Christopher Kearns - Providence Business News

R.I. to add 102 electric vehicle charging stations in $24M statewide...

Energy 05/04/2026

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Office of Energy Resources and R.I. Department of Transportation on Monday announced plans to install 102 new electric vehicle charging...

SHINING EXAMPLE: The University of Rhode Island solar carport was erected two years ago over a 400-spot parking lot along Plains Road on the South Kingstown campus.  COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

Solar carport projects fueling climate goals

Focus 02/27/2026

There has been a lot of talk these days about net-zero emissions – removing more greenhouse gases than produced – but Jeffrey Hall says...

INTEREST in buying a electric vehicle may be waning across, but state officials and data indicate that sentiment doesn't appear to be on the decline, at least not yet. / AP FILE PHOTO/NAM Y. HUH

What does waning interest in buying electric vehicles mean for R.I.’s...

Editor's Choice 06/13/2025

Rhode Island is steadily plugging into the electric vehicle future – but it’s doing so against a backdrop of growing national hesitation. While the state...

R.I. signs first-time agreement for multistate offshore wind procurement with Mass.,...

Economic Activity 10/04/2023

BOSTON – Rhode Island energy officials announced Wednesday that the Ocean State has joined New England’s first multistate offshore wind memorandum of understanding with...

Putting dollars behind decarbonization: FY24 budget marks $4.5M for interagency climate council

Economic Activity 06/22/2023

Compared with the $14 billion bottom line of the state’s budget, $4.5 million doesn’t sound like much. But as the first dedicated funding to the...

RIDOT becomes first R.I. agency to reach full LED compliance

Government 02/07/2023

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Transportation has become the first state agency to reach 100% reliance on improved energy efficient LED lighting, the...

TYLER JUSTIN, owner of Mission Electric, sells and maintains electric bicycles. State officials announced Wednesday that it will launch the Erika Niedowski Memorial Electric Bike Rebate Program, which will offer residents reimbursements for purchasing e-bikes. /PBN FILE PHOTO/MICHAEL SALERNO

State launches $250,000 e-bike rebate program

Government 10/19/2022

EAST PROVIDENCE – Come Oct. 24, the state will open up a new electric bicycle rebate program, offering residents reimbursements for purchasing e-bikes in...

Christopher Kearns named interim state energy commissioner

Government 07/26/2022

PROVIDENCE – The second-in-command at the state energy office will take on the top leadership role, at least temporarily. Gov. Daniel J. McKee on Tuesday...

Residential solar market heats up while siting debates cloud commercial projects

Economic Activity 07/18/2022

PROVIDENCE – The phone hasn’t stopped ringing lately at Evergreen Solar Inc.’s Pawtucket office. And Brian Fabiano, co-president, doesn't expect it to quiet down anytime...