Rhode Island Legislature Passes Environmental Wins Including Building Decarbonization Mandates and Sludge Incinerator Moratorium

Summary

The 2026 Rhode Island legislative session concluded with several environmental wins despite initial threats from Gov. Dan McKee's affordability agenda, which proposed rolling back renewable energy standards and cutting solar and energy efficiency programs. Key victories include building decarbonization mandates, a sludge incinerator moratorium, and the preservation of most climate programs in the final state budget. Environmental advocates spent much of the session playing defense but ultimately secured important protections.