Energy

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2359: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- NET METERING -- PORTABLE SOLAR GENERATION DEVICES

Excludes portable solar generation devices intended primarily to offset part of a customer's electricity consumption from the definition of eligible net-metering system.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExcludes portable solar from net metering, restricting consumer adoption of small-scale renewable energy systems92% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 7182: AN ACT RELATING TO TOWNS AND CITIES -- ZONING ORDINANCES

HB 7182 limits utility-scale solar projects (10 MW or larger) to developments on urban residential/commercial properties or developed areas like rooftops and parking lots. It prohibits such projects on forested land, farmland, or undeveloped rural land (1 acre or more). The bill directly affects solar developers and landowners seeking to build large solar installations outside urban zones. It takes effect upon passage and is currently pending in the House Corporations committee.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRestricts utility-scale solar on rural/forested land, directly limiting renewable energy development infrastructure95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRestricts solar development on farmland/forests to conserve natural resources, aligning with environmental protection goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 16, 2026

SB 2080: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE

SB 2080 repeals the entire 2021 Act on Climate, which established Rhode Island's statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction targets and created a Climate Change Council. This repeal directly affects state agencies, the Climate Change Council, and any entities previously required to comply with the law's requirements. The bill removes all specific emission targets (like 45% below 1990 levels by 2030) and the council's duties, including developing climate plans, addressing environmental justice, and tracking progress. It does not create new requirements but eliminates the existing legal framework for climate action. The repeal takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRepeals 2021 Act on Climate, removing greenhouse gas targets and Climate Change Council duties, weakening state clean energy standards.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentSB 2080 repeals emission targets and the Climate Change Council, removing established environmental regulations and duties per the 2021 Act.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Environmental Justice

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 7139: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- THE RENEWABLE ENERGY GROWTH PROGRAM

Requires that any costs, tariffs or other mandates related to the state’s renewable energy growth program be reviewed and approved by the general assembly.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRequires legislative approval for renewable energy program costs/mandates, adding oversight that could delay or restrict implementation of the renewable energy growth program.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes renewable energy program requiring legislative approval for costs/mandates, promoting clean energy development per environmental indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Utility Regulation

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 7174: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- DUTIES OF UTILITIES AND CARRIERS

HB 7174 repeals a 0.3 mills per kilowatt-hour charge on electricity that funded renewable energy programs in Rhode Island, ending this specific funding mechanism effective December 31, 2028. The bill directly affects electric distribution companies, which previously collected this fee to support renewable energy initiatives like solar installations and energy efficiency projects. This change removes a dedicated funding source for renewable energy programs without altering separate demand-side management charges for energy efficiency or gas utility programs. The repeal simplifies utility billing by eliminating this specific renewable energy funding stream.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRepeals renewable energy funding mechanism, ending dedicated revenue for solar/efficiency programs effective 2028, directly defunding renewable initiatives.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRepeals 0.3 mills/kWh fee funding renewable energy programs (solar, efficiency), ending dedicated financial support effective 2028.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Solar

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 16, 2026

HB 7175: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION-NATURAL GAS SUPPLIERS

Requires Rhode Island Energy to enter into at least one long-term contract, for at least a four (4) year period, to procure natural gas pipeline capacity with an interstate pipeline operator.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyMandates long-term natural gas procurement contracts, prioritizing fossil fuel infrastructure over renewable energy development per bill's explicit language.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure

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