Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6203

Introduced
4/9/25  

Caption

Repeals the Renewable Energy Growth Program.

Impact

The repeal of the Renewable Energy Growth Program may significantly impact existing and future renewable energy projects in Rhode Island. With the program's focus on performance-based incentives aimed at boosting renewable energy capacity, removing it could deter investments in renewable technologies. Consequently, this move might slow down progress towards achieving the state's climate and energy resilience goals established in previous legislation. Stakeholders, including energy providers and environmental advocates, may react strongly to these changes, advocating for alternative approaches or amendments to mesh with evolving energy markets.

Summary

House Bill 6203 aims to repeal the Renewable Energy Growth Program, which was originally established to facilitate the growth of renewable energy through a tariff-based financing program for distributed-generation projects. The goal of the program was to enhance Rhode Island's climate resilience and reduce carbon emissions while providing economic development opportunities. This bill signals a potential shift in the state's commitment to renewable energy strategies, reflecting a broader debate on how best to achieve energy sustainability and climate objectives in light of changes in technology and market conditions.

Contention

The contention surrounding HB 6203 mainly revolves around the implications of dissolving the established support frameworks for renewable energy projects. Proponents of the repeal argue that modifications to the program might be needed to reflect more current market dynamics and technological advancements. However, opponents contend that repealing the program could undermine years of progress regarding environmental sustainability and retaliate against the growing renewable energy sector. This tension highlights the challenges of balancing economic growth, state energy policy, and environmental preservation in the face of shifting priorities and resources.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5853

Net Metering

RI S0684

Net Metering

RI H5540

Net Metering

RI S2151

Modifies the definition of "core forest" to refer to unfragmented forest blocks or single or multiple parcels totaling 250 acres or greater and at least 25 yards from mapped roads.

RI H7431

Modifies the definition of "core forest" to refer to unfragmented forest blocks or single or multiple parcels totaling 250 acres or greater and at least 25 yards from mapped roads.

RI H7430

Restores several provisions of the Renewable Energy Standards chapter which were repealed in 2022.

RI S0504

Renewable Ready Program

RI H6388

Renewable Ready Program

RI S2952

Establishes a program for the energy benchmarking of large buildings in Rhode Island and a standard for their energy performance.

RI S2293

Establishes the renewable ready program and fund to promotes the responsible siting/development of renewable energy generating resources in locations where it would be an ancillary beneficial use to the redevelopment of previously contaminated property.

Similar Bills

RI H5853

Net Metering

RI H7531

Net Metering- Renewable Energy Growth

RI S3025

Relating To Public Utilities And Carriers

RI S0684

Net Metering

CT HB05232

An Act Concerning Solar Projects Throughout The State.

CT SB00009

An Act Concerning Connecticut's Energy Future.

ME LD1777

An Act to Reduce Costs and Increase Customer Protections for the State's Net Energy Billing Programs

MI SB0271

Energy: alternative sources; energy storage, clean energy, and increased renewable energy; set targets for. Amends title, heading of subpt. A of pt. 2, secs. 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 22, 28, 29, 39, 45, 47, 49, 173, 177 & 191 of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1001 et seq.) & adds secs. 32, 51, 53, 101 & 103.