Just days after the Rhode Island General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to approve new legislation to encourage the development of more wind, solar and renewable energy jobs, Governor Donald Carcieri has vetoed the legislation.
Supporters of the comprehensive clean energy legislation said it would create new ‘green’ jobs for Rhode Islanders, increasing the state’s energy independence, decrease greenhouse gas emissions and promote wind, solar and other renewable energy resources.
Carcieri said he supports the development of renewable energy in Rhode Island, but that he sees three significant faults in the bill, which requires National Grid to enter into "commercially reasonable" long-term contracts with renewable energy developers.
He opposed measures that give 3% bonus payments to National Grid, did not require renewable energy development within the state, and gave priority treatment to solar over other forms of renewable energy.
“It is with much regret that I find it necessary to veto this legislation,” the governor said in a statement. “Unfortunately, I believe the legislation before me today fails to balance our desire to invest in renewable energy with the realities that ratepayers currently endure.”
The legislation enjoyed strong bipartisan support in the Senate and was approved by a vote of 34-1. The vote on final passage in the House was 53-11.
The General Assembly is being encouraged to override the governor’s veto.
"Our region is facing a climate change emergency, and the Rhode Island General Assembly recognized that fact when it passed the long-term contracting bill to boost development of renewable energy projects, like wind and solar," said Jerry Elmer, Staff Attorney for the Conservation Law Foundation. "Gov. Carcieri’s veto is extremely disappointing and we hope the General Assembly will override the veto promptly to help set the stage for a clean energy future in Rhode Island."
"Long-term contracts with renewable energy projects help make clean energy happen by getting entrepreneurs the stability they need to get financed," said John Rogers, senior energy analyst at the Union of Concerned Scientists. "This legislation will benefit Rhode Island consumers, its growing clean energy industry, and the planet. It’s time to get it done and get Rhode Island moving forward."
A coalition representing diverse interests supports the legislation introduced by House Majority Leader Gordon Fox and Senate President Montalbano (H-7916 & S-2849). A partial list of supporters includes:
Allco Renewable Energy Group, Bluewater Wind, Cape Wind, Clean Water Action, Conservation Law Foundation, Environment Rhode Island, Interfaith Power & Light, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 99, Jobs with Justice, Lorax Energy, National Grid, People’s Power & Light, Ridgewood Power Company, SolarWrights, Union of Concerned Scientists.
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