Energy

signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 2800: AN ACT RELATING TO PROPERTY -- ABANDONED PROPERTY

Provides that energy storage systems located on abandoned or contaminated property be permitted by right as a permitted use and not considered to have negative environmental impacts.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill permits energy storage systems on abandoned property, advancing clean energy infrastructure and storage development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage

in committee · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 4, 2026

SB 2793: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- STATE PURCHASES -- LEAD BY EXAMPLE ACT

Takes several measures to lead by example by banning state purchases of plastic bottles, and requires state funds to be used to lease or purchase electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies for use on state property.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill promotes fiscal responsibility through state purchasing policies, encouraging sustainable practices and energy efficiency which aligns with responsible budget management.75% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates state purchases of electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies, directly promoting clean energy adoption and energy efficiency.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates state purchases of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies while banning plastic bottles, directly advancing environmental protection and reducing pollution.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes sustainable transportation by requiring state purchases of electric vehicles and renewable energy efficient technologies, advancing green transportation infrastructure.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Recycling Electric Vehicles

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died · Rhode Island · Senate Mar 31, 2026

SB 2762: AN ACT RELATING TO BUSINESSES AND PROFESSIONS -- RESIDENTIAL SOLAR ENERGY DISCLOSURE AND HOMEOWNERS BILL OF RIGHTS ACT

This bill amends the Residential Solar Energy Disclosure and Homeowners Bill of Rights Act to clarify definitions and improve disclosure requirements for solar energy agreements. It directly affects homeowners and solar retailers by updating standard forms used for lease and purchase agreements to include clearer details about costs, payment schedules, and customer responsibilities. The bill introduces a specific provision for catastrophic loss, allowing customers to temporarily suspend lease payments if their property becomes uninhabitable, though it does not cancel the remaining payments. Additionally, the legislation requires more transparent information on insurance responsibilities and potential federal tax credits in purchase agreements.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill strengthens consumer protections for residential solar energy, promotes renewable energy adoption, and clarifies disclosure requirements for solar agreements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

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signed · Rhode Island · Senate Jun 24, 2026

SB 3080: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- THERMAL ENERGY NETWORK AND JOBS ACT

Establishes the thermal energy network & jobs act facilitating study of the technology to determine if goals can be met by implementing thermal energy networks in Rhode Island/creates a task force of interested parties to be an advisory committee.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes thermal energy networks as a renewable energy infrastructure development initiative in Rhode Island, aligning with clean energy goals.75% confidence

died · Rhode Island · House May 5, 2026

HB 8219: AN ACT RELATING TO INSURANCE -- RHODE ISLAND INSURANCE MARKET PROTECTION ACT

Regulates property insurers to limit underwriting and investment in fossil fuel projects, requires climate risk reporting and emissions disclosures, and aligns insurance practices with science-based climate targets.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill restricts insurance investment in fossil fuel projects and requires emissions disclosures, limiting fossil fuel development92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates climate risk reporting, emissions disclosures, and limits fossil fuel investments, directly advancing environmental protection and climate action.95% confidence

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 14, 2026

HR 8317: JOINT RESOLUTION MAKING AN APPROPRIATION OF $5,000,000 TO THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC TRANSIT AUTHORITY

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) to the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to continue services, fills the budget deficit and restore service cuts, and implements the State's Act on Climate.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates $5M to Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to fund services, fill budget deficit, and restore service cuts, directly advancing budget and fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill funds Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to implement State's Act on Climate, indirectly supporting energy transition through public transit infrastructure.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly states it implements the State's Act on Climate, indicating environmental protection intent through transit funding.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill appropriates $5M to Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to continue services, fill budget deficit, restore service cuts, and implement climate act, directly supporting public transportation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Public Transit

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died · Rhode Island · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 7739: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC PROPERTY AND WORKS -- THE GREEN BUILDINGS ACT

HB 7739, the Green Buildings Act, requires all new state or municipal public buildings over 10,000 square feet and major renovations of existing public buildings over 10,000 square feet to meet green building standards. It mandates compliance with LEED certification or equivalent standards (like Green Globes) for projects not in design before July 1, 2023, and ties this requirement to building permits. The law directly affects public schools receiving state funding, state agencies, and municipalities managing public facilities. A new 17-member Green Buildings Act Commission will oversee implementation and approve equivalent standards. This policy aims to reduce energy costs, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions in public infrastructure.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates LEED/Green Globes for public buildings, directly promoting energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure per Green Building Act.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates LEED-certified green buildings for public projects, reducing environmental impact through energy efficiency and sustainable construction standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change Recycling

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died · Rhode Island · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 7541: AN ACT RELATING TO HEALTH AND SAFETY -- DETERMINATION OF NEED FOR NEW HEALTHCARE EQUIPMENT AND NEW INSTITUTIONAL HEALTH SERVICES

Requires all major hospitals within the state constructed or substantially renovated or expanded on or after 1/1/2028 to use renewable energy sources for power.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates renewable energy use for new hospitals, directly advancing renewable energy adoption in infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates renewable energy use for hospitals, reducing emissions and promoting clean energy infrastructure per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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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 28, 2026

SB 2631: AN ACT RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION

SB 2631 requires Rhode Island's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and Division of Public Utilities and Carriers (DPUC) to complete a comprehensive study by April 30, 2027, aimed at lowering energy costs for consumers. The study must review all Rhode Island energy programs to identify those increasing costs, compare rates with other states, and recommend policy changes. It includes $100,000 for hiring consultants to research these areas and proposes that future energy-related legislation include clear cost impact statements. The bill directly affects the PUC/DUPC by mandating this study, with the goal of making energy rates more transparent and affordable for Rhode Island residents. It does not change current energy rates but sets a process for evaluating potential cost-saving measures.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates study to lower consumer energy costs by reviewing cost-increasing programs and comparing rates, directly aligning with protecting utility consumers and reducing costs.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

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