PROVIDENCE, RI – General Treasurer Seth Magaziner was honored today as a '2016 Clean Energy Champion' for his leadership in advancing the clean energy economy in Rhode Island.
The award was given to Magaziner and Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed by the Northeast Clean Energy Council's (NECEC) at its Fourth Annual Rhode Island Clean Energy Day at the State House.
NECEC President Peter Rothstein credited Treasurer Magaziner for his work to establish new finance programs at the expanded Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank (RIIB) to support the growing solar and efficiency sectors and enable ratepayers to better manage their energy use, while expanding clean and affordable energy.
"As Treasurer, I pushed for creation of new green finance programs at the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank to make our state more economically competitive, improve energy efficiency and put Rhode Islanders back to work," Treasurer Magaziner said. "As the Infrastructure Bank moves forward, we are committed to working closely with the Northeast Clean Energy Council to reduce Rhode Island's carbon footprint and increase reliable and affordable energy supply across the region."
Built upon the existing success of the Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Agency, the RIIB will serve as a central hub for existing and new green infrastructure financing initiatives that will save money for businesses, residents, and municipalities on their energy bills.
This year, RIIB will launch a new Efficient Buildings Fund (EBF) to provide low-cost loans to municipalities seeking energy improvements in public buildings. The agency will also implement a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program to finance energy efficiency and renewable energy projects for commercial and residential properties.