Renewable Energy Programs Would Take Hit Under McKee’s Budget Plan

PROVIDENCE — Rhode Island’s renewable energy programs could see their biggest changes in almost two decades, if state lawmakers approve Gov. Dan McKee’s fiscal 2027 budget proposal

Meanwhile, the state’s environmental groups, which applauded the passage of the Act on Climate in 2021 and the 100% Renewable Energy Standard law in 2022, aren’t pleased the state is rolling back its commitments. Emily Koo, Rhode Island program director for the Acadia Center, said pushing back the targets outlined in the Renewable Energy Standard would exacerbate the state’s burgeoning overreliance on natural gas and do little to combat high energy rates.

“To tackle energy costs, Rhode Island’s focus should be on building more renewables, not on rolling back our targets. Renewable energy reduces costs and protects customers from volatile and increasingly expensive natural gas,” Koo wrote in an email.

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