Progressive Lieutenant Governor candidate Sue AnderBois announced the public release of her comprehensive energy plan, entitled “New Energy for Rhode Island: Putting the Power Back in Our Hands,” which outlines her strategy to address rising utility costs, climate change, and corporate influence over the state’s energy system. AnderBois released the plan at a press conference on Thursday outside the Rhode Island State House, where she was joined by a slate of legislators and community partners to sign on to the plan.
Here’s the video:
“We are experiencing a real energy affordability crisis right now, and Rhode Islanders need leaders who have clear solutions to address this,” said AnderBois. “Governor McKee has repeatedly attempted to roll back energy efficiency programs and renewable energy priorities under the guise of ‘saving ratepayers money.’ In reality, these rollbacks only drive up costs, reduce Rhode Islanders’ ability to manage their bills, and double down on investments in expensive infrastructure to support expensive natural gas. ‘New Energy for Rhode Island’ addresses the energy crisis holistically, outlining the real solutions to stabilizing electricity rates and creating an affordable, reliable, clean energy future.”
The more than 15-page plan calls for a variety of specific legislative and administrative actions to “put the power back in the hands of Rhode Islanders.” It outlines strategies ranging from strong state “Lead by Example” initiatives to reducing costs through energy efficiency, addressing the utility business model that leads to expensive infrastructure overbuild, increasing energy diversity, and managing the transition away from an over-reliance on natural gas. It specifically identifies the Lt. Governor’s unique role in taking on this challenging issue, and the opportunity to partner across administrative and legislative solutions.
“New Energy for Rhode Island” is currently endorsed by Representatives Jennifer Boylan, Terri Cortvriend, Rebecca Kislak, Michelle McGaw, Brandon Potter, June Speakman, and Teresa Tanzi; Senator Alana DiMario; and Climate Action Rhode Island, with more to be announced.
“Our state needs real leaders, ready to step in and do the work on Day 1,” continued AnderBois. “I am the only candidate for Lieutenant Governor with a clear vision for the office, the experience and relationships needed to actually deliver, and an action plan to enact the moment I step into office. I am beyond excited to release ‘New Energy for Rhode Island’ in partnership with the leaders and experts from across our state who are fighting for a brighter, cleaner, more affordable future for Rhode Islanders.”
AnderBois currently represents Ward 3 on Providence City Council, where she chairs the Special Committee on Environment and Resilience and sponsored (among other things) the city’s Climate Jobs Commitment, Building Energy Reporting Ordinance, Carbon Neutral Buildings Act, and Green Revolving Fund. Most recently, AnderBois also served as the Northeast Director of Climate and Energy at The Nature Conservancy.
AnderBois has built a coalition of 20+ endorsements that includes Climate Action Rhode Island, the Providence Streets Coalition, Cranston Forward, East Bay Indivisible chapter, the Jamestown and Burrillville Town Democratic Committees, longtime climate leader and author Bill McKibben, current Providence City Councilors Miguel Sanchez, Jill Davidson, and Justin Roias, former Providence City Councilors Helen Anthony and Kat Kerwin, current Barrington Town Councilor Jordan Jancosek, former Woonsocket council member Alex Kithes, and many current and recent General Assembly members including Representatives June Speakman, Susan Donovan, Megan Cotter, Teresa Tanzi, Jennifer Stewart, Jennifer Boylan, Edith Ajello, Brandon Potter, Senator Alana DiMario, and former state Representatives Aaron Regunberg and Marcia Ranglin-Vassell.
Sue AnderBois is a Providence City Councilor for Ward 3 running for Lieutenant Governor of Rhode Island. She previously served as Rhode Island’s first director of food strategy and spent years leading climate and energy work across the Northeast for The Nature Conservancy. On the City Council, she has championed lower energy costs, clean energy investment, and safer streets for Providence families. Learn more at www.sueanderbois.com.
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