This week marked Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent, a period of reflection and repentance that I hope brings meaning to those in our community observing it. In this week’s letter, I discuss the State’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the residential and commercial heating sectors.
A. Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Building Heating Systems
According to the Greenhouse Gas Inventory compiled by the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) in its 2022 Climate Update, the residential and commercial heating sectors account for around 28% of the State’s greenhouse gas emissions. To advance the State towards a net-zero 2050 in this sector, the 2022 Update describes a 2-prong approach, namely (1) reducing fuel consumption and (2) changing to lower-emission fuels.
B. Reducing Energy Consumption In Buildings
In a February 10, 2025 report, the EC4 outlined a plan to reduce fuel consumption by developing (1) “benchmarks” of current large building fuel consumption and (2) fuel consumption standards. To support that effort, the Governor incorporated into next year’s budget a staff position to organize and facilitate the benchmarking of State-owned buildings. Last Thursday, the Senate Finance Committee reviewed this portion of the Governor’s budget in connection with a presentation by the Office of Energy Resources.
At the hearing, environmental advocates voiced their support for this initiative, while proposing more extensive and urgent action. Senator Kallman, among others, proposed expanding the scope of the project to include benchmarking privately owned buildings, as stated in the Building Decarbonization Act she re-introduced to this year’s Senate docket. Senator DiMario, in turn, has for several years introduced legislation to bring a “cap and trade” program to encourage building owners to utilize clean heat through the Rhode Island Clean Heat Standards Act, which she asked me to introduce this year. I was delighted to do so.
C. Changing To Greener Energy Sources
The second prong of emissions reduction for the heating sector requires a transition from fossil fuel power to electricity, especially electricity generated from solar and wind-powered sources. At Thursday night’s hearing, the Office of Energy Resources’ Presentation noted the progress made to date in securing offshore wind electricity production from the Revolution Wind project, as well as two other projects in the planning stage. The Director stated his belief that the Revolution Wind project has made sufficient progress to avoid delay and/or cancellation from Trump administration opposition; however, the path for the two projects still in development is less clear. Looking ahead, Rhode Island’s best path to a net zero carbon future is through greater offshore wind electricity production; therefore, we all will need to watch closely the impact of the new policies emanating from Washington, D.C., and to adjust as needed.