2026 -- H 7524

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LC003631

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RESPECTFULLY URGING THE GOVERNOR TO SUPPORT AND TAKE ACTION TO

EXPAND THE NATURAL GAS PIPELINE CAPACITY INTO NEW ENGLAND

     Introduced By: Representatives Fascia, Quattrocchi, J. Brien, Santucci, Chippendale,
and Hopkins

     Date Introduced: February 06, 2026

     Referred To: House Corporations

     WHEREAS, New England Governors have recently and historically committed to

regional cooperation to address high energy costs and improve reliability, which for some states

includes supporting new energy infrastructure and natural gas pipeline expansion to assist in

stabilizing natural gas and energy prices; and

     WHEREAS, Currently, Rhode Island imports nearly all its natural gas, primarily via the

Algonquin and Tennessee Gas Pipelines; and

     WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, 87 percent of electricity generated in-state comes from

natural gas (which is the 2nd highest share in the nation), while 55 percent of the ISO NE (a non-

profit independent system operator) grid comes from natural gas; and

     WHEREAS, During winter, natural gas demand spikes for both heating and electricity,

and when pipeline capacity is reached, ISO NE is forced to switch to costlier, dirtier fuels like oil

and coal; and

     WHEREAS, In January of 2025, coal and oil-fired plants briefly supplied more power to

NE than natural gas; and

     WHEREAS, No major pipelines have been built in NE in nearly a decade; and

     WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, the average residential rate for ratepayers is now

32.3c/kWh (reported in the first quarter of 2025), nearly double the national average of

16.4c/kWh; and

     WHEREAS, Energy affordability and a reliable supply of energy is an essential necessity

for Rhode Islanders, and helps to ensure our State’s economic stability, security, and public

health; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

urges Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee to join with other Northeast Governors in supporting

new infrastructure that can help stabilize natural gas and energy prices and reduce supply risk in

the market; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee.

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