarks that electricity suppliers must meet until they reach 100% by 2033. If, as expected, Governor Daniel McKee signs the bill, Rhode Island will join nine other states working to slow global warming through commitments to 100% clean or renewable energy.
“Rhode Island is about to jump at the forefront of states leading us into a clean energy future,” said Johanna Neumann, senior director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy for Environment America. “This forward-looking commitment marks another milestone in America’s clean energy journey.”
Rhode Island has abundant renewable energy potential. Wind power alone could power the state eight times. The Ocean State is also home to America’s first offshore wind farm on Block Island.
H277/S2274 codifies the goals laid down in an executive order of the then government. Gina Raimondo released in January 2020 that Rhode Island would use 100% renewable electricity by the end of the decade. Since the governor signed that executive order, Environment America has worked with state advocates to enshrine the goals it has enshrined in law.
“Rhode Islanders gathered around legislation to provide our state with 100% renewable electricity as it puts climate action into action,” said Kai Salem, policy coordinator at Green Energy Consumers Alliance and congressman of the coalition to legislate 100% renewable in Rhode Island. to approve. “This is the first step towards meeting our emissions reduction mandate of 40% reduction by 2030.”
Environment America launched its 100% renewable energy campaign in 2018. At the time, only Hawaii had a statewide 100% renewable energy timeline. Groups in Environment America’s federation played a key role that same year in securing California’s historic commitment to 100% clean electricity. Since then, seven other states have made 100% commitments to clean or renewable electricity. Environment America, state organizations and our partners at the Student PIRGs plan to continue campaigning for 100% renewable energy commitments from university administrations and state governments across the country.
“When we launched our state campaigns for 100% renewable energy, many thought the vision was too big,” Neumann said. “Commitments like Rhode Island’s are expanding the realm of clean energy opportunities. Renewable energy is growing by leaps and bounds, defying forecasts and surpassing fossil fuels in terms of efficiency and cost. We need more states to set their sights on 100% clean renewable energy. The sooner we reach 100% renewable energy, the sooner our children will have cleaner air and a healthier climate.”
News courtesy of Environment California.
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