Priority Bills: CARI has selected 1 bill as Priority this year, focused on the building sector which accounts for almost 50% of greenhouses gases in Rhode Island:

Building Decarbonization Act (S0091/H5493): This bill requires that large buildings track and report their energy usage for 3 years at which time plans for emission reductions will be developed and implemented. It also requires new buildings to be electric ready.

CARI’s Yes-to-Wind team’s priority bill:

S0769 / H5816: Procurement of Offshore Wind Electricity: This bill requires Rhode Island to procure 1,200 MW of offshore wind by 2029—critical to meeting the state’s clean energy and climate goals.

 

CARI has also endorsed the following bills:

• S0407/H5167: The Clean Heat Standard
• S0327 / H5732: Green Amendment
• S0185 / H5245: Percentage Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
• S0326 / 5424: Climate Superfund
• S0035 / H5203: Zero Energy Capable Schools
• H5576: Thermal Networks
• RIPTA Bills:
  • S0342: RIPTA Funding for Budget Shortfall
  • S0092: Ride Share Surcharge
  • S0046 / H5467: Increase Proportion of Gas Tax to RIPTA
  • S0047 / H5468: Motor Fuel Tax- Two-Year Inflation Rate
• S0024 / H5166: Prohibits High-Heat Waste Facilities
• S0593 / H5818: Restricts Utility Use of Rate Payer Funds
• S0378 / H5815: PUC Intervenor Support
• H5580: Eliminates Net Metering Restrictions
• S0862 / H5572: Project Impact on Act on Climate / Grid Enhancing Technology
• S0338: Establishes a Fossil Fuel Fee
• H5294: Old Growth Forest Protection
• H5161: Study of Public Ownership of Public Utilities