Key facts
- Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee vetoed two bills (H7183 and S2260) on June 24.
- The bills required owners of buildings over 25,000 sq ft to report annual energy consumption.
- McKee cited conflicts with the state's fiscal year 2027 budget and unfunded mandate concerns.
- The vetoed legislation was intended as a first step toward implementing GHG performance standards for large buildings.
- Bill sponsors Senator Meghan Kallman and Representative Rebecca Kislak expressed disappointment.
Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee vetoed two legislative bills, H7183 and S2260, on June 24, which aimed to require owners of large buildings to report their annual energy consumption. McKee stated that the bills created uncertainty and conflicted with a provision in the fiscal year 2027 budget that establishes greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions benchmarking and performance standards for state-owned and occupied buildings.
According to the governor, the vetoed legislation also posed a "significant unfunded mandate" for the state's Office of Energy Resources, as no funding was allocated for the agency to implement the reporting requirements. McKee asserted that the framework enacted through the budget offers a more practical and sustainable approach without burdening residential and commercial properties.
Bill sponsors Senator Meghan Kallman and Representative Rebecca Kislak expressed their disappointment. Kislak called the veto irresponsible, stating it hinders the acquisition of crucial information for an affordable energy future. Kallman criticized the decision as careless, particularly given the current high energy prices faced by Rhode Islanders, and noted a similar program in Providence covering a significant portion of the state's large buildings.
The legislation would have applied to residential and non-residential buildings of at least 25,000 square feet. The Office of Energy Resources would have been responsible for implementation, notification, and data submission to the General Assembly. This initiative was viewed as a foundational step toward establishing GHG performance standards for large buildings to help Rhode Island meet its climate goals. A related bill, H7184, which would have established performance standards, failed in committee.
While the General Assembly, holding Democratic majorities, could attempt to override the veto, it would require a 60% majority in both chambers. The legislative session has concluded, though the governor can call a special session. Kallman expressed hope for an override.