PROVIDENCE: Clean Water Action issued a statement today responding to Governor McKee’s decision to veto the Building Decarbonization Act.
“We are extremely disappointed, but sadly not shocked, to see that Governor McKee has vetoed a bill that would give Rhode Island another tool in the fight against climate change. This comes after his proposed budget last spring also suggested deep cuts to energy efficiency programs.
Climate change poses an existential threat to Rhode Island’s coastal communities, and as recently as 2021, Governor McKee agreed, signing our state’s ambitious Act on Climate law. But over the last year, he has retreated from his own commitments.
Buildings’ energy consumption accounts for nearly a third of Rhode Island’s greenhouse gas emissions. Refusing to gather data on large buildings’ energy use won’t make the problem go away, but it will make it harder to solve.
Clean Water Action will be organizing with other advocates to encourage legislators to work with leadership to override the Governor's veto,” said Emily Howe, Rhode Island Clean Water Action State Director.