R.I. Gen. Laws § 22-7.3-1

There is created a permanent joint committee of the general assembly on environment and energy to consist of eleven (11) members of the general assembly, six (6) of whom shall be from the house of representatives to be appointed by the speaker, not more than four (4) of whom shall be from the same political party; five (5) of whom shall be from the senate to be appointed by the president of the senate, not more than three (3) of whom shall be from the same political party. Vacancies shall be filled in like manner as the original appointments. The members of the joint committee on environment and energy shall serve so long as they shall remain members of the house from which they were appointed and until their successors are duly appointed and qualified.