August 30, 2024
On Labor Day: Strengthen Rhode Island’s economy by expanding access to unions
George Nee & Patrick Crowley, Boston Globe
This Labor Day, the Rhode Island AFL-CIO celebrates worker victories like penalties for wage theft, while addressing challenges such as a teacher shortage and high healthcare costs.
July 22, 2024
Organized Labor Is Uncovering the Truth About Offshore Wind in Rhode Island
Maragret Cooney & Devon Lespier, Center for American Progress
Rhode Island is feeling the benefits of climate investments and labor requirements put forth by the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure law.
July 15, 2024
Rhode Island has consistently shown leadership in enacting laws that address climate change
Patrick Crowley, Boston Globe
Over the last few years, Rhode Island has consistently demonstrated national leadership in addressing the impacts of climate change through legislative action.
June 27, 2024
US unions, environmentalists join forces to push for green jobs
Carey Biron, Context
Across the United States, cities are seeking to tap into billions of dollars in new federal funding and create “green jobs” industry that backers say holds the promise of creating entirely new local economies.
June 17, 2024
Greenhouse gas emissions rose 9% in post-pandemic rebound, DEM report says
Nancy Lavin, News From the States
Greenhouse gas emissions rose 9% after COVID in Rhode Island. “Compared to 1990, we are still going in the right direction, but now we need to take the right direction and accelerate it,” Patrick Crowley.
March 27, 2024
Tri-state offshore wind project nets four bidders for Rhode Island. But at what cost?
Gil Netter, People’s World
Rhode Island Energy names developers but does not share price proposals in submissions.
March 22, 2024
Climate action and jobs are a winning combination
Sue AnderBois & Mayor Brett Smiley, Boston Globe
Providence has passed a groundbreaking ordinance for net-zero public buildings by 2040, creating union jobs while addressing the climate crisis. This initiative sets a national precedent for combining environmental goals with job growth and community equity.
March 19, 2024
Mayor Brett Smiley signs city ordinance for carbon-neutral city buildings
Maya Kelly, The Brown Daily Harold
Providence’s Mayor Brett Smiley signs a municipal ordinance that will require all city-owned buildings to be carbon neutral by 2040. Erica Hammond of Climate Jobs Rhode Island says the passing of the ordinance “ensured that working-class people were at the decision making table.
March 15, 2024
Regional labor, energy leaders call for union-powered offshore wind advancements
Jacquelyn Voghel, Providence Business News
Offshore wind and labor advocates on Friday issued a joint call for regional advancements in the offshore wind industry.
March 15, 2024
Organized labor calls for three-state offshore wind agreement in CT, MA, and RI
Mary Serreze, Providence Business First
Offshore wind developers must meet “high-road” labor standards, trade union leaders say.
March 12, 2024
Providence wants all city buildings to become carbon neutral. It’s not yet clear how much it will cost.
Alexis Gagosz, Boston Globe
Providence has enacted an ordinance mandating carbon neutrality for all city-owned buildings, including schools, by 2040. The initiative, part of the Climate Justice Plan, aims to enhance energy efficiency and electrification while creating sustainable jobs, positioning Providence as a national leader in climate action.
March 7, 2024
City Council wants Providence’s city buildings to be carbon neutral by 2040. How will they do it?
Amy Russo, Providence Journal
Providence’s city council passed a law Thursday night to require that municipal building be carbon-neutral by 2040.
January 9, 2024
Rep. Magaziner introduces bill to invest $100 million in clean energy workforce training
Ryan Belmore, Whats Up Newport
Rhode Island Congressman Seth Magaziner introduces bill to provide $100 million in federal funding for clean energy career and technical education programs.
November 30, 2023
Protecting Newport’s Gilded Age mansions takes a new turn; Suing the feds
Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current
Preservation society of Newport County to wage a court battle with the federal agency that approved offshore wind farms on Rhode Island’s coastline. “This is not a collection of working class people who need these jobs and are impacted the most by climate change,” Patrick Crowley.
November 20, 2023
He once chased Lincoln Chafee with a George W. Bush mask, Now, he’s in line to lead RI-AFL-CIO
Katherine Gregg, Providence Journal
November 1, 2023
We finally have the tools to create better schools-let’s do it
Pat Crowley & Vennicia Kingston & LiUNA Local 271, The Valley Breeze
“Investing in healthy and sustainable school facilities is not only a matter of quality education, its a matter of quality of life.”
October 23, 2023
Pandemic lock down temporarily drove down R.I. carbon emissions
Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current
The pandemic’s lock down shortly reduced Rhode Island’s carbon emissions.
October 12, 2023
Providence pledges to be America’s first ‘climate jobs city’
Sarah Wray, Cities Today
Providence, Rhode Island has adopted a resolution to establish itself as “America’s first climate jobs city.” The council said that it is committed to “enacting bold climate policy goals” and “aggressive programmes” to ensure resilience and a just transition.
September 29, 2023
Carbon neutral city buildings? New Providence City Council ordinance could mandate the transition
Amy Russo, Providence Journal
A proposed ordinance awaits the Providence City Council, aimed at making all city owned building carbon-neutral by 2050.
August 30, 2023
Marking a year of strong gains for unions
George Nee & Pat Crowley, Boston Globe
Rhode Island’s labor movement celebrating this years labor day.
August 10, 2023
R.I. Workforce Plans for Offshore Wind, Anticipating Solid Union-Supported Jobs
Mary Lhowe, ecoRI News
The offshore wind industry has a solid foothold on Rhode Island, in workplaces thick with concrete, steel, wrenches, and hard hats. The industry’s land bases in the Ocean State also include busy places where people are training to work in the nascent industry.
July 19, 2023
Rhode Island Energy says ‘no’ to sole proposal for more offshore wind
Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current
“Rhode Island was the first state in the country to build offshore wind and we need to build more of it if we want to tackle back the climate crisis, lower energy costs and create good-paying union jobs in our community,” Climate Jobs Rhode Island.
June 9, 2023
R.I. offshore wind proponents optimistic despite SouthCoast financing troubles
Nancy Lavin, Rhode Island Current
Massachusetts developer Southeast Wind Energy has terminated contracts to sell 1,200 megawatts of electricity due to rising costs, raising concerns for RI’s projects. State officials remain optimistic about Revolution Wind projects moving forward.
May 22, 2023
Will R.I. enact an Environmental Justice Act this year?
Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston Globe
Attention shifts to the House after the Senate’s approval of the legislation, which would let regulators consider cumulative impacts of pollution in “environmental justice focus areas”.
May 18, 2023
Rhode Island can extend its renewable energy infrastructure while protecting its forests
Sue AnderBois & Nick L. Nybo, Boston Globe
New legislation in Rhode Island to mitigate the conflicts between land use, solar energy development, and important open space while fostering green job creation.
May 10, 2023
R.I. coastal regulator to allow Revolution Wind power project
Brian Amaral, Boston Globe
The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council approved the Revolution Wind project, set to generate 704 megawatts of power, with 400 megawatts for the state.
April 4, 2023
Teacher Unions Take on Climate Change
Batul Hassan, NPQ
Despite challenges, teachers’ unions are leveraging common-good bargaining to advocate for transformative changes in education and climate policy. Climate Jobs Rhode Island are pushing pushing for reforms, including funding for clean energy in schools and a commitment to achieving a net zero economy.
March 21, 2023
Unions, environmentalists call for ‘decarbonizing’ R.I. public schools
Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston Globe
Climate Jobs Rhode Island renewed its “Green and Healthy Schools” campaign, urging the General Assembly to pass legislation that would spur investments in “net-zero” school buildings and decarbonize all its public school buildings in 2035.
February, 23, 2023
Sen. Kallman envisions a truly public transit system
Staff, What’s Up Newp
Senator Kallman and Patrick Crowley weigh in on potential public transportation improvements in Rhode Island to lower greenhouse gases and better the economy.
February 22, 2023
New York’s Power Future Is Taking Shape in Rhode Island
Patrick McGeehan, New York Times
As New York grows their offshore wind industry, much of the construction for the South Fork Wind farm is happening in Rhode Island, leveraging its established facilities.
January 5, 2023
New tax credits and rebates available to help lower energy bills
Ryan Belmore, What’s Up Newp
U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse joined labor officials and Rhode Island Energy representatives to promote tax credits and rebates available under the Inflation Reduction Act.
November 14, 2022
Rhode Island voters authorize $400B in state borrowing
Christian Wade, The Center Square
Rhode Island voters approved of borrowing $400 million to help refurbish a state-run university campus, replenish a school building, and fund environmental projects.
November 17, 2022
Rhode Island Voters to decide three bond measures totaling $400 million in November
Victoria Antram, Ballotpedia News
Climate Jobs Rhode Island and other environmental organizations endorsed issuing $50 million in bonds for environmental and recreational purposes.
September 27, 2022
Governor Mckee, Mayor Elorza, and environmental leaders kick off campaign for $50 million Green Bond
Community Submission, What’s up Newp
“Passage of the $50 million Green Bond is a significant investment in the states climate action that will mitigate the impacts of climate change through increased investment in green infrastructure ,” Patrick Crowley.
September 2, 2022
Strong unions make the economy-and R.I.-work better
George Nee & Pat Crowley, Boston Globe
Marking Labor Day, Rhode Island AFL-CIO leaders say passing legislation to make wage theft a felony, and addressing water infrastructure to replace lead pipes, are priorities moving forward.
August 20, 2022
Federal climate jobs act a boon to RI workers
Priscilla De la Cruz & Pat Crowley, Providence Journal
The Inflation Reduction Act combines climate goals with strong labor standards to create good-paying jobs in the renewable energy sector. CJRI highlights how legislation will support a just transition to a net zero economy.
July 28, 2022
In R.I., labor and environmental groups working together on dual crises of climate and inequality
Priscilla De la Cruz & Pat Crowley, Boston Globe
Rhode Island is committed to 100% renewable electricity by 2033, driven by a coalition of unions and climate groups aiming to create thousands of union jobs and address economic inequality.
July 8, 2022
Meet the groups bringing people of color into New England’s energy industry
Hadley Barndollar, Providence Journal
As New England’s clean energy industry evolves, concerns of underrepresentation of POC workers in the sector grow. CJRI pushes state government and union apprenticeship programs to prioritize hiring people of color for clean energy work.
June 24, 2022
Offshore wind energy bills passed by Rhode Island legislature
Zach Bright, Bloomberg Law
Rhode Island’s Legislature has approved bills to advance offshore wind energy and strengthen labor standards for state-funded renewable projects. These measures support the state’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2033.
June 16, 2022
R.I. on track to be first state to require 100% of its electricity come from renewable energy sources
Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston Globe
Rhode Island’s House has passed a bill to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2033, setting annual targets to position the state as a national leader in clean energy and create thousands of climate jobs.
June 14, 2022
Rhode Island advances bill for 100% renewable electric by 2033
Zach Bright, Bloomberg Law
Rhode Island’s House of Representatives has approved a bill mandating that 100% of the state’s electricity come from renewable sources by 2033. The legislation, awaiting the governor’s signature, positions Rhode Island to lead the nation in renewable energy standards.
June 7, 2022
Senate passes bill that would clear the way plastics-to-fuel plants in R.I.
Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston Globe
Rhode Island’s Senate passed a bill for “advanced recycling” plants to convert plastic into fuel, raising concerns from environmentalists about its potential harm to climate efforts and low-income communities. The bill now awaits the governor’s approval.
May 24, 2022
CPS welcomes guests to school sites: sharing importance of school design on education and environment
Staff, Cranston Herald
CJRI and other various environmental and labor groups visit Cranston schools to highlight the importance of designing education facilities that meet 21st century standards and environmental sustainability.
April 4, 2022
Bills would track, reduce greenhouse gas emissions coming from large buildings
Rob Smith, ecoRI News
RI’s General Assembly is considering bills to reduce emissions from large buildings by bench-marking energy use and expanding LEED standards for state-owned properties. CJRI is advocating for the decarbonization of school buildings through initiatives like solar panels and modern HVAC systems.
March 9, 2022
Workers have a climate plan for region
Cynthia Phinney & Pat Crowley & Joe Toner, Providence Journal
Climate Jobs Rhode Island is advocating for $300 million construction bond to fund critical climate upgrades in public schools, demonstrating how investments how these investments can address both environmental and economic inequalities while creating good union jobs.
March 4, 2022
Report addresses labor movement, transition to green economy in RI
Julia Vaz, The Brown Daily Harold
Climate Jobs Rhode Island, in collaboration with Cornell University, has released a report titled “Building a Just Transition for a Resilient Future,” which outlines strategies for Rhode Island to achieve a clean energy economy while supporting working families.
March 4, 2022
Environmental, labor leaders lay out for advocating RI green economy
Nancy Lavin, Providence Business News
Climate Jobs Rhode Island organizes virtual panel to discuss their new Cornell Report. The report outlines strategies for creating 17,000 jobs annually, while transitioning to a net-zero economy.
March 2, 2022
Rhode Island route to an equitable, worker-centered, green economy
George Nee & Sheila Dormody, Boston Globe
Rhode Island can tackle its infrastructure and climate crisis using a $618 million surplus and $2.5 billion in federal funds. CJRI’s Cornell University report outlines steps for full decarbonization, creating union jobs, and promoting racial equity.
February 24, 2022
Roadmap of a new economy in Rhode Island
George Nee & Sheila Dormody, The Westerly Sun
Rhode Island’s budget surplus positions the state to address the climate crisis while promoting economic equity.
February 22, 2022
Its time Rhode Island invests in its future with focus on climate
George Nee & Sheila Dormody, The Independent RI
Rhode Island can tackle its climate crisis with their $618 million budget surplus. CJRI’s new Cornell Report outlines a path for the state to achieve full decarbonization while creating good union jobs.
February 18, 2022
RI’s map to equitable, worker-centered, green economy
Rachel Nunes, Patch
Rhode Island is well-positioned to address its climate crisis and infrastructure challenges, supported by a $618 million budget surplus and $2.5 budget in federal funding.
February 3, 2022
New report outlines equitable climate action plan for Rhode Island
Staff, ecoRI News
Climate Jobs Rhode Island and Cornell University have released a report detailing a climate jobs action plan aimed at transitioning the state to a renewable energy economy while ensuring equity and strong labor standards.
February 3, 2022
Labor and environmental coalition calls for R.I. to transition to a clean energy economy
Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston Globe
Climate Jobs Rhode Island’s Cornell report suggests that RI can tackle the climate crisis and economic inequality by transitioning to clean energy, including offshore wind and decarbonizing schools, while creating high-paying union jobs.
December 9, 2021
Union, climate groups call for ‘decarbonizing’ R.I. public school buildings
Edward Fitzpatrick, Boston Globe
A coalition of labor unions and environmental groups is calling for Rhode Island to decarbonize public schools using federal and state funds, aiming to eliminate emissions and create jobs through renewable energy initiatives.
December 8, 2021
Environmental and labor groups call on RI to invest in greener schools
Alex Kuffner, Providence Journal
Climate Jobs Rhode Island is urging the state’s government to incorporate solar power and clean energy measures into plans for rebuilding public schools, aiming for all schools to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.