Energy

Requires producers of batteries or battery-containing products to join a battery producer responsibility organization and implement a battery producer responsibility program for the collection and recycling of batteries. Directs the Department of Environmental Quality to administer and enforce requirements of the Act. Establishes the Battery Producer Responsibility Fund. Imposes civil penalties for violations of the Act.

Requires a solar energy contractor or person that installs a solar energy system to have a license appropriate for the scope of work the solar energy contractor or person will perform. Specifies disclosures required in purchase agreements, lease agreements and power purchase agreements related to solar energy systems. Specifies elements and provisions that an installation contract for a solar energy system must have. Prohibits deceptive statements concerning the provisions of an installation contract. Punishes a violation or a failure to comply with the provisions of the Act as an unlawful practice under the Unlawful Trade Practices Act. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Exempts an energy facility from needing a site certificate from the Energy Facility Siting Council if the energy facility produces power from a renewable energy source, qualifies for certain federal renewable energy tax credits and is placed in service on or before December 31, 2030, or a date allowed by exception and a local land use application for the facility is submitted [ construction begins ] on or before December 31, 2028. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.

Directs the State Department of Energy, subject to the availability of funding, to conduct a study on nuclear energy, including advanced nuclear reactors. Directs the department to engage with tribal governments, consult with certain [ state agencies and ] organizations and utilize moneys from federal, private and other public sources to carry out the study. Requires the department to report and make public information on the sources of moneys or assistance and amounts of moneys that the department receives to carry out this Act, anticipated uses of those moneys or assistance and any potential conflicts of interest. Directs the department to submit the report to the interim committees or committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy not later than one year after the date the department receives the moneys or assistance necessary to complete the study. Directs the department to provide an update on the department's progress in carrying out this Act to the interim committees or committees of the Legislative Assembly related to energy not later than February 15, 2027. Establishes the Nuclear Energy Study Fund. Sunsets January 2, [ 2028 ] 2030 . Declares an emergency, effective on passage.