Requires the governor, when presenting his proposed budget articles for each fiscal year to set forth the climate considerations that were undertaken to move the state towards the mandated goals set forth in the 2021 Act on Climate.
SB 2449 proposes to exempt energy storage systems from sales and use taxes in the state, as defined in § 39-33-1. This change would directly affect businesses selling these systems, as they would no longer collect sales tax on such transactions. The bill amends existing tax law by adding a new exemption category under "Gross receipts exempt from sales and use taxes." The exemption covers the sale and use of energy storage systems within the state, aligning with existing tax exemptions for items like newspapers and school meals. The bill was introduced on February 6, 2026, and referred to the Senate Finance Committee.
HB 7990 would establish state efficiency standards for tires sold in the state, requiring manufacturers to meet specific performance criteria aimed at improving vehicle fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. It directly affects tire manufacturers (who must comply with new standards) and vehicle owners (who would purchase tires meeting these requirements). The key provision sets measurable efficiency targets for tires, with the goal of lowering greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. The bill is currently under review by the House State Government & Elections committee, having been referred for further study after a committee hearing.
Creates the multi-unit residential decarbonization initiative program to provide funding for feasibility studies to convert large, multi-family residential units to non-emitting renewable geothermal energy.
HB 7917 requires all Rhode Island state agencies and state-funded organizations (like public authorities) to integrate the state’s December 2025 climate strategy report into their annual budgets, capital plans, and strategic documents starting in fiscal year 2027. It mandates that each budget or project submission include a specific emissions impact assessment (showing if it reduces, maintains, or increases emissions) and a certification signed by the agency head confirming compliance. Non-compliant submissions will be rejected by the Office of Management and Budget, and agencies must publicly post their assessments and certifications. This law directly affects how state funds are allocated, ensuring all major spending aligns with Rhode Island’s legally binding climate targets.
HB 7610 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to produce a comprehensive study by April 30, 2027, aimed at lowering energy rates for consumers. The study must compare Rhode Island's electric and gas rates with other states, review all state energy programs that increase costs, and identify policies or practices that could be changed to reduce bills. The PUC will use $100,000 in funding to hire consultants and develop a research plan, including recommendations for transparent "energy notes" on future legislation affecting costs. This bill directly affects Rhode Island residents who pay energy bills by directing state agencies to investigate cost-reduction strategies.
SB 2661 establishes a study commission to examine offshore wind energy procurement in Rhode Island. The bill creates the "Affordable Clean Energy Security Act" to direct the commission to study how public utilities and carriers can implement offshore wind energy projects. This study will assess potential policies and strategies for Rhode Island's energy transition, directly affecting the state's public utilities and transportation carriers. The bill is currently in the Senate Environment and Agriculture committee after being introduced on February 27, 2026.
HB 7506 exempts sales tax on batteries that store solar power for on-site use (behind-the-meter systems) when connected to solar photovoltaic installations. This directly affects homeowners, businesses, and property owners purchasing such battery systems for solar energy storage. The bill amends the state's sales tax code to add this exemption under existing tax categories, removing the sales tax burden specifically for these renewable energy storage components. It does not change tax rates for other items or create new requirements.
This House Resolution requests the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission to end a cost-sharing practice (called a "gas line extension allowance") where all gas customers pay for new gas line connections to serve new customers. The resolution cites the state's 2025 Climate Action Strategy, which requires reducing gas use for home heating to meet emissions targets, and argues that new gas infrastructure locks in long-term gas dependency beyond 2050. The request is directed to the Commission as part of its pending rate review (Docket 25-45-GE) for utility rate adjustments.
HB 7726, the Solar Cost Reduction Act, streamlines permitting for residential solar installations by creating a statewide automated platform. It requires municipalities to adopt a "smart solar permitting platform" that instantly issues permits for compliant applications (like rooftop solar systems under 25 kW) without manual review, while banning additional engineering documentation for eligible projects. Homeowners and installers benefit from faster permits, electronic submissions, and remote inspection options by 2027, while municipalities retain authority over local fees and retain all permit revenue. The bill also establishes a public repository of all local solar ordinances to standardize requirements across the state.
