Bill > S2218

This bill mandates the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) to establish building performance standards for large buildings, defined as those with at least 25,000 square feet of gross floor area, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the state's "Act on Climate" goals, which aim for net-zero emissions by 2050. The OER will set specific performance metrics, such as energy use intensity, and establish interim and final standards that buildings must meet by certain dates, with a focus on ensuring progress towards the 2050 net-zero target. The bill also creates an advisory board, including representatives from communities impacted by poverty and environmental injustice, to guide the OER's implementation and ensure equitable outcomes. It outlines procedures for compliance, including potential extensions or waivers for financial hardship, and establishes penalties for non-compliance, with collected funds going into a dedicated Building Performance Standard (BPS) fund to support the program. The OER is authorized to issue necessary rules and regulations, and owners can appeal decisions through the administrative procedures act.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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