Rhode Island Gov. steers state toward 100% renewable electricity by 2030

Environment Rhode Island and Environment America

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The rapidly growing group of states looking to thwart climate change by adopting 100% renewable energy policies has a new member. Rhode Island Gov. Gina Raimondo signed an executive order today establishing the goal of meeting all of the state’s electricity needs with renewable energy by 2030. The state’s Office of Energy Resources is now tasked with creating a plan to meet the governor’s goal, and a complete analysis is expected by the end of the year.

Emma Searson, the 100% Renewable campaign director for both Environment Rhode Island and Environment America, issued the following statement applauding the target:

“With this executive order, Governor Raimondo is taking an important step toward a clean, renewable future for the state of Rhode Island. With vast renewable energy resources, including unmatched potential for offshore wind energy, the Ocean State has a golden opportunity to be a clean energy leader. We are excited to see Governor Raimondo seize that opportunity by establishing a bold target of 100 percent renewable electricity statewide by 2030, setting in motion a decade of renewable energy adoption that will ensure a cleaner, healthier future for Rhode Islanders. 

“When Environment America launched our national campaign last year with a goal of getting 10 states to adopt concrete 100 percent clean and renewable energy timelines, few people believed it was possible. Six states have already committed to that vision, and Governor Raimondo’s action today is another sign that we are moving in the right direction. We look forward to supporting the Governor, General Assembly and state agencies as they work to codify and achieve this exciting goal.”