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SB 399

AN ACT RELATING TO STATE AFFAIRS AND GOVERNMENT -- 2021 ACT ON CLIMATE CHANGE

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elaine Morgan and 3 co-sponsors

SB 399 establishes Rhode Island's climate change framework with emission reduction targets and state resilience strategies, currently under legislative review after committee study recommendation.

04/09/2025 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
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Bill Summary · SB 399

Legislative bill overview

SB 399 is Rhode Island's 2021 climate change act that establishes state policies and mechanisms for addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation. The bill creates frameworks for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing climate resilience strategies, and potentially establishing climate-related regulatory standards across state operations and industries.

Why is this important

Climate legislation affects energy costs, business operations, infrastructure investment, and long-term environmental and public health outcomes. Rhode Island's approach could serve as a regional model while impacting the state's economic competitiveness in clean energy sectors and residents' exposure to climate-related risks like coastal flooding.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and economic impact: Debate over whether emission reduction targets are feasible without imposing excessive costs on businesses, utilities, and consumers
  • Timeline and stringency of requirements: Disagreement over whether timelines are realistic or overly ambitious, affecting different industries' compliance burden
  • State vs. federal authority: Questions about how state climate mandates interact with federal energy policy and interstate commerce considerations
  • Equity concerns: Concerns that climate policies may disproportionately burden low-income communities or specific industries without adequate transition support

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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