Rhode Island lags behind nation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions

State cut overall emissions by 11%, per capita emissions by 13%, since 2005

Providence, R.I. – Rhode Island was behind the national pace in reducing emissions of planet-warming greenhouse gases between 2005 and 2022, according to a new report released on Wednesday by Environment America Research and Policy Center, U.S. PIRG Education Fund and Frontier Group. Nationally, the U.S. reduced its overall greenhouse gas emissions 15% and its per capita emissions by 25%. The report found significant variation in emissions trends by state. 

The United States has made a commitment to reduce emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by 2030, which means all 50 states will have to significantly step up their emission reduction efforts, particularly given new uncertainty around federal leadership on climate. 

“This data shows we are lagging behind when it comes to cleaning up our air and protecting our planet. Rhode Islanders are ready to start reaping the benefits of renewable energy alongside the rest of the country,” said Rex Wilmouth, director with Environment Rhode Island Research and Policy Center. “Thanks to the growth of clean energy such as solar and wind, we no longer need to burn dirty fossil fuels to keep the lights on.”  

According to the analysis of data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Rhode Island saw the sharpest emissions reductions in the commercial sectors. Rhode Island saw a 34% decrease in the commercial sector between 2005 and 2022.

Many of the states that saw the largest emissions reductions were those that cut emissions from the power sector, particularly by retiring coal plants. States where emissions did not fall as much, or where emissions rose, still produce a significant amount of their electricity using coal and/or are fossil-fuel producing states. 

While emissions from the commercial sector went down, Rhode Island saw an increase in the electric power sector. Rhode Island needs to get off methane gas by closing dirty power plants and continue to build out our solar and wind power to meet the 100% renewable energy standard by 2033.

“This report shows that retiring dirty coal plants and replacing them with clean energy is a critical first step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” said Wilmouth. “We can power our lives with renewable energy that allows people and the planet to thrive.”

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