Aaron Guckian Proposes Advanced Energy & Infrastructure Commission Focused on Jobs and Port Growth
Recent severe winter weather and rising electricity, natural gas, and heating costs have highlighted the need for a more coordinated and practical energy strategy for Rhode Island. Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Aaron Guckian today announced a proposal to establish a Rhode Island Advanced Energy & Infrastructure Commission designed to bring together industry, workforce, and infrastructure leaders to help strengthen the state’s energy future and economic competitiveness.
“Rhode Island’s greatest asset is our port and the companies building the future around it,” said Guckian. “We need a coordinated approach led by industry and workers to make sure our infrastructure and energy systems keep pace.”
Rhode Island already has strong partners doing important work, including the Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank, Commerce RI, and the Office of Energy Resources. Guckian said the challenge has not been effort – it has been coordination. The proposal aims to bring greater urgency, alignment, and velocity to help move projects forward faster and deliver real results.
The proposed Commission would include industry leaders, workforce representatives, a representative from the Quonset Development Corporation, a university technical advisor, and a national security representative to help align economic growth, infrastructure planning, and long-term energy reliability. The group would meet quarterly to develop practical strategies aimed at improving affordability, supporting job growth, and keeping Rhode Island competitive.
Guckian said the goal is to position Rhode Island’s port and industrial corridor as a regional hub for advanced and next-generation energy technologies by aligning industry, workforce, and infrastructure planning. A key focus would be helping Rhode Island compete more effectively for federal grants and investment by leveraging modern technology and coordinated planning to support and expedite applications.
The proposal reflects a Rhode Island Works Smarter approach – bringing public and private partners together to move projects forward faster, attract future-focused energy investment, and create good-paying jobs. Guckian also proposed convening an annual industry and workforce summit to strengthen collaboration and advance public-private partnerships.
The initiative would welcome collaboration from industry, workforce, philanthropic, and community partners committed to strengthening Rhode Island’s energy and economic future.
“As a nation, we are closer than ever to advanced energy solutions,” Guckian said. “Rhode Island should be ready to compete, attract investment, and create opportunity for the next generation.”
Additional details on participation and next steps will be announced in the coming weeks.
