Energy (Renewable 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 · 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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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate May 12, 2026

SB 2764: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD

Expands RI’s Renewable Energy Standard to include nuclear and hydroelectric power as eligible zero-emission resources and sets rules for how they qualify.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill expands renewable energy standard to include nuclear and hydroelectric power as zero-emission resources, advancing clean energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill expands renewable energy standard to include nuclear and hydroelectric power as zero-emission resources, advancing clean energy goals and reducing emissions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric Nuclear Renewable Energy

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2793: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES -- LEAD BY EXAMPLE ACT

Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility through state purchasing policies, encouraging sustainable practices and energy efficiency which aligns with responsible budget management.75% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates state purchases of electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies, directly promoting clean energy adoption and energy efficiency.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates state purchases of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies while banning plastic bottles, directly advancing environmental protection and reducing pollution.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes sustainable transportation by requiring state purchases of electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies, advancing green transportation infrastructure.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Recycling Electric Vehicles

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 7541: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DETERMINATION OF NEED FOR NEW HEALTHCARE EQUIPMENT AND NEW INSTITUTIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

Requires all major hospitals within the state constructed or substantially renovated or expanded on or after 1/1/2028 to use renewable energy sources for power.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates renewable energy use for new hospitals, directly advancing renewable energy adoption in infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates renewable energy use for hospitals, reducing emissions and promoting clean energy infrastructure per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2521: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates increasing renewable energy targets (3% to 9.5% by 2032, 100% by 2033) for electricity providers, directly advancing renewable energy adoption.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates increasing renewable energy targets (3% to 100% by 2033), directly advancing clean energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel reliance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HB 8179: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases oil spill fee (tax) to fund climate programs, directly advancing state budget allocation for environmental initiatives.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyIncreases oil spill fee to fund renewable energy projects and climate initiatives, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure per bill summary.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases oil spill fee to fund climate initiatives including renewable energy and coastal protection, directly advancing environmental goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Renewable Energy Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 7611: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD

HB 7611 amends Rhode Island's renewable energy standard, requiring electric utilities (obligated entities) selling electricity to retail customers to gradually increase their renewable energy supply. Starting at 3% in 2007, the required renewable percentage escalates annually, reaching 9.5% by 2044 with a target of 100% renewable electricity for all Rhode Island demand by that year. The bill includes a 2% cap on using existing renewable resources toward the goal and allows compliance through NE-GIS certificates or alternative payments to a development fund. It also exempts pre-2022 power contracts from later-year requirements until their contract end dates.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates increasing renewable energy percentages for utilities, reaching 100% by 2044, directly advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates renewable energy requirements escalating to 100% by 2044, directly advancing clean energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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