5Q: Marion Gold

 / PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO
/ PBN PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

1 How many jobs does the so-called clean-energy economy support?

The clean-energy economy supports nearly 10,000 jobs throughout the state. Last year, this sector added over 600 jobs, with nearly 90 percent of the growth occurring in firms that employ fewer than 25 employees. Projections [for 2016] show the state is expected to add about 1,600 new clean-energy jobs, a growth rate of more than 15 percent.

2 Rhode Island ranks as the fourth-most-energy-efficient state in the country. What could make it No. 1?

Thanks to the leadership of Gov. [Gina M.] Raimondo and Treasurer [Seth] Magaziner, the newly created Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank will leverage private and public capital to invest in comprehensive energy efficiency and other clean-energy solutions throughout the state.

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3 What type of investment is your office making in alternative energy?

Through Solarize Rhode Island, 10 communities have participated or will be participating in community-based expansion of rooftop residential solar. Gov. Raimondo has issued an executive order that tasks the Office of Energy Resources with establishing a program to oversee and coordinate efforts at state agencies to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions [and] procure 100 percent of state government electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2025.

4 How is the updated state energy plan providing a vision for needed energy services?

Rhode Island has updated its state energy plan with a vision of providing secure, cost-effective and sustainable energy systems and services. The plan [proposes] increasing fuel diversity, producing net economic benefits and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45 percent by 2035 with [steps] to: maximize energy efficiency in all sectors; promote renewable energy; develop markets for alternative thermal and transportation fuels; [invest] in energy infrastructure; mobilize capital and reduce costs; reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and lead by example.

5 Your office is preparing a final action plan for zero-emission vehicles. How big a potential market is this in Rhode Island?

As of December 2015, 449 electric vehicles were registered in the state. To grow [that] market, our action plan suggests developing an incentive program and [cites] a need to expand the availability of charging stations, educate manufacturers about the benefits of ZEVs and coordinate regionally to find greater efficiencies. •

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