Rhode Island's #1 Climate Priority

The Ocean State is in the crosshairs of the climate crisis. The good news is, there's something we can do about it — while improving our economy too:

we can make RI the first state to reach 100% renewable electricity.

Former Gov. Raimondo first proposed 100% by 2030 in 2020. An independent report showed that it would be not only feasible, but foundational and necessary for achieving our pollution-reduction goals. This bill would have RI reach 100% by 2033.

The legislation (S2274) passed the Senate overwhelmingly, 32–4, on May 31st, 2022. Now, the House companion (H7277) will be up for a vote in the House of Representatives–as soon as next week. This is the final vote the bill needs to become law! It is the #1 priority bill of Climate Action Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Climate Crisis Campaign, and the Environment Council of RI. It is also widely supported by labor and businesses.

It's time for Speaker Shekarchi and the House of Representatives to get the job done.

Call to Action

Your action is needed to help pass this bill. Fill in your Rhode Island address on this page, and click the orange "START WRITING" button. You'll then be able to customize a message of support for the bill.

• We will automatically send your message to your own State Rep and to Speaker Shekarchi.

• We'll also include you on a list of bill supporters.

• Even if you’ve already contacted your State Rep–contact them again! This is the crucial point to nail down their support.

Click "START WRITING" to act now! Or, read on to learn more.

Details of the Bill

Electricity is the second biggest source of carbon pollution in Rhode Island, after transportation. The switch to electric vehicles and electric heating will increase demand further. To have any hope of meeting our Act On Climate pollution reduction targets, we must clean up the electricity sector quickly.

That is exactly what House Bill 7277 will do.

Like 30 other states, Rhode Island already has a "Renewable Energy Standard" which instructs our utility to include a steadily rising percentage of our electricity from renewable sources. So far, that bill has gotten us to 20% renewables. House Bill 7277 picks up the pace to get us to 100% by 2033. As you can see on the graph at right, offshore wind projects already in the pipeline will get us much of the way there. This bill will incentivize additional renewable energy development to make our grid completely clean.

Learn More

• Read H.B. 7277 at Legiscan

• 1-page fact sheet on the bill from Green Energy Consumers (note–this is for the old version which had us reaching 100% by 2030.

• The state's 100% Renewable Electricity page, including the Brattle Group report

• Coastal Resources Management Council: New England is the "Saudi Arabia of wind"

• Companion bill in the Senate: S.2274

Please help us get this bill passed! To register your support, just fill out the form on this page and click the orange "START WRITING" button. You can then easily submit your letter of support to your State Rep. We also urge you to call or leave a message with your Rep.