EcoRI News Roundup

RI ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS BRACE FOR IMPACT OF TRUMP ELECTION PROVIDENCE – Efforts to combat climate change took a blow when former president Donald Trump was elected to a second term. With Republicans also commanding majorities in Congress, the president-elect is expected to be far more hostile toward climate priorities than he was in his first term. Trump has made a campaign pledge to scuttle the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the cornerstone legislation from the Biden administration that has rolled out millions of dollars for renewable energy, heat pump adoption, and environmental projects in recent years. In May, Trump promised on the campaign trail to issue an executive order blocking all offshore wind projects. It’s likely to have a significant impact in Rhode Island, which has seen some $800 million in federal dollars steered its way from the IRA and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, as well as the state’s nascent attempts to become an offshore wind hub. Environmental groups are wary and bracing for impact. “There’s no sugar-coating it, Trump’s election is disastrous for our climate,” said Caitlin Sanford, co-president of Climate Action Rhode Island (CARI). “It’s estimated that the administration change is going to result in four billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted by 2030, compared to President Biden’s plans.” Sanford said Trump’s pledges to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accords – the 2016 international agreement setting worldwide carbon reduction goals – and scuttle renewable energy that would close the door on climate warming staying below 2 degrees Celsius. Jeff Migneault, co-president of CARI, said offshore wind was especially at risk. “Trump has a special delusional hate of offshore wind and has said he will immediately work to stop the industry,” he said. “I’m not sure if he can stop those already in progress, but he can clearly get in the way of those needing federal permits.” Other groups, despite Trump’s public distaste for recent climate gains, have pledged to continue to work with the other side of the aisle. Barbara Watts, state coordinator for the Rhode Island chapter of the Citizens Climate Lobby, a nonpartisan climate advocacy group, pledged to continue the group’s bipartisan approach to passing climate bills.

RI FIRST IN NATION FOR PERCENT GROWTH IN WIND ENERGY PRODUCTION PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island ranks first in the nation for growth in percent increase in wind energy production since 2014, according to a report by the Environment America Research & Policy Center. The state ranks second in percent increase in electric vehicle (EV) registration, and 17th in the nation for growth in percent increase in solar energy production, according to the online Renewables on the Rise 2024 dashboard, which charts the growth of six key energy technologies by state over the past decade: solar power, wind power, battery storage, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, and electric vehicle charging stations. “It’s amazing the difference that a decade can make,” said Rex Wilmouth, Rhode Island director of the nationwide nonprofit. “We’ve made fantastic progress in Rhode Island. Now we have to keep up the momentum in order to meet our goal of 100% renewable electricity by 2033.” According to Environment America, Rhode Island has seen a 4,975% increase (50-fold) in the amount of electricity it gets from the sun since 2014; a 1,664% increase (more than 17-fold) in wind power production since 2014; and as of 2023 generates enough wind and solar power to meet 17% of its electricity demand. When it comes to percent increase in battery storage capacity, however, Rhode Island ranks 33rd, according to the dashboard. The state is on the hook to meet specific climate goals laid out in the 2021 Act on Climate law, which requires decreasing levels of greenhouse gas emissions reaching net zero by 2050. The state met the first mandate, a 10% reduction from a 1990 baseline, by 2020. Next is a 45% reduction by 2030, an 80% reduction by 2040, and a 100% reduction by 2050.

REPORT CARD: RI ON A ROLL WHEN IT COMES TO GREEN LEGISLATION PROVIDENCE – The Environment Council of Rhode Island released its Green Report Card for 2023-2024. The biennial document evaluates legislators’ records on the environment, and for decades these report cards and ECRI’s legislative agendas have served as benchmarks for voters and provided essential resources for policymakers. The last Green Report Card called 2021 and 2022 “the best two years of environmental policymaking in Rhode Island history,” thanks to the passage of landmark legislation like the Act on Climate. Though not quite as prolific as the previous two years, the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions built on past momentum, according to ECRI, bringing some significant wins, such as advancements in responsible solar siting, stronger regulation of toxic chemicals such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, an update to the state building code, and an amendment to make the Green Bond greener. While Rhode Island has made some historic strides in environmental action over the past two years, the report underscores that much work remains to be done – particularly when it comes to addressing the climate crisis and honoring the state’s commitments under the Act on Climate law. “We have seen significant progress in the last two years, thanks to environmental champions in our General Assembly, but we have much more work to do,” ECRI president James Crowley said. The Green Report Card emphasizes the need for continued action, particularly in areas such as addressing climate and environmental injustice, better managing plastic and food waste, supporting urban farmers, and funding public transportation. In many cases, legislation to address these issues has stalled despite widespread support, according to ECRI. •

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