Exploring Rhode Island State Senator Alana DiMario’s Connection to Big Green Energy: Revity Energy & Commercial Net Metering

 

Source: Revity Presentation to Rhode Island Senate Commission on the Successful Implementation of the Act on Climate

 

Much has been made lately of the political impact of The League of Rhode Island Businesses, a self-identified “Post Political Party” Organization that advocates primarily for “Common Sense Solutions” to the woes besetting Rhode Island small businesses. Current League endorsements run the gamut of political parties, including Democrats, Republicans & Independent candidates, with a clear emphasis on centrist business policies, and the promotion of job growth.

Progressive political groups, in particular, have expressed frustration over the Leagues’ aggressive, but thoroughly legal deployment of Political Action Committees as a tool for fundraising, as well as outreach. This despite the long-term use of multiple PACs to perform the very same role in a variety of political causes supported by progressive causes. See: Everytown for Gun Safety Victory Fund (RI), Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence, Mom’s Demand Action for Gun Sense in America … among others.

But where should the free speech right to contribute to political causes intersect with the desire to influence legislation? Rhode Islanders witnessed first-hand, the revelation by Rhode Island State Senator Sam Zurier that Governor Dan McKee had been accepting political contributions from Washington Bridge Vendors, while failing to disclose them as required by the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. While apparently legal, the practice clearly calls into question the ability of the recipient Legislator? Governor? to act independently of what at best, many would point to as a clear conflict of interest, or, at worst, a bribe.

Which brings us to the curious case of Senator Alana DiMario. One of the more vocal opponents of the League of Rhode Island businesses, the Senator was part of a group of Legislators who proposed stricter campaign finance laws that would prevent multiple PACs employing individual $2,000 donations, while operating under one set of “owners”. The proposed legislation never made it out of committee, probably the moment when it became obvious to Democratic leadership that they to, would have to operate under the same set of limitations. But as is so often the case on “Halitosis Hall” (H/T to legendary humorist Rudy Cheeks), is this another case of “Do as I say, not as I do?

Witness the Revity “Family of Companies”. Self-identifying (see above) as “Rhode Island’s leading utility -scale solar developer”, the sheer scope of the recent spate of climate legislation presents challenges, and clearly untold opportunities. A Mr. Ralph Palumbo is the LLC Manager. Ms. DiMario, Chair of the Rhode Island Senate Committee on Environment & Agriculture, is a focal point on virtually every aspect of climate legislation. As of late, with Ms. DiMario facing the political fight of her life, Mr. Palumbo, his family and employees have become extremely generous.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, the obvious question: Where do synergies exist between Ms. DiMario and Mr. Palumbo? Ms. DiMario is often cited as the lead sponsor in Senate Legislation S0684A, An Act Relating to Public Utilities and Carriers: Net Metering. Mr. Palumbo’s company, Revity publicly supported and would profit from the expansion of virtual net metering to nonresidential/industrial customers. Ms. DiMario’s legislation accomplished just that. Does $13K + of campaign contributions constitute a quid pro quo? Particularly in the face of real opposition? Ultimately, that is up to the voter to decide.

 

 

 

Of Note: Revity Energy Report to the Rhode Island Senate