Rhode Island is the First US State to Commit to 100% Renewable Energy by 2030
In her annual State of the State speech to lawmakers, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order this month calling for an end to fossil fuel reliance by 2030. The action makes Rhode Island the first state in America to plan 100% renewable electricity within a decade.
Raimondo also called for the state’s Office of Energy Resources to analyze the state’s economy and energy markets by the end of the year in order to map out the steps needed to reach the ambitious goal.
Rhode Island was already on track to meet a prior goal of increasing renewable energy ten times by the end of 2020. According to the Governor, "We’re already leading the fight against climate change, but we have to take increasingly aggressive action if we want to avoid catastrophe. As governor of a coastal state and mom to two teenagers, I’m fully committed to protecting the beauty of our state and our way of life for future generations.”
Acting State Energy Commissioner Nicholas Ucci pointed to increased jobs and investment as a result of clean energy policies and programs. In fact, Danish offshore wind company Orsted also announce this month that it will open a US Innovation Hub in Providence as a first point of contact for companies interested in working with Orsted and as a resource for connecting and sharing ideas and results with both start ups and established firms.
To learn more:
https://www.enr.com/articles/48545-rhode-island-commits-to-100-renewables-power-by-2030
Image of the Block Island Wind Farm: Engineering News-Record