Important decisions are being made right now about Rhode Island’s energy future. Where will we get our power? What will that mean for energy prices? For our environment?

Powerful interests are pushing decision-makers to protect the status quo. But there are smarter, cheaper and cleaner alternatives available today . . .

Support Widens For Clean Energy
Rhode Islanders are getting smart on energy
More and more Rhode Islanders agree that reducing energy waste and switching to clean, renewable power would be good for our economy. After all, investing in energy efficiency and clean power would keep more of our energy dollars in Rhode Island and protect our $3 billion tourism industry.

Others, such as the American Lung Association of R.I., Rhode Island Medical Society and Clean Water Action, see energy efficiency and renewable power as two of the best ways to protect our environment and health by reducing the pollution that worsens global warming, asthma and lung disease.

Blocking Progress
Narragansett Electric is stalling on clean energy
Narragansett Electric, which provides more than 90 percent of the electricity to Rhode Islanders, claims to support renewable power. Yet during the 2002 legislative session, Narragansett Electric actively opposed a bill to establish a minimum clean energy requirement for Rhode Island.

The Risky Business Of Dirty Energy
Current energy use endangers Rhode Island
Power plant pollution is the leading cause of smog, soot and carbon dioxide emissions in our air and water, and we are exposed to more of it than ever before. In 2001, Rhode Island had 15 smog alert days, the most in at least 10 years. For the 17,000 children and 34,000 adults in the state who suffer from asthma, this means more asthma attacks and more emergency room visits.

Our coastline at risk
Rhode Island has 400 miles of densely populated coastline. By 2100, global warming experts expect seas to rise by as much as 20 inches. In the shorter term, beach erosion and hotter, drier summers will cost us millions of dollars in weather-related insurance losses and lost tourism business.

Children and the elderly are most affected by dirty air. In 2001, at least 88 people in Rhode Island died prematurely from power plant pollution.

"Recent studies have linked high ozone levels to school absences, asthma attacks and decreased lung function in children, and smog and soot pollution continue to threaten the public’s health ...We must look toward clean energy solutions to protect public health and those that suffer most."

Margaret Kane, Executive Director, American Lung Association of Rhode Island

Clean Energy Can Work For Rhode Island

Rhode Island-based companies such as TPI Composites of Warren RI, would thrive if the state supported renewable energy policies. Above, TPI ships a wind turbine blade to a Texas wind farm.

Job Creation —A recent study done by the Tellus Institute projects that a strong renewable energy and energy efficiency program would reduce our greenhouse gas emissions 36 percent by 2010, and create about 41,200 jobs in the region by 2010.

Pollution Prevention —Additional studies done by the institute show that increases in renewable energy and energy efficiency would prevent the release of over 510,000 tons of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide.

Our Growing Energy Use
Our dependence on oil and other dirty fossil fuels is growing, despite the availability of energy-efficient technologies. With wider adoption of these technologies and greater investment in clean power, an average Rhode Island consumer could save $400 each year, according to a study by the Tellus Institute. Rhode Island should:

• Become 20 percent more efficient by 2010.
• Establish the most efficient standards for appliances, air conditioners and other products.

Rising Energy Prices
Our dependence on the oil and gas industry leaves us vulnerable to price spikes, which will only worsen as oil and gas supplies diminish.

Diversifying our energy supply with renewable power would reduce the risks to our economy. That’s why RIPIRG backs action to require that 20 percent of our energy come from renewable sources by 2020.

Chart data: Energy Information Administration.

"Wind power in places like New England is reliable, and the technology to harness it is here and getting more efficient."
— Robert Whitcomb Editor, Providence Journal

Rhode Island Climate Action Pledge
If elected to office in Rhode Island, I pledge to protect Rhode Island's health, environment and strengthen Rhode Island's economy by advocating for:

• Requiring the use of 20% new, clean renewable energy by the year 2020;

• Increasing energy efficiency 20% by 2010; (More about our campaign for an Energy Efficient Rhode Island.)

• Leading by example and requiring all state agencies to use 20% renewable energy by 2010 to meet their electricity, heating and cooling needs;

• Leading by example and increasing energy efficiency in all state agencies 25% by 2010; and

• Fully implementing the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers Climate Change Action Plan and continuing with the current stakeholder process and plan development.

Download a printable version of the pledge.