As the chair of the Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4), the most frequently asked question I receive about our climate work is “will Rhode Island meet the mandates in the Act on Climate?”. Great question, right?
Rhode Island greenhouse gas reduction mandates were set through the historic passage of the RI Act on Climate, signed by Governor Dan McKee in 2021. The Act requires decreasing levels of greenhouse gas emissions reaching net zero by 2050. We met the first mandate, a 10% reduction from a 1990 baseline by 2020. Things get tougher as we strive to achieve a 45% reduction by 2030, an 80% reduction by 2040, and a 100% reduction by 2050. Implementation of the Act on Climate is led by the EC4 which is made up of agency directors from 13 departments in state government.
Greenhouse gas emissions in Rhode Island come from three major sources: transportation, heating and cooling of buildings, and the generation of electricity. As a result of significant investments, we have major efforts going on in all three sectors.
In the transportation sector, agencies are working to ensure that we have a robust supply of electric vehicles for purchase and the rebates that make them cost competitive. We are installing more electric vehicle chargers so that all Rhode Islanders are comfortable that they will have convenient choices to charge their cars. Our PowerUp RI program is providing rebates for installation of home electric vehicle charging. RIPTA has electrified its busiest bus route, and we are supporting our school districts to convert ageing diesel school buses to efficient electric models that will greatly improve air quality.
In the heating and cooling sector, we are supporting major efforts in building efficiency through weatherization and electrification of heating systems. OER’s CleanHeat RI program provides incentives for the installation of efficient electric heat pumps. Rhode Island and a coalition of other New England states received the second largest federal grant in the nation to accelerate the transition by working with vendors and installers of heat pumps to advance the goals of electrifying homes and other buildings.
In the power sector, Rhode Island continues to work with 13 other states on regional approaches to reduce emissions from power plants. The cap-and-invest approach has enabled us to invest millions of dollars into energy efficiency and rate relief, decreasing the need for additional energy infrastructure. Additionally, the state has actively supported the development of renewable energy. Our efforts on offshore wind have been careful and cognizant of the needs and impacts on the commercial fishing industry while providing new exciting and well-paid jobs for workers. In September 2024, Rhode Island and Massachusetts joined forces to drive the largest offshore wind procurement in New England’s history. The energy office has received significant federal funding to promote rooftop solar and we continue to work with solar energy developers to take advantage of this abundant renewable resource.
Returning to the important question of “will Rhode Island meet the mandates in the law?”, I am optimistic that we will if we wisely implement the programs we have started and use federal and state fund effectively. The EC4 will be launching an aggressive public engagement effort this fall, to support the development of the 2025 Climate Action Strategy, our next requirement under the Act on Climate. I encourage everyone to participate in the development of our climate plan over the next year. We need your input and perspective to make sure this is done in the best way possible, economically, and environmentally. For updates on the plan and to provide your comments, visit www.climatechange.ri.gov.
Terry Gray, Director of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Chairman, Rhode Island Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4)
