State of Rhode Island Archives: on Energy & Oil
Bob Flanders:
Balance a bipartisan & diverse energy supply
Protecting the environment and combating the impact of climate change will require evidence-based pragmatic solutions. There is a need for bipartisan dialogue about a legislative plan to address a cost-effective clean power plan. The current regulatory
regime has resulted in a seesaw policy that is grossly inefficient and unsustainable. Pursuing bipartisan legislation is the only sustainable way to address climate change. Unless legislation is supported by a majority of both Republicans and Democrats,
it can be easily repealed or amended when the control of Congress changes.This effort will require the following:- Balance the development of an affordable and diverse energy supply with the environmental challenges.
- Promote
intergovernmental cooperation by providing state and local governments with the resources and tools they need to craft and implement pragmatic solutions to the challenges posed by climate change.
Source: 2018 R.I. Senate campaign website FlandersForSenate.com
Nov 1, 2018
Carl Sheeler:
Begin with environment friendly public transportation
Indicate which principles you support regarding the environment and energy. - Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology.
- Enact environmental regulations even if they are stricter than federal law.
-
Sheeler adds, “Begin with environment friendly public transportation, retrofitted taxis and tax incentives of hybrid vehicles. more access to federal superfunds for clean up. ”
Source: 2004 R.I. Gubernatorial National Political Awareness Test
Nov 7, 2004
Gina Raimondo:
Make R.I. a model for climate change preparedness
Climate change is poised to impact R.I. in a big way. With more than 400 miles of coastline, looming rises in sea levels could be devastating. Our tourism & fishing industries may face beaches washed away by erosion, & fish stocks diminished by changing
sea temperatures. Our farms may soon be dealing with increased droughts, and more extreme seasons. We must do everything we can now to adapt to an environment transformed by climate change, and mitigate the impact that it will have on our state.
Fortunately, our state has already made great strides. Between regional initiatives designed to limit emissions, and state programs that help businesses and homeowners upgrade to energy-efficient technologies, we are already a national leader in energy
policy. But there is room for growth: we have an opportunity to ramp up our efforts to mitigate climate change & adapt to its impact, while simultaneously making Rhode Island a model when it comes to renewable energy usage & climate change preparedness.
Source: 2014 R.I. Gubernatorial campaign website, GinaRaimondo.com
Nov 4, 2014
Gina Raimondo:
Create state "Green Bank" for clean energy financing
I'm proposing the creation of a Rhode Island Green Bank and Clean Energy Finance Authority. The bank will encourage the large-scale adoption of clean energy and energy efficiency solutions by creating a dependable, accessible source of funding and
capital for all Rhode Islanders. In order to maximize its impact, the Green Bank will:- Be established as a quasi-public corporation;
- Have its own budget outside of the budget of the state, to allow for greater flexibility and autonomy;
-
Enable private investment in RI's growing clean energy economy by implementing innovative financing solutions and partnerships with private sector partners;
- House an Adaptation and Resiliency Revolving Fund to help finance measures that will enable
our state and its municipalities to adapt to the impact of climate change;
- Consolidate existing sources of funding under one roof;
- Be authorized to issue bonds;
- Have strong transparency and accountability standards.
Source: 2014 R.I. Gubernatorial campaign website, GinaRaimondo.com
Nov 4, 2014
Mark Zaccaria:
No climate change laws; no cap-&-trade; more oil exploration
Q: Do you support enacting environmental regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?A: No.
Q: Do you support international emissions targets aimed at reducing the effects of climate change?
A: No.
Q: Do you support allowing
energy producers to trade carbon credits under a "cap and trade" system?
A: No.
Q: Do you support strengthening fuel efficiency standards on all gasoline and diesel-powered engines, including cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support domestic oil exploration in federally-protected areas?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support federal funding for the development of alternative energy?
A: No.
Q: Do you support the development of nuclear reactors?
A: Yes.
Zaccaria adds, "The federal government may well wish to promote the development of Alternative Energy technologies, but this should be done through economic incentives NOT through grants that immunize businesses from the free market."
Source: R.I. Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2010
Stephen Laffey:
Need a new national energy policy to fight the War on Terror
Bush and the elected leaders in Washington including Chafee have failed us especially since 2001 because they haven't told us exactly how to win the War on Terror. We need a new national energy policy the likes of putting a man on the moon and all be
involved in it. Not one state saying one thing & another state saying another thing. Every time the price of a barrel of oil goes up another dollar, Iran takes more of that money and recycles it to terrorists like Hezbollah. That's where we need to stop.
Source: 2006 R.I. Republican Senate Primary debate on WPRI
Aug 24, 2006
Helena Foulkes:
Make Rhode Island a leader in clean, affordable energy
The threat from climate change is serious and deserves serious solutions. One of Helena's top priorities will be protecting our state against the effects of climate change. By making Rhode Island a leader in clean, affordable energy and increasing
investments in local resiliency efforts, she will provide direct support to municipalities that are on the front lines of this crisis. Helena also recognizes the opportunity we have as the Ocean State to create clean jobs and grow our economy.
Source: 2022 R.I. Gubernatorial campaign website HelenaFoulkes.com
Oct 3, 2022
Dan McKee:
Rhode Island is industry leader for offshore wind projects
With the first working offshore wind farm in the United States, we know that Rhode Island is an industry leader. But we're not stopping there--our second offshore wind project, Revolution Wind, is set to commence construction this year.
When construction is complete, Revolution Wind will power nearly 263,000 households at a rate of 9.8 cents per kilowatt for 20 years. This is an important step toward meeting our Act on Climate goals.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the R.I. legislature
Jan 17, 2024
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026