H7616 establishes the Renewable Ready Program to promote renewable energy development on contaminated or state-owned sites by creating a fund within the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank to provide financial assistance for site preparation and interconnection costs. The bill authorizes the Office of Energy Resources and the Department of Environmental Management to identify eligible sites and sets criteria for prioritizing projects, while allowing the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank to seek federal funding and disburse grants, loans, and other aid to eligible entities.
The Rhode Island House passed H7616 on June 12, 2024 by a vote of 70 to 1. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation expands government intervention in the energy sector, violating constitutional limits on state power and free-market principles. Taxpayer funds should not subsidize renewable energy projects that distort market competition and burden citizens with hidden costs. This legislation advances a UN 2030 Agenda-inspired “climate change” policy that infringes on property rights and economic liberties by prioritizing government-selected sites and technologies. Private enterprise should drive energy innovation without state mandates or government handouts that undermine individual freedom.
