Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Jan 16, 2026

HB 7073: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PROHIBITED RELEASE OF BALLOONS

Authorizes the DEM, in conjunction with state and local law enforcement, to enforce the prohibition on the intentional simultaneous release of ten or more balloons.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits mass balloon releases to reduce litter/pollution, aligning with environmental protection via DEM enforcement. Balloon debris harms wildlife and ecosystems, directly supporting pollution control.90% confidence

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in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Jan 23, 2026

SB 2229: AN ACT RELATING TO EDUCATION -- SCHOOL FUNDS AND PROPERTY

SB 2229 requires all Rhode Island school buildings to meet "zero energy capable" standards by December 31, 2037, meaning they must generate as much renewable energy as they consume annually. The Department of Education must develop regulations by June 30, 2027, to implement these standards, which align with the Northeast Collaborative for High Performance Schools (NE-CHPS) guidelines. The bill ensures local school districts can access state/federal funding for energy projects without penalties or reduced housing aid, and provides guidance for using federal tax incentives for solar installations. This applies to all new school construction and major renovations, directly affecting public schools across Rhode Island.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationRequires school buildings to meet energy efficiency standards with funding access, improving infrastructure and reducing long-term operational costs for schools.92% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires schools to meet zero-energy standards using renewables, mandates regulations aligning with clean energy guidelines, and ensures funding access for energy projects.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates schools to achieve zero energy standards using renewable energy, directly reducing emissions and advancing clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2075: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

Requires the PUC to produce yearly reports beginning on January 1, 2027 on the ability of the current electric grid to handle electrification loads needed to power cars, buildings, and heating of homes within the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires grid readiness reports for electrification, enabling cleaner energy adoption and reduced emissions from transportation/buildings.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires PUC reports on grid capacity for EVs and electrification, enabling transportation infrastructure transition.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles

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signed · Rhode Island · House Jun 19, 2026

HB 7071: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY -- RHODE ISLAND INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT ACT

HB 7071 would prohibit importing, transporting, selling, distributing, or possessing non-native invasive plant species in Rhode Island. It directly affects businesses and individuals handling these plants, including nurseries, landscapers, and residents. Violations could result in fines up to $500, with the state director defining which plants are prohibited. The law would take effect on January 1, 2027, pending final rulemaking.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits invasive plants to protect native ecosystems and biodiversity, directly advancing environmental conservation through regulatory control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 28, 2026

SB 2200: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- RENEWABLE ENERGY STANDARD

Requires the PUC to make public notification of any changes in eligibility or production of energy, and would direct the commission to promulgate rules and regulations to allow and facilitate the prompt public disclosure of this information.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes renewable energy standard requiring public disclosure of production changes, promoting transparency in renewable energy compliance.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes renewable energy standards requiring public disclosure of energy production, directly promoting clean energy adoption and environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 19, 2026

SB 2352: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- PROTECTION OF TREES AND PLANTS GENERALLY -- RHODE ISLAND INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT ACT

This bill establishes the Rhode Island Invasive Plant Management Act to ban the importation, sale, and distribution of non-native terrestrial and freshwater invasive plants within the state. The law requires the state director to create a specific list of prohibited species and issue detailed rules before the ban takes effect on January 1, 2027. Individuals who violate these restrictions by importing or selling these plants could face a fine of up to $500. The legislation aims to protect local ecosystems by preventing the introduction of foreign plant species that could disrupt native environments.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits invasive plant trade to protect native ecosystems and biodiversity, directly advancing environmental conservation goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 7081: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- NEXT GENERATION PUBLIC BUILDINGS ACT

Prohibits the use of heating systems utilizing fossil fuels as well as air or water heating systems in any state or municipal building open to the public constructed, altered or renovated on or after January 1, 2028.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProhibits fossil fuel heating systems in public buildings, reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing clean energy adoption in state infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits fossil fuel heating systems in public buildings, reducing emissions and promoting clean energy infrastructure per bill's explicit requirements.95% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 7178: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- SOLAR SITING ADVISORY TASKFORCE

Creates a taskforce to provide recommendations, advice and guidance to help expedite and provide technical assistance with regard to the development of solar energy systems on property owned by the state.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates taskforce to expedite solar development on state property, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and development.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates taskforce to expedite solar energy development on state property, promoting clean energy infrastructure and advancing environmental goals.90% 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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died · Rhode Island · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 7343: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- PESTICIDE CONTROL

Restricts application of pesticides and rodenticides at schools and childcare centers and requires schools to provide copies of notice to parents and guardians.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill restricts harmful pesticides at schools and requires parent notices, promoting school health/safety. This protective measure directly supports educational environment by safeguarding student/staff well-being.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRestricts pesticide/rodenticide use at schools, reducing chemical pollution and aligning with environmental protection goals through pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood

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