Energy

Extends the reporting and expiration dates of the special legislative commission to study renewable energy programs from February 13, 2026, to January 31, 2027, and said commission would expire on February 27, 2027.

This bill prohibits the construction, expansion, or operation of pyrolysis facilities within one mile of any public or private K-12 school. It defines pyrolysis facilities as sites that thermally break down solid waste like plastics to produce fuel or oil in an oxygen-limited environment. To enforce this rule, the state's environmental management department cannot issue permits for such facilities that do not meet the distance requirement, and the restriction cannot be waived by any authority. The law takes effect upon passage and applies to all schools approved by the Rhode Island Department of Education.

Requires the electric distribution companies to offer system owner/operators 30 year contracts, with various terms including guaranteeing the delivery of net metering credits valued at $0.19, with an annual escalation of 2.75%.

Provides a definition for "Zero-emission resource" includes nuclear energy resources and large-scale hydro electric facilities and provides that such resources may be used to meet certain clean energy compliance requirements.

This bill allocates $250,000 to 401 Tech Bridge to study and explore the potential of seagliders in Rhode Island. The funds are designated for a feasibility study conducted in partnership with the Rhode Island Seaglider Initiative to assess how these electric, wing-in-ground-effect vehicles could operate within the state's coastal areas. The resolution aims to evaluate whether seagliders can support local economic goals, such as reducing carbon emissions and improving transportation options, without making any guarantees about their future implementation.

This bill prohibits the Quonset Development Corporation from approving or operating thermal waste conversion facilities, such as pyrolysis plants, within the Quonset Point/Davisville Industrial Park. The law defines these facilities as those that use high heat to turn solid waste or biomass into fuels, energy, or chemicals and applies to all land managed by the corporation. It includes a "sunset clause" that will automatically end the prohibition on February 1, 2027, allowing such facilities to be considered again after that date. Additionally, the bill protects any projects that were already lawfully started before it takes effect from being shut down immediately.

This bill prohibits the Quonset Development Corporation from allowing any thermal waste conversion facilities, such as pyrolysis plants, to be built or operated within the Quonset Point/Davisville Industrial Park. The legislation defines these facilities as those that use high heat to turn solid waste into energy or fuel and applies to all land managed by the corporation. It includes a "sunset clause" that will automatically end the ban on February 1, 2027, unless renewed. Additionally, the law protects any projects already underway before the bill takes effect from being shut down.

Submits the state's 2026 capital development program relating to green bonds requesting the issuance of general obligation bonds totaling $60,000,000 for approval of the electorate at the general election to be held in November, 2026.

$20,000,000) TO SUPPORT GREEN ECONOMY AND CLEAN ENERGY BOND INITIATIVES (Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of $20,000,000 to support the green economy and clean energy bond initiatives.

Authorizes the appropriation of the sum of five million dollars ($5,000,000) to the RI Public Transit Authority to continue services, hire and train more bus operators, and implement the State's Act on Climate goals.