Climate Energy Forum Scheduled in North Kingstown

Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Town Manager Ralph Mollis, to present

The North Kingstown Democratic Town Committee, Climate Jobs RI, and Climate Action Rhode Island will sponsor a forum on “Saving Money by Greening Homes and Buildings,” Thursday May 25 at 6:30 at the North Kingstown Free Library.

President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 contained a tremendous number of incentives and programs to help businesses, individuals, and governments reduce their carbon emissions.

There are new and existing state programs with the same purpose. The forum will help people understand the range of opportunities available and the important goals of these programs.

Presenters will include US Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Karen Bradbury of the RI Office of Energy Resources, Mike Roles of Climate Jobs RI, Angela Tuoni of the RI Infrastructure Bank, and Mario Carreno of the RI Department of Education. North Kingstown Town Manager Ralph Mollis will offer closing remarks.

“The Inflation Reduction Act is lowering electric bills and creating well-paying jobs for Rhode Islanders while leading the planet to safety in the race against climate change,” said Senator Whitehouse, who will present some of the features of the Act that apply to individual homeowners who want to electrify their homes or cars, or want to invest in renewable energy production.

These state and federal programs are especially important since the state adopted ambitious climate goals in 2021 legislation. Pat Crowley, co-chair of Climate Jobs RI, said “Goals are good to have, but we also have to plan to meet them. There is work to do, and jobs for people willing to do it.”

There are a number of different programs available, and it can be confusing for individuals to sort through all the programs and definitions. 

Anne Geertman, chair of the North Kingstown Democrats, added, “There is a lot of money available from state programs and President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. The forum will be a great place for us to learn about what we can use, both for our own homes, and our town.”

What: Green Building Forum

Where: North Kingstown Free Library, 55 Boone Street, North Kingstown.

When: Thursday May 25, 6:30pm.

Admission: Free, but space is limited. Please RSVP at https://bit.ly/nkdems_signup

Contact: Meg Kerr (megkerr66@gmail.com, 401-714-2313) or Tom Sgouros (tsgouros@gmail.com, 401-662-9668). More: https://www.nkdemocrats.org/post/build-green-save-money-be-happy