Bill > S0089

This bill introduces several provisions to enhance the ethical and environmental standards of renewable energy technologies in the state. First, it requires the climate change coordinating council to conduct an annual study examining how carbon-free energy technologies might be shifting environmental and human rights burdens onto impoverished and developing countries, including investigating labor conditions, mining impacts, supply chain traceability, and toxic pollution from decommissioning. The bill mandates that wind turbine blades must be disposed of or recycled within the state, with limited exceptions. Additionally, it establishes a new program for tradable renewable energy credits that can be used to meet state energy objectives, with specific restrictions to ensure ethical sourcing. For solar energy projects, permits will only be issued if applicants demonstrate they have set aside sufficient resources for future panel decommissioning and recycling. The bill also requires an annual study tracking the origin of nickel used in electric vehicle batteries and energy storage facilities. Starting in 2026, the renewable energy credit program will prohibit credits for electricity generated from facilities using materials produced through slave or child labor, or involving certain harmful manufacturing chemicals. These provisions aim to promote more responsible and transparent renewable energy development by addressing potential environmental and human rights concerns in the clean energy supply chain.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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