SB 2521 requires Rhode Island electricity providers (obligated entities) to gradually increase the share of renewable energy in their retail electricity sales, starting at 3% in 2007 and rising to 9.5% by 2032, with the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2033. The bill mandates that providers meet these targets for each electricity product sold to end-use customers, excluding voluntary renewable energy purchases by customers from counting toward the requirement (except in specific municipal aggregation plans). Compliance can be achieved by purchasing renewable energy credits (NE-GIS certificates) or making payments to a renewable energy development fund. The bill also directs the energy commission to assess in 2024 whether voluntary renewable purchases should be allowed to count toward the annual targets.
HB 7877 establishes mandatory energy and water efficiency standards for specific commercial appliances and equipment purchased or installed after January 1, 2025. It directly affects businesses like restaurants, hotels, and offices that buy or install equipment such as commercial dishwashers, fryers, ovens, steam cookers, servers, fans, faucets, and gas fireplaces. The bill requires these products to meet minimum efficiency levels defined in the law, aligning with federal standards for certain items. These standards aim to reduce energy and water consumption in commercial settings without specifying enforcement details or expected environmental outcomes.
HR 7524 is a Rhode Island House resolution urging Governor Daniel McKee to support regional efforts to expand natural gas pipeline capacity into New England. It addresses Rhode Island's heavy reliance on natural gas for electricity (87% of in-state generation) and high energy costs, noting current pipeline capacity limits force reliance on costlier, higher-emission fuels during winter peaks, contributing to residential electricity rates double the national average (32.3¢/kWh vs. 16.4¢/kWh). The resolution does not create new law but formally requests the governor join Northeast governors in advocating for pipeline infrastructure to stabilize energy prices and reduce supply risks. This directly affects Rhode Island residents and ratepayers facing elevated energy costs due to current infrastructure constraints.
This Senate resolution requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to consider creating a seasonal heat pump rate within Docket 25-45-GE. The proposed rate would lower electricity costs for heat pump users during winter months by reducing grid usage fees, similar to Massachusetts' existing approach. It aligns with Rhode Island's climate goals to increase electric heating adoption by 2030, as noted in the state's 2025 Climate Action Strategy. The resolution does not create the rate but formally asks the PUC to evaluate it as part of an ongoing rate adjustment process.
Establishes a moratorium on changes to the state energy conservation code from the 2024 International Energy Conservation Code until January 1, 2031, unless approved by the legislature and made effective by the governor.
HB 7727 establishes a 15-member commission to study policies and procurement structures for Rhode Island's offshore wind energy development, aiming to secure 1,200 megawatts by 2030. The commission will evaluate key areas including procurement authority, cost containment, workforce development, infrastructure needs, and multi-state coordination, with annual reports due starting in 2027. Its recommendations will guide the state's energy office in creating regulations to implement procurement strategies, ensuring alignment with climate goals and economic development priorities. The commission expires December 31, 2030, unless extended by the legislature.
HB 7808 exempts energy storage systems (as defined in § 39-33-1) from Rhode Island's sales and use taxes. This change directly affects businesses that manufacture, install, or purchase these systems, removing a tax burden on their transactions. The bill amends Section 44-18-30 of the General Laws to add energy storage systems as a new category of exempt gross receipts. The exemption applies to sales, storage, use, or consumption of these systems within the state, aligning them with existing tax-exempt categories like school meals or newspapers. The bill is currently in the introduction stage (referred to House Finance on 2/12/2026).
SB 2531 prohibits the construction and operation of new plastic waste conversion facilities in Rhode Island by banning permits for such projects. The bill specifically targets facilities marketed as "chemical," "advanced," or "molecular" recycling (including those using gasification, pyrolysis, or depolymerization) that process plastic waste into fuels or chemicals. It defines these facilities broadly, regardless of their marketing claims or claimed efficiency, and states they disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color due to toxic emissions and environmental risks. The law applies immediately upon passage, preventing new facilities from obtaining state approvals while acknowledging existing operations.
HB 8179 increases the oil spill responsible fee from 5 cents to 10 cents per barrel. This fee applies to entities responsible for oil spills, directly affecting oil companies and transporters. The additional revenue funds state climate change initiatives, such as renewable energy projects or coastal protection programs. The bill was introduced to the House Finance committee on February 27, 2026, and remains in early legislative review.
Requires large developments, those to be constructed on a parcel of land that is greater than 50,000 square feet in size provide carbon impact reports as part of the permitting process prior to approval and issuance of a building permit.
