Headed to the Governor's desk is a measure that has just been passed by the General Assembly that will set the timetable for the state to increase renewable energy, in fact leading to the total electric grid be comprised of or be offset by renewable energy production by the year 2033.
The Senate President Dominick Ruggerio proposed the measure that the Governor is expected to sign sometime in the next week.
“Here in the Ocean State, we know that action to address the climate crisis cannot wait. Rhode Islanders are already feeling the effects of climate change, and the risks facing our communities will grow increasingly dire in the years ahead. This legislation sets out a bold but achievable goal and builds on the historic progress we made in 2021 through the Act on Climate. It will keep Rhode Island, home to the nation’s first offshore wind farm, on the forefront of renewable energy innovation. And it will help us harness the power of clean energy as a driver of economic growth and opportunity,” said President Ruggerio.
The bill mandates utility companies to increase the amount of renewable energy either bought or produced.
The bill, in and of itself does not eliminated the ability for a utility to ise fossil fuels to generate electricity, it will require that the utility find a way to provide or generate corresponding renewable amounts to offset it.
The Senator calls it a critical step toward reducing carbon emissions.
No official word from the Governor on whether he would sign it or not.