Policy & Legislation

In July 2014, the General Assembly approved legislation which formally established the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4). The new law, the Resilient Rhode Island Act, sets specific greenhouse gas reduction targets and incorporates consideration of climate change impacts into the powers and duties of all state agencies. The law emphasizes the concept of resilience and developing practical solutions through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, making preparations for the effects of current and future changes in the state’s climate, and ensuring RI prospers by being at the leading edge of the transition to a lower carbon future. These priorities are similarly emphasized in the 2017 RI Clean Energy Jobs Report, the Governor's 2017 Executive Order Reaffirming Rhode Island's Commitment to the Principles of the Paris Climate Agreement, the Governor’s December 2015 Executive Order to RI state agencies on leading by example in energy efficiency and clean energy, and and the Governor’s 2017 Executive Order calling for an Action Plan to Stand Up to Climate Change.