Get Off Oil
Our dependence on oil puts our environment, economy, health and security at risk. It's time for Rhode Island to get serious about breaking our reliance on this dirty, expensive fuel. Thanks to you, the ball is rolling — the General Assembly is considering legislation we've drafted to put Rhode Island on track to cut its oil use in half by 2050. But with entrenched oil interests against us, we'll need your support to win.
The cost of our oil addiction
Our reliance on petroleum chokes Rhode Island's economy by putting money in the hands of multinational corporations and totalitarian regimes while costing families increasing amounts at the pump. With ever-rising costs, our oil consumption transferred over $2 billion out of our state last year — eating up paychecks, undermining our economic recovery, and costing our state jobs.
And the prices that we pay at the pump and on our heating bills are only a fraction of the true costs of our addiction to oil. Petroleum combustion remains a major source of smog, which is linked to respiratory problems such as asthma. And our oil consumption produces more global warming pollution than any other energy source — a threat that is especially profound in Rhode Island, with our miles of coastline and high vulnerability to flooding.
But it doesn't have to be this way.
At 54.5 mpg, a big move to get America off oil
Over the last year, our national federation and allies have been hard at work mobilizing tens of thousands of Americans to voice their support for cleaner cars that use less oil.
The Obama administration responded with a critical proposal toward getting America off oil, proposing new fuel economy standards that will make 54.5-mpg cars the norm by 2025. This is the single biggest step ever taken to reduce oil consumption and global warming pollution.
But vehicle efficiency is just one piece of a big story, and Rhode Island needs to move forward with a comprehensive plan to cut its oil use.
50% less oil by 2050 can be a reality
Rhode Island can drastically cut its oil use by enacting policies now that will:
- Improve the energy efficiency of our vehicles and homes to get the most out of every drop of oil we consume.
- Shift us to cleaner, locally produced alternative fuels, and expand the use of electric vehicles.
- Design our communities so that people have more transportation choices, such as improved public transit and biking.
Moving away from petroleum will protect the environment, save families money, and create local green jobs. We're poised to take a huge step here in Rhode Island by putting an oil reduction plan in place to reduce our state's oil consumption 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050.
Momentum is building, but this won't be a cakewalk. Not when we're up against the entrenched interests of oil companies. That's why the outspoken support of people like you is so critical to victory. Email your state representatives today and urge them to support our plan to get Rhode Island off oil.
Urge your legislators to support a plan to cut Rhode Island's petroleum use.
Key Facts
- In 2008, U.S. oil consumption was responsible for 42% of the nation’s emissions of carbon dioxide, the leading global warming pollutant.
- Drilling for oil threatens our beaches and oceans with catastrophic accidents on the scale of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.
- In the past year alone, our oil consumption has transferred over $2 billion out of Rhode Island to oil companies and oil-producing nations — that's an average of $5000 per household.
- By taking advantage of efficiency-improving technology and transitioning to clean, locally produced energy sources, we can spur our economy with green jobs while saving families money.