Bill > S0439

This bill establishes a standardized tax structure for renewable energy resources by requiring municipalities to tax such resources at $5.00 per kilowatt of alternating current nameplate capacity for tangible property and $3.50 per kilowatt of alternating current nameplate capacity for real property. Additionally, the bill amends the Renewable Ready Program to create a streamlined permitting process for renewable energy projects located on previously contaminated properties, designating such projects as a by-right, permitted use under municipal zoning codes. Under these new provisions, renewable energy resources proposed for previously contaminated sites will be automatically considered consistent with the municipality's comprehensive plan and deemed to have no significant negative environmental impacts. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that the site is a previously contaminated property, which can be established through government designations, environmental site assessments showing the presence of hazardous substances, or meeting the federal definition of a brownfield site. The bill aims to simplify and encourage renewable energy development, particularly on underutilized or environmentally compromised land, by reducing regulatory barriers and creating a predictable tax framework.

Budget and Finance

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