2015 -- S 1020

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LC002959

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY REQUESTING THE RHODE ISLAND OFFICE OF ENERGY

RESOURCES TO REPORT ON STRATEGIES TO FURTHER REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS

EMISSIONS

     Introduced By: Senators Sosnowski, Miller, and Paiva Weed

     Date Introduced: June 24, 2015

     Referred To: Placed on the Senate Consent Calendar

     WHEREAS, There is broad scientific consensus that climate change is occurring and is

caused in large part by carbon emissions into the earth's atmosphere; and

     WHEREAS, Climate change increases the potential impacts on our coastal areas,

drinking water, energy supply, economy and health; and

     WHEREAS, The National Ranking ("2014 Scorecard") for Energy Efficiency Policies by

the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) placed Rhode Island 3rd in the

nation for energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is critical in reducing energy demand, lowering

costs for Rhode Island businesses and households, and putting the state on a path toward

improved economic competitiveness. Efficiency also mitigates the effects of climate change;

reducing fossil fuel consumption reduces carbon emissions; and

     WHEREAS, A recent study by WalletHub, ranks Rhode Island the 8th most eco-friendly

state in the country. Government data shows that our state has the lowest energy consumption per

capita of any state, and that only two states have lower carbon footprints than Rhode Island. In

addition, Rhode Island ranks third in environmental quality and 16th in eco-friendly behaviors

placing Rhode Island 8th overall; and

     WHEREAS, In 2014, the General Assembly established the Rhode Island Executive

Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) which provides a framework for state government

to adaptively plan for, manage, and mitigate climate change impacts, including identifying

strategies to meet statutory targets to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and

     WHEREAS, Biodiesel fuel is a locally produced, clean-burning, renewable alternative

for thermal and transportation sector fuels. Using biodiesel as vehicle fuel or home heating fuel

increases energy security, improves air quality and the environment, and provides safety benefits;

and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island's economy is served by fostering innovative practices, which

strengthen Rhode Island's already strong position in advancing the efficient use of energy, further

stimulating job creation, and continuing to make Rhode Island a nationally recognized leader for

its clean energy economy; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby respectfully requests the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) to issue

findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Senate on creating a least cost

procurement program for delivered fuels, including any suggested statutory and/or regulatory

changes on or before January 31, 2016; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate further requests the Rhode Island Office of Energy

Resources to issue findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly to

promote the development of markets for alternative thermal and transportation fuel, including any

suggested statutory and/or regulatory changes on or before January 31, 2016; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That this Senate, in order to facilitate such findings and recommendations,

hereby requests the OER to establish a task force and appoint members thereto representing a

balance of interests, including, but not limited to, thermal and transportation fuel sectors, and the

environmental and business communities; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Gina Raimondo, Governor of the

State of Rhode Island, the Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, and

the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council – Rhode Island.

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LC002959

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