Specifications include, but are not limited to: Task 1: Define Model Inputs & Project Kick-off - Overview: This task outlines the earliest components of this project, including a project kick-off meeting, sharing of materials that will be reviewed by the consultant as part of a comprehensive desk review, discussion of full project timeline, the development of preliminary tools to begin discussions with stakeholders, the design of a community engagement plan, and two (2) kick-off events with stakeholders. The consultant will review the GHG emissions reduction targets set in the Act on Climate and any other sub-sector goals such as 100% renewable electricity generation. The consultant will conduct a review of the Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory (as performed by RIDEM annually), reports such as the 2022 Climate Update to the 2016 Greenhouse Gas Plan, the state energy plan, the Providence Climate Justice Plan, Rhode Island’s Long Range Transportation Plan, and other relevant planning documents including the Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP) developed as part of the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant. The consultant will begin to outline any data needs that will be required for future analysis. The consultant will be responsible for designing a community engagement strategy. This plan should be developed in coordination with the state and represent the consultant’s vision for how they will ensure robust and equitable community involvement throughout the lifespan of this project. Task 1 Deliverables: 1. Kick-off meeting – at commencement of contract with OER, the consultant team will meet with the Rhode Island project team to define roles, set expectations, and review technical material. This meeting can also help set a plan for the pathway’s scenario development, agency coordination, and public engagement. 2. Desk review of existing plans and model inputs/assumptions to create background for pathways analysis. 3. Review of current economy-wide emissions reduction targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050, and regional sub-sector emissions reduction targets for 2030, 2040, and 2050...
