S 2659Public Finance

State Affairs and Government - 2021 Act on Climate

The Governor must explain how the annual proposed budget helps the state meet its mandated climate change goals.

Introduced

Population
Affected

Introduced Feb 27, 2026Committee Senate Environment & Agriculture

Plain-English Summary

This legislation amends the "2021 Act on Climate" to add a specific requirement for the Governor regarding the state budget. Under this bill, when the Governor presents the proposed budget for each fiscal year, they must explicitly explain the climate considerations that were taken into account. Specifically, the Governor must detail how the proposed budget helps move the state toward the environmental goals mandated by the Act on Climate. This ensures that the state's financial planning is aligned with its statutory climate change mitigation and resilience targets.

For younger readers

This bill adds a new rule for the Governor of Rhode Island. Every year, the Governor has to make a plan called a budget, which shows how the state will spend its money. This new law says that when the Governor shares this money plan, they also have to explain how it helps the environment. They must show how the spending will help stop climate change and reach the goals the state has already set for keeping the planet healthy. It makes sure the state thinks about the earth when deciding how to spend money.

Who & Where It Applies

Impacted groups

The GovernorState AgenciesRhode Island General AssemblyEnvironmental Advocacy GroupsTaxpayers

Impacted communities

All

Constitutional & Fiscal Check

None Likely

Estimated cost

None

Estimated revenue

None

Bill Analysis

Both viewpoints

For Progressives

Ensures that climate justice and environmental goals are integrated directly into the state's financial planning process rather than being treated as an afterthought.
Increases transparency and accountability by forcing the executive branch to publicly disclose how the budget advances the state's climate mandates.
Provides a tool for activists and legislators to scrutinize the budget to ensure it adequately funds necessary social and environmental reforms.
Lacks specific enforcement mechanisms or penalties if the Governor provides vague or insufficient explanations regarding climate considerations.
Does not mandate specific funding levels for climate programs, potentially allowing for "greenwashing" without substantial financial commitment.
Risk that the requirement becomes a bureaucratic checkbox exercise rather than driving genuine systemic change or aggressive climate action.

For Conservatives

Increases transparency regarding how tax dollars are being allocated toward environmental initiatives, allowing for better fiscal scrutiny.
Does not impose any new taxes, fees, or regulations on businesses or individuals, as it is strictly a government reporting requirement.
Forces the administration to justify its climate-related spending proposals, providing an opportunity to challenge inefficient use of funds.
Institutionalizes the prioritization of climate ideology within the budget process, potentially overshadowing other critical needs like public safety or tax relief.
Expands the bureaucracy by adding more administrative requirements to the budget process, likely wasting time and resources.
Could be used to justify increased government spending and the expansion of the state administrative state under the guise of climate mandates.

Votes

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Full Bill Text

Changes to existing Rhode Island law · 4 additions

SECTION 1. Section 42-6.2-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-6.2 entitled "2021 Act on Climate" is hereby amended to read as follows: 42-6.2-8. Powers and duties of state agencies — Exercise of existing authority. Addressing the impacts on climate change shall be deemed to be within the powers, duties, and obligations of all state departments, agencies, commissions, councils, and instrumentalities, including quasi-public agencies, and each shall exercise among its purposes in the exercise of its existing authority, the purposes set forth in this chapter pertaining to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience in so far as climate change affects its mission, duties, responsibilities, projects, or programs. The governor, in presenting proposed budget articles for each fiscal year, shall set forth the climate considerations that were undertaken to move the state towards the mandated goals set forth in this chapter. Each agency shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations necessary to meet the greenhouse gas emission reduction mandate established by § 42-6.2-9.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.