Ruggierio Bill Mandating 100% Renewable Energy Passes RI Senate

The Senate on Tuesday passed legislation introduced by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) aimed at dramatically accelerating the procurement of renewable energy in Rhode Island. The legislation would require that 100 percent of electricity sold in the state be generated from renewable sources by 2030. It would codify an executive order issued by former Governor Gina Raimondo in January 2020, Ruggiero said in a news release. “Our coastal state is already seeing the impacts of climate change,” said Ruggerio. “It is imperative that, as a state, nation and global community, we transition to renewable energy now, not later." Ruggerio said the Rhode Island Senate has long been committed to renewable energy, and said the Ocean State, home to the nation's first offshore wind farm, has been a leader in renewable energy innovation. "Just as Samuel Slater harnessed the power of the Blackstone River to launch the American Industrial Revolution, Rhode Island can once again use renewable power to lead the way as we address the urgent climate change crisis," Ruggerio said. Instead of the current 1.5 percent annual increases in renewable energy procurement through 2035, the Renewable Energy Standard Act would increase targets by an additional 4 percent in 2022, 9.5 percent each year from 2023 through 2029, and an additional 10.5 percent in 2030 to achieve the 100 percent. The measure now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.