Friend,
SENATOR ALANA DI MARIO
Taking action to address the climate crisis cannot wait, especially here in the Ocean State. As temperatures and sea levels continue to rise, and extreme weather events become more and more frequent, our communities face significant risks – and we’re already feeling the effects.
In the Senate, we’re proud to have helped lead Rhode Island toward a cleaner, more sustainable future with several major accomplishments in the last two years.
In 2021, the historic Act on Climate sponsored by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Dawn Euer was signed into law, creating enforceable goals to reduce our state’s carbon emissions. In 2022, we passed legislation from Sen. Euer to spur new offshore wind development and President Dominick Ruggerio’s legislation to offset 100 percent of Rhode Island’s electricity use with renewables by 2033.
Now, we’re building on that momentum and taking the next step forward. Earlier this week, the Senate unanimously approved Environment & Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Alana DiMario’s legislation to set the stage for the future of solar energy development in Rhode Island.
Through the creation of the Rhode Island Renewable Ready Program, the bill – a collaboration between Sen. DiMario and Sen. Euer – would ensure that renewable energy projects like solar farms are built without clearing our state’s forests or increasing electricity prices for consumers.
Instead, it would help offset the costs involved in preparing select sites for renewable energy projects – places like the roofs of large buildings, former industrial properties known as brownfield sites, and land situated next to major roadways. The program would be supported through federal funding and other existing sources, ensuring the costs aren’t passed on to ratepayers.
Inspiration for this approach comes from the RI Ready program’s Site Readiness model, first used at North Kingstown’s Quonset Business Park – which is located in Sen. DiMario’s district – to promote economic development. In short, RI Ready helps create an inventory of properties in Rhode Island that are pre-permitted and ready for development, easing the process for companies to invest in our state.
This exciting, innovative proposal will help ensure that Rhode Island is ready to harness the potential of solar energy while protecting our communities and natural resources. In Sen. DiMario’s words: “This bill is a huge step forward in ensuring our energy is affordable, clean and reliable … It’s the next step in moving our energy system forward.”
We fully agree. Let’s make Rhode Island Renewable Ready a reality.
Sincerely,
Donny, Ryan and Maryellen