DEM: R.I. makes progress toward goal of reaching net-zero emissions

RHODE ISLAND GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS as of 2019 are below the 2020 benchmarks set in the state Act on Climate Law, according to a new report from the R.I. Department of Environmental Management. /COURTESY R.I. DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

PROVIDENCE – Rhode Island appears to be back on track toward achieving its ambitious climate change goals, according to a new report from the R.I. Department of Environmental Management.

The 10.8 gross metric tons of carbon emitted in 2019 – the latest data available – is below the incremental benchmarks for 2020 set in the state’s Act on Climate law, which aims to reach zero net emissions by 2050. The new information also marks a reversal from 2018 emissions numbers, which showed greenhouse emissions were on the rise and warned the state was at risk for not meeting its decarbonization goals, PBN previously reported. 

Gross 2019 emissions mark a 7.4% decline over the year prior, and a 15.3% drop over the 1990 baseline, according to DEM’s new report. When measuring in terms of net carbon emissions, which incorporates measures that can remove greenhouse gas emissions such as planting trees, the state has seen its output of climate-warming gases drop by 19.2% since 1990, according to the report.

The 2019 data marks the first time the state has calculated its net carbon emissions by measuring how much carbon has been removed based on acres of state forestland and the types of trees that occupy them.

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While the report painted a brighter picture of Rhode Island’s progress toward reaching net-zero emissions, it also emphasized the importance of strengthening policies to hit future benchmarks mandated by the Act on Climate law, including a 45% emissions reduction by 2030. This includes more electric vehicles, since the transportation sector is the top offender, responsible for 40% of all greenhouse gas emitted, according to the report. Alternative heating and electricity sources will also be crucial to making progress, since residential heating and electricity consumption each account for another 19% of gas emissions.

“Strategic use of fossil fuel resources will help Rhode Island achieve the Act on Climate emission reduction mandates,” the report stated. “Although the Ocean State is a small piece of the puzzle, continuous improvements in energy efficiency set an example for other states to follow.”

Nancy Lavin is a PBN staff writer. You may reach her at Lavin@PBN.com. Follow her on Twitter at @NancyKLavin.

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