Bill > S0769

This bill amends various sections of the "Energy Facility Siting Act" in Rhode Island. Key provisions include: - Expanding the Siting Board from 3 to 5 members, with 2 members designated by the councils of the 2 most affected host communities. - Requiring the Siting Board to consider the effect of proposed energy facilities on the state's ability to meet carbon emission reduction goals. - Mandating that the Siting Board must abide by a host community's resolution opposing a new fossil fuel facility if the community is already burdened by one or more large fossil fuel facilities, unless presented with clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. - Increasing the potential fine for non-compliance with Siting Board rules or license conditions from $20,000 to $50,000 per violation. - Requiring applicants to provide funding for host community fire marshals to hire special inspectors and to train local public safety and emergency personnel on issues related to the proposed facility. Overall, the bill aims to give host communities a stronger voice in the energy facility siting process and to ensure consideration of the facilities' environmental and climate impacts.

Justice