The resolution introduced by Senator Meghan E. Kallman requests the Office of Energy Resources (OER) to conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of benchmarking programs for municipal and private buildings that exceed 25,000 square feet. This initiative is in response to the 2021 Act on Climate, which positions Rhode Island as a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The resolution emphasizes the need for updated emissions and energy-use data for large buildings, which are estimated to contribute significantly to statewide emissions.

The Senate resolution outlines specific tasks for the OER, including assessing the current status of benchmarking efforts on state properties, providing recommendations for expanding these efforts to municipal and private buildings, and gathering feedback from relevant stakeholders such as the League of Cities and Towns and Chambers of Commerce. Additionally, the OER is tasked with coordinating with Rhode Island Energy to model data and costs associated with the benchmarking program. The findings and recommendations are to be reported back to the Senate by February 27, 2026. The resolution was placed on the Senate Consent Calendar after being introduced on June 20.