This year, our top legislative priority in Rhode Island is the Building Decarbonization Act (H5493/S91), because the Ocean State is not currently on track to achieve the emissions reductions required by the Act on Climate. This is especially true in the building sector, which makes up over 35% of the state’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Automakers and the fossil fuel lobby have been campaigning across the country to undermine, delay, or destroy key regulations to reduce pollution from vehicles. In the next few days, it’s critical we all take action to defend these regulations to protect public health and fight climate change. We don't mean two weeks from now. We mean now.
In this blog, we’ll cover how to take two actions (each will only take 3 minutes!) and then provide more context on what’s going on below. If you take action, email us at drivegreen@greenenergyconsumers.org to let us know!
Almost two years ago, we wrote a blog about the first report produced by the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council (EVICC) in Massachusetts. Now, EVICC is gearing up to write its second report – and wants to hear from you! There are four public hearings, in person and virtual, coming up for you to share your experience and ideas. If you have an EV or are thinking about getting one, you probably have an opinion on what the state could do to improve EV charging infrastructure.
Recently, electric vehicles (EVs) have been in the news because various states around the country – including our very own Rhode Island – are introducing extra registration fees for EVs. Though in some cases these fees are clearly punitive and motivated by politics, these registration fees are being justified as a way to balance out the fact that EV drivers don’t pay the gas tax. Here at Green Energy Consumers, we oppose a special EV registration fee – it's a disincentive to electrify at a time when we need to replace combustion engines as quickly as possible with EVs. However, the question of how to fund our roads and bridges is a fair one. It’s just way bigger than EVs versus gas cars.
Way back at the beginning of 2023, we reportedon the approval by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) of new electric vehicle (EV) programs by the electric utilities National Grid, Eversource, and Unitil. Together, the utilities got the OK to spend more than $400 million on helping to build out EV charging infrastructure over the next four years. We are now halfway through that program, and the utilities have just filed “Mid-Term Modification Proposals” with the DPU. You have the right to weigh in at the DPU – here's everything you need to know.
Recently, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced the delay of two key regulations that will clean up dangerous air pollution from medium- and heavy-duty trucks. Though the delays are not full rollbacks, they come after heavy industry lobbying, and it’s crucial to defend these important standards at public hearings on Monday, December 9, or in writing by 5:00 pm on Thursday, December 19, 2024.
On July 17th, the Mass. House of Representatives passed a climate bill. This sets the stage for reconciliation with the bill passed by the State Senate on June 25th. This must happen before the legislative session ends on July 31.
The Massachusetts State Senate was planning on voting on a major energy and climate bill this week but a Republican Senator hasexercised their right to delay the vote. The Senate will now vote onTuesday, June 25. If you have not already, take five minutes today to let your Senator know you support the bill and certain key amendments.
UPDATE JUNE 6 2024: The Building Decarbonization Act urgently needs your help to pass in the House!
Call the Governor & Speaker:
Please take action by calling Governor McKee and Speaker Shekarchi’s offices before Friday, June 14! Speak to a staff member, or leave a message. They will be tallying your calls!
Governor McKee's office: (401) 222-2080
Speaker Shekarchi's office: (401) 222-2447
Here's what to say:
"Hello, my name is [Name], and I live in [City/Town], RI. I am calling to ask Speaker Shekarchi to support the Building Decarbonization Act (H-7617, and S-2952) and sign it into law this session."
There are weeks not months left in Rhode Island’s 2024 legislative session, which means we must act urgently to pass crucial legislation for climate.
This year, our top priority is the Building Decarbonization Act (H7617/S2952), as Rhode Island is not currently on track to achieve the emissions reductions required by the Act on Climate, and that is especially true in the building sector which makes up over a third of the state's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
For many years, there has been a lot going on in terms of Massachusetts energy and climate policy, but this year may top them all. We are seeing an unprecedented number of opportunities for citizens in the Commonwealth to speak out on a wide range of issues – grid modernization, strengthening the Clean Energy Standard, establishing a Clean Heat Standard, and energy policy in general. We encourage you to comment on topics that interest you. Here’s a list for your perusal, with text from the relevant agencies.
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