Northeast
Rhode Island
Rhode Island is the smallest state in the nation and the second most densely populated. Greenhouse gas emissions in the state have risen by 12% from 1990-2021, with the largest increase occurring in the electric power sector. While the majority of the state’s electricity is sourced from natural gas, Rhode Island developed the first commercial-scale wind farm off of Block Island. The state also consumes the lowest amount of energy among U.S. states on a per capita basis.
GHG Reduction Targets
All targets relative to 1990
levels
2030
45%
2040
80%
2050
Net-zero
Governor
Daniel McKee (Democrat)
Governor
Daniel McKee (Democrat)
House Party
Democratic Supermajority
House Party
Democratic Supermajority
Senate Party
Democratic Supermajority
Senate Party
Democratic Supermajority
Legislative session
1/7/25 - 6/30/25
US Climate Alliance Status
Member
Key Offices & Links
32
30
Northeast
9 states
This map shows the occurrence of climate policies passed at the state-level. Higher numbers represent more climate policies enacted.
Progress by Policy Area
- Enacted Enacted policies have been passed or established in a state by a governing body via legislation, executive orders, rules, regulations, and/or other program creation, and remain in effect.
- In-progress In progress policies have been established in a state, but final regulations, rules, or plans are pending final approval. This also includes legislation and executive orders that require regulations to be put into effect.
- Partially Enacted Partially enacted policies have been enacted in the state, but are missing one or more policy components. Dashboard policies cannot be considered partially enacted unless policy components are available.
- Not Enacted Not enacted policies have not been passed or established in the state or are no longer in effect.
The colored bars indicate the status for each policy on the Dashboard, viewed across seven policy areas.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections in Rhode Island
Created in partnership with
Climate Policies in Rhode Island
Filters
| Status | Policy | Policy Area | Policy Category | Year Enacted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enacted |
Empty column
Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank Establishing Policies
|
Cross-Sector
|
Climate Finance | 1989 | |
| Enacted |
Empty column
The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) covers the electricity sector. Establishing Policies
|
Cross-Sector
|
Carbon Valuation | 2007 | |
| Not Enacted |
Empty column
The social cost of carbon is a monetary estimate of the damage of each ton of greenhouse gases emitted. The social cost of carbon is used to quantify and monetize climate damages, representing the net economic cost of climate pollution to society. |
Cross-Sector
|
Carbon Valuation |