NORTH PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Gov. Dan McKee put Rhode Island on a path to being a leader in renewable energy on Wednesday.

McKee signed legislation requiring that all of the state’s electricity be offset by renewable production by 2033, accelerating the current annual commitment to doing so.

The governor expects the law to propel the state’s economy forward.

“We’re committed to create a strong economy and raise people’s income in the state of Rhode Island,” McKee said.

“All the work that has been done in the environment, all the work that we need to make sure we are positioned to continue to be second in the country in economic recovery, it’s intersected,” he added.

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Rhode Island is now the first state in the country to adopt this standard, according to McKee, adding this will not only help the environment, but also the economy, with the creation of hundreds of well-paying jobs.

The legislation also increases the number of renewable energy certificates that utility companies are required to purchase each year.

The governor said the state is in the planning phase and working to get construction on target to be finished by 2033.

“This is something that as the Ocean State we should all be very proud of and energized about,” McKee said.

McKee was joined by other elected leaders including Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, Rep. Deb Ruggiero, and North Providence Mayor Charlie Lombardi at the town’s solar landfill.