Repeals the 2021 Act on Climate which established a statewide greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate in its entirety.

Plain-English Summary

This bill would completely eliminate Rhode Island's 2021 Act on Climate, a law that set legally binding targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across the state. The 2021 Act on Climate required Rhode Island to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by specific amounts over time, with the goal of addressing climate change. If this repeal bill passes, those reduction requirements would no longer be in effect, and the state would no longer be legally obligated to meet those climate targets.

The 2021 Act on Climate affected a wide range of people and industries in Rhode Island, including businesses, energy providers, and state agencies that were required to plan and act in ways that support emission reductions. Repealing it would remove those obligations, potentially giving businesses and government agencies more flexibility in how they operate, but also eliminating the structured framework the state was using to track and reduce pollution.

Currently, the bill has been referred to the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, which recommended it be held for further study — meaning the committee has not moved it forward for a full vote at this time. The bill is scheduled for additional hearing and consideration in March 2026. As of now, the 2021 Act on Climate remains the law in Rhode Island unless and until the legislature votes to change it.