Clean Energy Program News

As the new home of RIPIRG's environmental work, Environment Rhode Island can be contacted regarding this news release.

Providence, R.I.—A coalition of Rhode Island businesses, consumer, health, faith and environmental groups gathered at the State House Rotunda today to support a bill that would require 20 percent of Rhode Island’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2020. Rep. Paul Moura and Sen. David Bates introduced the Renewable Energy Standard Act (H5533 and S 268). The groups supporting the bill include Rhode Island Public Interest Research Group (RIPIRG), Clean Water Action, American Lung Association, People’s Power and Light, Lorax Energy, Coalition for Consumer Justice and Conservation Law Foundation.

"Renewable energy standards have many benefits including stabilizing fuel prices, stimulating job growth, and cleaner air and water," said Sheila Dormody, Rhode Island director of Clean Water Action. "Renewable energy has no fuel costs, and there are no international trade issues or political situations that could drive up the price of wind."

Rhode Island is not the only state that would have a renewable energy content standard. Currently 13 states have renewable requirements, including Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maine. Rhode Island’s energy currently comes from the New England Power Pool (ISO-NE), and this means that the required 20 percent energy content could come from any state participating in the pool—not just within Rhode Island’s borders. There are already proposed wind farms in Vermont, Western Massachusetts, off Cape Cod, New Hampshire and Maine that could all contribute to meeting our renewable standard.

Henry Dupont of Lorax Energy, a Block Island-based company that installs commercial wind turbines noted the business opportunities created by the Renewable Energy Standard. "This is about jobs. We're a Rhode Island company that wants to grow and employ more people. This is an economic development opportunity, just like any other policy to promote business development. For us, the main purpose is to keep energy dollars in the region and supporting Rhode Island companies," said Dupont.

For Rhode Island, the proposed legislation is also in keeping with a goal set by the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG/ECP) to address the environmental problems from global warming. In August 2001, the NEG/ECP committed to reduce greenhouse gases in the region by 75to 85 percent below current levels.

"Over the last two years, the state brought together stakeholders from government, business, environmental and health groups to examine ways to prevent climate change. Our group found that one of the most effective ways to reduce the pollution that causes global warming is to require 20 percent of the state’s energy to come from renewable sources by the year 2020," notd Kate Canada, advocate for RIPIRG. "Now is the time to start investing in renewable sources, such as wind and solar." The groups also noted that 27 legislators signed a pledge during this past summer and fall to support renewable energy and energy efficiency.

"By making a long term commitment to clean energy, the state will provide the incentive to investors to develop new energy sources," said Erich Stephens, director of People’s Power and Light.

"Renewable energy and energy efficiency have the potential to create 1.3 million jobs in this country by 2020, many of which will be in regions that make a commitment to renewable energy."

"Air pollution is causing a public health crisis in Rhode Island," stated Art Handy, communications director of the American Lung Association of Rhode Island. "Rhode Island must take every step it can to reduce air pollution throughout the state, and a renewable energy standard would protect public health while providing us with many more benefits."