Bill > S0091

This bill establishes the Environmental Justice Advisory Board (EJAB) and creates a comprehensive building decarbonization program aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from buildings in Rhode Island. The legislation requires large buildings (over 25,000 square feet) to undergo energy benchmarking, tracking their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, with the goal of helping the state achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2050. The bill creates the EJAB, which will consist of 9-15 members representing communities impacted by poverty and environmental injustice, to advise the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) on climate change efforts. Additionally, the bill mandates that new buildings be "electric-ready," meaning they must have electrical systems designed to facilitate future conversion to all-electric infrastructure. The program will be implemented in phases, with different building sizes required to comply at different times, starting in 2028. The EC4 will be responsible for setting performance metrics, establishing interim and final building performance standards, and providing technical assistance to building owners. The legislation also includes provisions for penalties for non-compliance, creates a Building Performance Standard (BPS) fund to support the program, and ensures that the impacts on environmental justice communities are carefully considered throughout the implementation process.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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