Coalition Praises General Assembly for Approving Legislation to Use More Renewable Energy in Ocean State: Groups Urge General Assembly to Make Commitment to Renewable Energy This Year and Override Gov. Carcieri Veto

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Colin Durrant, CLF Director of Communications
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To read CLF’s summary of our response to Gov. Carcieri’s veto, click here .

Providence, RI (June 27, 2008) – Just days after the General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to approve new legislation to encourage the development of more wind, solar and renewable energy for Rhode Island, Gov. Carcieri has vetoed the legislation.

The comprehensive clean energy legislation was designed to accomplish a multitude of objectives to benefit Rhode Island’s environment, economy and ratepayers including:

• Creating new jobs for Rhode Islanders in the green economy
• Increasing Rhode Island’s energy independence
• Decreasing Rhode Island’s contribution to global warming
• Investing in energy sources that have inherent price stability

The comprehensive legislation promotes wind, solar, and other renewable energy resources by removing economic barriers to new development and providing a regulatory structure that will help new clean energy projects- like an off-shore wind farm- win private financing.

If approved, the legislation would require the development of enough clean energy to power 130,000 homes with locally produced renewable power.

The legislation enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the Senate and was approved by a vote of 34-1. The vote on final passage in the House was 53-11.

“This clean energy legislation will shift Rhode Island towards wind, solar and other renewable energy sources,” said Matt Auten, Advocate for Environment Rhode Island. “Now is the time for Rhode Island to start moving towards energy independence and that’s why we are advocating for a veto override.”

“Massachusetts is moving forward with a strong renewable energy program,” said Michael F. Ryan, vice president Government Relations, Rhode Island. We hope that the Governor’s disapproval will not delay for long Rhode Island’s entry into renewables.”

“Our region is facing a climate change emergency, and the Rhode Island General Assembly recognized that fact when it passed the long-term contracting bill to boost development of renewable energy projects, like wind and solar,” said Jerry Elmer, Staff Attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation. “Gov. Carcieri’s veto is extremely disappointing and we hope the General Assembly will override the veto promptly to help set the stage for a clean energy future in Rhode Island.”

“Long-term contracts with renewable energy projects help make clean energy happen by getting entrepreneurs the stability they need to get financed,” said John Rogers, senior energy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists. “This legislation will benefit Rhode Island consumers, its growing clean energy industry, and the planet. It’s time to get it done and get Rhode Island moving forward.”

A broad coalition of representing diverse interests have supported the legislation introduced by House Majority Leader Gordon Fox and Senate President Montalbano (H-7916 & S-2849) including: renewable energy developers, installers and marketers, environmental groups, energy distribution companies, and labor unions. A partial list of businesses and organizations that have supported the legislation includes:

Allco Renewable Energy Group, Bluewater Wind, Cape Wind, Clean Water Action, Conservation Law Foundation, Environment Rhode Island, Interfaith Power & Light, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 99, Jobs with Justice, Lorax Energy, National Grid, People’s Power & Light, Ridgewood Power Company, SolarWrights, Union of Concerned Scientists.

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The Conservation Law Foundation works to solve the environmental problems that threaten the people, natural resources and communities of New England. CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to design and implement strategies that conserve natural resources, protect public health, and promote vital communities in our region. Founded in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. It has offices in Boston, Massachusetts; Concord, New Hampshire; Providence, Rhode Island; Montpelier, Vermont; and Brunswick, Maine.