Energy

passed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 10, 2026

SR 3369: SENATE RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE REPORTING DATE AND AMENDING THE LANGUAGE OF THE SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE COMMISSION TO STUDY RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS

Extends the reporting and expiration dates of the special legislative commission to study renewable energy programs from February 13, 2026, to January 31, 2027, and said commission would expire on February 27, 2027.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill extends the timeline for a commission dedicated to studying renewable energy programs, indicating continued legislative interest and support for advancing renewable energy initiatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 3272: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD

Requires the electric distribution companies to offer system owner/operators 30 year contracts, with various terms including guaranteeing the delivery of net metering credits valued at $0.19, with an annual escalation of 2.75%.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates 30-year contracts for renewable energy net metering credits, directly strengthening renewable energy infrastructure and protecting clean energy investments.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

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died · Rhode Island · House May 12, 2026

HB 8519: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD

Provides a definition for "Zero-emission resource" includes nuclear energy resources and large-scale hydro electric facilities and provides that such resources may be used to meet certain clean energy compliance requirements.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill expands the definition of zero-emission resources to include nuclear and hydro, enabling them to meet clean energy compliance requirements.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill expands the definition of zero-emission resources to include nuclear and hydro, allowing them to meet clean energy compliance, thereby advancing renewable energy goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Nuclear Renewable Energy

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SR 3183: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $250,000 TO 401 TECH BRIDGE TO STUDY AND EXPLORE SEAGLIDERS IN RHODE ISLAND

This bill allocates $250,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to study and explore the potential of seagliders in Rhode Island. The funds are designated for a feasibility study conducted in partnership with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative to assess how these electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicles could operate within the state's coastal areas. The resolution aims to evaluate whether seagliders can support local economic goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and improving transportation options, without making any guarantees about their future implementation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly allocates $250,000 in funding for a feasibility study, directly advancing the budget topic through new appropriations.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill funds a study on seagliders, which are electric vehicles that can reduce carbon emissions and improve transport efficiency, aligning with clean energy goals.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds study of seagliders, electric vehicles that reduce carbon emissions and pollution, directly advancing environmental goals.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds a study on seagliders as a potential sustainable transportation mode to reduce emissions and improve coastal transport.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection Bridges

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 3231: AN ACT RELATING TO CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM -- 2026 BOND REFERENDA

Submits the state's 2026 capital development program relating to green bonds requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling $60,000,000 for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held in November, 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $60M in green bonds to fund capital development, directly increasing state funding for essential infrastructure and public services.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill allocates $60M in green bonds for capital development, directly funding renewable energy and clean infrastructure projects.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill authorizes $60M in green bonds, indicating funding for environmental projects.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds State Budget

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 8299: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF TWENTY MILLION DOLLARS

$20,000,000) TO SUPPORT GREEN ECONOMY AND CLEAN ENERGY BOND INITIATIVES (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $20,000,000 to support the green economy and clean energy bond initiatives.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates $20M to fund green economy and clean energy initiatives, directly advancing budget allocation for public programs.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly appropriates $20M to support green economy and clean energy bond initiatives, directly advancing renewable energy and clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allocates $20M to support green economy and clean energy bond initiatives, directly advancing environmental protection and clean energy goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Renewable Energy

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 2, 2026

SR 2825: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $5,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) to the RI Public Transit Authority to continue services, hire and train more bus operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $5M to fund public transit services, hire operators, and support climate goals, directly advancing budget allocation for essential public services.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill funds RI Public Transit Authority to implement State's Act on Climate goals, advancing clean energy and reducing fossil fuel dependence through public transit expansion.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly funds RI Public Transit Authority to implement State's Act on Climate goals, which directly supports environmental protection and climate change mitigation through public transit expansion.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates $5M to RI Public Transit Authority for services, hiring bus operators, and climate goals, directly funding and expanding public transportation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Public Transit

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2801: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- SOLAR COST REDUCTION ACT

This bill creates a statewide automated permitting system to speed up the approval process for residential solar energy installations in Rhode Island. It requires the state to develop an online platform that automatically checks applications for code compliance and issues permits instantly without manual review for eligible systems up to 25 kilowatts. Municipalities must accept these automated permits or provide equivalent systems, while also establishing a centralized online repository of local solar regulations and offering remote inspection options by 2027. The system is designed to reduce paperwork requirements, eliminate unnecessary stamped drawings for smaller systems, and allow electronic submissions and signatures throughout the permitting process.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates automated permitting for residential solar installations, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and reducing barriers to solar adoption.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill creates automated permitting system and online platform for solar installations, advancing technology infrastructure and digital processes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Social Media

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 29, 2026

HR 8271: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $1,000,000 TO 401 TECH BRIDGE TO STUDY AND EXPLORE SEAGLIDERS IN RHODE ISLAND

This bill appropriates $1,000,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to study and explore the use of seagliders in Rhode Island. The funding is intended to support a feasibility study that will assess how these electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicles could operate in the state's maritime environment. The money will be used in partnership with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative to evaluate potential benefits for transportation, economic development, and environmental sustainability. This resolution directly affects 401 Tech Bridge and the organizations involved in the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative by authorizing the expenditure of state funds for this research project.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates $1,000,000 in funding for a feasibility study, directly advancing state budget allocation for research and development.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill funds study of seagliders, which are electric vehicles, advancing renewable energy and clean transportation technology in maritime environments.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds seaglider study for environmental sustainability, clean energy exploration, and maritime environment assessment.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates $1M to study seagliders for potential transportation benefits, indicating support for innovative transportation solutions.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Government Spending Bridges Ports

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 10, 2026

SB 2765: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- THE GREEN BUILDINGS ACT

This bill establishes the Green Buildings Act Commission, a 17-member body tasked with overseeing the implementation of green building standards for public construction projects. The legislation requires that all new or significantly renovated public facilities larger than 10,000 square feet meet specific environmental certification standards, such as LEED, SITES, or equivalent high-performance benchmarks, as a condition for receiving building permits and certificates of occupancy. Public school facilities receiving state funding must comply with these standards or the Northeast Collaborative for High-Performance Schools Protocol. The Department of Administration's State Building Office will provide administrative support and funding to the commission, while public agencies must submit required reports and information to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates green building standards and environmental certifications for public facilities, promoting energy efficiency and sustainable construction practices.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes Green Buildings Act requiring environmental certification for public buildings, advancing environmental protection and sustainable construction standards.95% confidence

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