Environment

died · Rhode Island · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 7991: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- COASTAL RESILIENCE -- NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR EROSION CONTROL, WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, AND EXPEDITED PERMITTING

Provides that DEM regulations and CRMC in consultation with the chief resilience officer shall update to prioritize nature based solutions for coastal resilience projects that would be coordinated by DEM using an expedited permitting process.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPrioritizes nature-based solutions for coastal resilience, enhancing environmental protection through updated regulations and expedited permitting for erosion control and water management.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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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 · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 2530: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- BIODIESEL PRODUCTS

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates increasing biodiesel blends (2% to 50%) in heating oil, promoting renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence per bill's phased compliance schedule.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates increasing biodiesel blends (2% to 50%) in heating oil, reducing fossil fuel reliance and emissions, directly promoting clean energy standards for environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SB 2529: 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 post-2028, directly advancing renewable energy adoption by eliminating fossil fuel dependence in state infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits fossil fuel heating systems in public buildings, reducing emissions and advancing clean energy transition for climate protection.95% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Apr 15, 2026

SR 2535: SENATE RESOLUTION FORMALLY REQUESTING THAT THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION TO CONSIDER THE CREATION AND ADOPTION OF A SEASONAL HEAT PUMP RATE AS PART OF DOCKET 25-45-GE

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProposes lowering costs for heat pump users to advance electric heating adoption, aligning with Rhode Island's 2025 Climate Action Strategy to increase renewable energy use by 2030.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill requests seasonal heat pump rate to lower costs, aligning with RI's 2025 Climate Action Strategy to increase electric heating adoption by 2030, promoting clean energy and reducing emissions.90% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 25, 2026

HB 7917: AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- EXECUTIVE CLIMATE CHANGE COORDINATING COUNCIL -- MANDATORY ACT ON CLIMATE COMPLIANCE IN STATE BUDGETING AND PLANNING

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates emissions impact assessments in state budgets/plans, requiring projects to reduce emissions per climate strategy, advancing renewable energy integration and emissions reduction goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates emissions impact assessments and climate strategy integration into state agency budgets, requiring reductions in emissions. Directly advances climate action through mandatory compliance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 7914: AN ACT RELATING TO AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY -- NATURAL FOREST PROTECTION ACT

Protects Rhode Island natural forests by banning extractive and even-age logging on state lands and preserves, allowing only limited safety, invasive removal, or selection management after review, hearings, and fines for violations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans extractive logging on state lands, requiring reviews/fines to protect natural forests, directly advancing environmental conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 7727: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- OFFSHORE WIND PROCUREMENT POLICY STUDY COMMISSION

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates commission to study offshore wind procurement for 1,200 MW target by 2030, advancing renewable energy infrastructure and development goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes commission to develop offshore wind procurement policies targeting 1,200 MW by 2030, promoting renewable energy development.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly includes 'workforce development' as a key study area for offshore wind procurement, aiming to build skilled labor for new jobs, directly supporting employment standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Wind Workforce Development

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 7915: AN ACT RELATING TO WATERS AND NAVIGATION -- REGULATION OF BOATS

Authorizes the collection of a small additional fee, in addition to the registration fee paid by motorboat owners, to be deposited in a restricted account, in order to fund the newly established freshwater lake management program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes new boat registration fee (tax) to fund freshwater lake program, directly allocating tax revenue to a specific budgetary purpose.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds freshwater lake management program via boat registration fees, directly supporting water resource conservation and environmental protection efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 7876: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- AFFORDABLE CLEAN ENERGY SECURITY ACT

Excludes nuclear power from the office of energy resources and division of public utilities from participation, procuring and entering into long-term contracts.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExcludes nuclear power from clean energy procurement, directly restricting a low-carbon energy source and weakening clean energy standards per bill summary.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExcludes nuclear power (a low-carbon energy source) from clean energy procurement, weakening clean energy options and environmental goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Nuclear Renewable Energy

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