PROVIDENCE— Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts issued the following statement today regarding Environment Rhode Island's release of a report analyzing state clean energy policies. The report gives Rhode Island one of seven gold stars for its leadership promoting renewable energy, improving energy efficiency and requiring more clean and efficient cars be sold. The Environment America report, "America's Clean Energy Stars: State Actions Leading America to a New Energy Future" praised Rhode Island for adopting bold policies to promote clean energy that can provide a model for the entire nation.
"Thousands of Rhode Islanders have joined with me over my 11 years in government to improve energy efficiency standards and clean up our bay. I am very proud that Rhode Island has been recognized nationally for its efforts to make the Ocean State a greener, cleaner environment for all of us to live and work in.
"The release of this positive report does not mean our work on energy efficiency and climate change is complete. This report serves as a call to action to continue to make Rhode Island greener and more efficient. I look forward to working together with Environment Rhode Island, the General Assembly, and the governor to ensure that our clean energy successes continue in the months and years to come."
Roberts was named to the Environment Council of Rhode Island's Green Honor Roll in both 2005 and 2006 for her demonstrated legislative environmental record in the Rhode Island State Senate, most notably her sponsorship of the Energy and Consumer Savings Act that set minimum energy efficiency standards for common household and commercial appliances. The act is predicted to save Rhode Island consumers and businesses $225 million over the next 25 years, while cutting pollution, improving electric system reliability and easing pressure on energy prices. As lieutenant governor, Roberts called on Rhode Island to participate in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a cap-and-trade program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from regional power plants.
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