McKee signs new Lead by Example executive order to cut down emissions

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee signed a new Lead by Example executive order at the sixth-annual Clean Energy Awards ceremony on Tuesday.

Within the executive order, all state agencies will need to take part in emission reduction projects.

It sets out new goals that coincide with the 2021 Act on Climate, which focuses on the same goal for the state to ultimately achieve net-zero emissions economy-wide.

House Speaker Joe Shekarchi and Senate Environment & Agriculture Committee Chairwoman Alana DiMario were among officials who joined McKee in recognizing 19 towns, school districts, and agencies for their renewable energy achievements.

“Congratulations to all our nominees and winners for their impressive efforts in for contributing to our leadership in the clean energy sector,” McKee said. “I am proud of the outstanding work from the Lead by Example team at the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources that has led them to surpass previously set targets. Today, I have put in place a new Lead by Example Executive Order that will continue to support the efforts of public sector entities to reduce their operating and maintenance costs, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and support the local clean energy economy.”

Awards were distributed to the winners of each category: Public school; Jamestown School Department, Municipality; North Kingstown, State agency; Rhode Island State Police Department, and Public sector entity; Pascoag Utility District.