Bill > H7183

This bill establishes a program for large buildings in Rhode Island to report their energy and water usage, aiming to increase transparency in the market. Specifically, it mandates that owners of "covered properties" – which include residential and non-residential buildings and campuses with 25,000 or more gross square feet – must submit annual energy use data and other property information using a tool called ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA). The Office of Energy Resources (OER) will be responsible for collecting this data and making it publicly available. The bill outlines specific deadlines for reporting based on building size, with larger buildings (50,000+ sq ft) needing to report by May 15, 2028, and smaller covered buildings (25,000-49,999 sq ft) by May 15, 2030. The OER will also notify property owners of their obligations, provide information sessions, and has the discretion to grant exemptions for properties that were unoccupied, demolished, or lacked energy services for the entire reporting year. The bill also includes provisions for incentives for participation and potential enforcement mechanisms, including escalating warnings and fines, which can be imposed no earlier than May 15, 2031.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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