The Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4), led by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management Director Terry Gray, has approved a $1.5 million spending plan for fiscal year 2026. The funds will be distributed among state agencies to support the implementation of Rhode Island’s Act on Climate law, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve climate resilience in local communities.
Governor Dan McKee said, “The approval of this funding represents continued investment in Rhode Island’s progress toward a climate-resilient future, from promoting cleaner transportation through RIPTA to supporting more energy efficient local businesses. The EC4 helps guide collaborative climate efforts across state agencies that keep us on the path to a cleaner, more sustainable future for our state.”
Terry Gray commented, “The FY2026 EC4 budget represents a strategic and well-balanced approach to climate investment. It thoughtfully allocates funding across agencies to advance both climate resilience and emissions reduction, while also ensuring an effective mix of direct program support, capacity building, and community engagement. We look forward to working collaboratively with all EC4 partners to help ensure the successful implementation of these programs and projects in support of our state mitigation and resilience goals.”
Chris Kearns, Acting Commissioner of the RI Office of Energy Resources and EC4 Vice Chair, added, “This year’s approved EC4 budget reflects our priority of funding several important objectives. It invests in small businesses to lower energy costs through energy efficiency investments, gives agencies the staff support needed to move key energy policies forward, and helps prepare the next generation of Rhode Islanders for careers in energy and environmental fields.”
Among the allocations is $231,000 directed to the Rhode Island Department of Education for efforts aimed at improving climate resilience and decarbonization in high-need public schools. The RI Commerce Corporation will receive $100,000 intended for its Energy Efficiency Grant Program that provides incentives for small businesses undertaking upgrades related to energy efficiency or emissions reductions.
Other funded initiatives include $100,000 allocated for collaboration between the Executive Office of Health and Human Services and Rhode Island’s Health Equity Zone initiative on health impacts related to climate change. Additionally, $193,000 will go toward a University of Rhode Island statewide project supporting paid internships for students enrolled in its new Environmental Education B.S. program.
Further details about DEM programs can be found at www.dem.ri.gov.
