On July 9, 2025, Rhode Island Governor Sarah Thompson made history by signing groundbreaking climate change legislation that aims to significantly reduce the state's carbon emissions and transition to a more sustainable future.The new legislation, known as the Rhode Island Climate Action Plan, sets ambitious goals for the state to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. This milestone makes Rhode Island one of the first states in the nation to commit to such an aggressive timeline for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.In a statement released after the signing of the bill, Governor Thompson emphasized the importance of taking immediate action to combat climate change. "We cannot afford to wait any longer to address the urgent threat of climate change," she said. "This legislation is a crucial step towards securing a safer and more sustainable future for all Rhode Islanders."The Rhode Island Climate Action Plan includes a variety of strategies to reduce carbon emissions across various sectors, including transportation, energy production, and building construction. Some key measures outlined in the plan include incentivizing the use of electric vehicles, investing in renewable energy sources, and implementing stricter building codes to ensure energy efficiency.Environmental advocacy groups and climate activists have praised the new legislation as a significant step forward in the fight against climate change. "This is a historic moment for Rhode Island and a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and advocacy," said Rachel Evans, a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Climate Alliance. "We applaud Governor Thompson and the state legislature for their leadership in addressing this critical issue."The Rhode Island Climate Action Plan also includes provisions to support communities that are disproportionately impacted by climate change, such as low-income and minority populations. The plan allocates funding for climate adaptation and resilience projects in these communities, aiming to ensure that all Rhode Islanders can benefit from a cleaner and more sustainable future.Overall, the signing of the Rhode Island Climate Action Plan marks a significant milestone in the state's efforts to combat climate change and transition to a more sustainable future. Governor Thompson's leadership in signing this historic legislation has set a powerful example for other states to follow in the fight against climate change.