ACT ON CLIMATE 2021 - SUMMARY & FACT SHEETS

Act on Climate 2021 Summary from the Conservation Law Foundation: ​ 

1. It follows the latest science. The bill updates our climate targets based on what’s needed to avert disaster. It creates achievable targets every ten years, mandating the state cut climate-damaging emissions by 45% by 2030 and 80% by 2040, with the ultimate target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. 
2. It introduces transparency. Every five years, the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council will be required to issue public plans on how Rhode Island will meet its emission reduction targets. All of us in Rhode Island will be able to comment on these plans, and the Council will address feedback from its advisory bodies. A public dashboard to track our emissions reductions and sources of energy will add another layer of visibility into the State’s progress.
3. It fosters an equitable transition. To ensure no one is left behind in our transition to a clean energy economy, the bill ensures the Council’s work incorporates plans for an equitable transition for environmental justice communities. This includes identifying support for workers as well as developing programs to recruit, train, and retain women, people of color, Indigenous people, veterans, formerly incarcerated people, and people living with disabilities in jobs related to a clean energy economy. The bill also requires a process where folks from environmental justice communities can influence the plans.
4. It adds accountability. Critically, this law makes the State’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets legally binding. If the State fails to follow the law, a court can enforce it. This accountability is absolutely necessary to ensure we meet our emission reduction targets. 

          (Source: Moses 2021) 

The State of Rhode Island Act on Climate website: climatechange.ri.gov/aoc/

• Includes a Public Comment Portal and information for Public Sharing Sessions (held virtually on Zoom)  

Lobbying Fact Sheets (click to enlarge)​: 

< Return to "legislation" home