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RI S0035

RI S0035
Directs the department of education to develop and adopt regulations for energy capable school buildings.


summary

Introduced
01/23/2025
In Committee
01/23/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/20/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This act would provide that not later than June 30, 2025, the department of education would develop and adopt, in consultation with the office of energy resources, regulations requiring all school buildings to meet the standard of zero energy capable, as defined in § 16-7-36, by December 31, 2037. This act would take effect upon passage.

AI Summary

This bill directs the Rhode Island Department of Education to develop and adopt regulations requiring all school buildings to become "zero energy capable" by December 31, 2037. The term "zero energy capable" means a school building that generates as much or more renewable energy as it consumes, either through on-site solar panels, off-site renewable energy agreements, or purchased renewable energy certificates. The bill provides flexibility for local school districts to pursue state and federal funding sources for energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades, and specifically guides districts on how to build and operate solar panels using federal tax guidelines. To incentivize these upgrades, the bill increases the school housing aid ratio by ten percent for any new construction or renovation that meets the zero energy capable standard. Additionally, the School Building Authority will be required to conduct a needs survey every five years starting in 2025 that assesses progress towards energy efficiency goals and will need to hire a staff member dedicated to helping schools comply with the zero energy capable standard. The regulations must be developed in consultation with the Office of Energy Resources and must be in place by June 30, 2026.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Committee recommended measure be held for further study (on 05/01/2025)

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