The United States is just one of the G7 countries that have committed to huge goals when it comes to using renewable energy by the year 2030 to 2050. The state of Rhode Island is now aiming to be the first state to actually reach 100% renewable energy reliance by the year 2033.
(Photo : Michael Denning on Unsplash)
Rhode Island Governor Signed a Legislation that Would Require the State to Completely Rely on Renewable Energy by 2033
On the first of July, Governor Daniel McKee just signed what was described as historic legislation that would require the state's electricity to be completely reliant on renewable energy come the year 2033. This is the most aggressive timeline when it comes to any state in the US regarding the reliance on renewable energy.
Deborah Ruggiero, a Representative, stated that the bill is supportive of the growth of renewable energy and is actually consistent with the "Act on Climate's goal," in which they aim to reduce carbon emissions by 2050 to net-zero.
State Aims to Reduce Its Emissions and Reliance on Fossil Fuel While Supporting the Green Industry
They added that they wanted to reduce emissions as well as their reliance on fossil fuels imported from other places and be able to create renewable energy that supports the green industry. The new bill also aims to create thousands of good-paying jobs within the state as well.
According to the story by Electrek, they have already seen significant growth in green jobs ever since 2014. It was stated that they saw a 74% increase in green jobs, and the trend is still going to continue as they deepen their commitment when it comes to renewables.
Rhode Island Wants to Offset Its Fossil Fuel-Powered Electricity by Establishing Its Own Renewable Sources of Energy
The bills, H277 and S2274, provide a system towards an executive order by then-mayor Governor Gina Raimondo in January 2020 that commits Rhode Island to be able to reach 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Rhode Island is aiming to offset its fossil fuel-powered electricity while it decides to move towards establishing its very own renewable sources of power. The state is also very dependent on natural gas.
Natural Gas was Responsible for Fueling 89% of Rhode Island's Net Generation as of 2020
The US Energy Information Administration, as of 2020, states that natural gas was responsible for fueling 89% of Rhode Island's electricity net generation and that it is the largest share compared to any other state.
It was also found that 3 out of 10 households in Rhode Island use heating oil as a source of their home heating. This is already six times more compared to the average in the United States.
The new legislation is now encouraging the construction of brand new renewable projects. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative regional marketplace will also be selling renewable energy certificates in an effort among 11 other states to be able to reduce emissions.
Related Article: Australia's Move Towards Low-Cost, Renewable Energy to Replace Coal Could Cost $12.7 Billion
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Written by Urian B.
