SB 2530 requires all No. 2 distillate heating oil sold in the state for residential, commercial, or industrial use to contain increasing minimum percentages of bio-based products over time. It directly affects heating oil sellers and distributors, mandating specific compliance dates: starting at 2% in 2014, rising to 5% by 2021, and reaching 50% by 2035. The bill sets a phased schedule with annual or biennial increases, requiring adherence to B5, B10, B20, and B50 biodiesel blend standards by specified dates. This establishes concrete, time-bound requirements for heating oil composition without specifying enforcement mechanisms or exemptions.
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.
SB 2351 amends Rhode Island's Energy Facility Siting Act by removing "clean coal technology" from the list of fuel types that receive priority in the state's energy facility siting process. Specifically, it revises Section 42-98-2(8)(i) to eliminate the provision that previously gave priority to projects using coal processed via clean coal technology, while maintaining priority for renewable fuels and natural gas. This change affects how the state's energy facilities siting board evaluates and approves major energy projects, particularly those proposing clean coal as a primary fuel source. The bill would take effect upon passage, altering the criteria used in siting decisions without banning clean coal use.
HB 7069 amends Rhode Island's Energy Facility Siting Act to remove "clean coal technology" from the list of energy sources that receive priority consideration for new projects. This change directly affects energy developers and state regulators evaluating facility siting applications, as it eliminates a specific criterion favoring clean coal projects. The bill does not ban clean coal but removes it from the priority list that previously gave it favor over other energy sources like renewables or natural gas. Key provisions now require the siting board to prioritize projects based on criteria including renewable fuels, efficiency, and low emissions, without the clean coal designation. The policy change takes effect upon passage.
SB 2222 establishes a fee on fossil fuel sellers (like gasoline, diesel, and natural gas companies) operating in Rhode Island. The collected fees will fund the "Economic and Climate Resilience Fund," which will support clean energy programs, energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households and small businesses, and worker transition initiatives for jobs in low-carbon industries. The bill aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, address climate impacts disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities, and help Rhode Island meet its 2035 emissions goals. This is a proposed legislative measure introduced in January 2026 and not yet enacted.
