Deeper Decarbonization in the Ocean State: The 2019 Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Reduction Study

This executive summary describes a study conducted by the Stockholm Environment Institute and Brown University to evaluate the feasibility of ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions in Rhode Island. The study updates a 2016 baseline using more recent science on methane leakage and global warming potential, finding that current emissions are higher than previously estimated. It models pathways to reach near-zero net emissions by 2030, 2040, and 2050, concluding that a 70-80% reduction is feasible through electrification, efficiency, and grid decarbonization.

• The study's primary conclusion is that Rhode Island can feasibly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 70-80% by the years 2030, 2040, or 2050.
• Updated scientific data on natural gas leakage and the short-term impacts of methane indicate that Rhode Island's 2017 emissions were approximately 45% higher than the estimates provided in a 2016 study.
• To achieve a 70-80% reduction in emissions, the study identifies three primary strategies: electrifying transportation and heating systems, increasing energy efficiency, and replacing fossil fuel power plants (coal, gas, and oil) with renewable energy sources.
• The modeled decarbonization pathways do not reach zero net emissions, as all three scenarios plateau at approximately 4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. This is attributed to a lack of rigorous studies on decarbonizing specific commercial and industrial processes.
• Transitioning away from fossil fuels offers economic and health benefits for Rhode Island. The state currently spends over $3 billion annually on gas, oil, and coal—representing about 5% of its GDP—which leaves the local economy. Decarbonization could also reduce asthma and cardiopulmonary issues for residents living near highways and energy facilities.

APA

Veysey, J., Roberts, J. T., Traver, D., Cotler, B., Gross, B., & Kim, A. (2019). Deeper Decarbonization in the Ocean State: The 2019 Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Reduction Study. Stockholm Environment Institute. https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/executive-summary-deeper-decarbonization-in-the-ocean-state.pdf

Chicago

Veysey, Jason, J. Timmons Roberts, Daniel Traver, Brett Cotler, Benjamin Gross, and Angie Kim. Deeper Decarbonization in the Ocean State: The 2019 Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Reduction Study. Stockholm Environment Institute, 2019. https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/executive-summary-deeper-decarbonization-in-the-ocean-state.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Veysey |first1=Jason |last2=Roberts |first2=J. Timmons |last3=Traver |first3=Daniel |last4=Cotler |first4=Brett |last5=Gross |first5=Benjamin |last6=Kim |first6=Angie |title=Deeper Decarbonization in the Ocean State: The 2019 Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Reduction Study |publisher=Stockholm Environment Institute |date=12 September 2019 |url=https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/executive-summary-deeper-decarbonization-in-the-ocean-state.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{veysey2019deeper, author = {Veysey, Jason and Roberts, J. Timmons and Traver, Daniel and Cotler, Brett and Gross, Benjamin and Kim, Angie}, title = {{Deeper Decarbonization in the Ocean State: The 2019 Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Reduction Study}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, year = {2019}, month = sep, url = {https://www.sei.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/executive-summary-deeper-decarbonization-in-the-ocean-state.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }