Raised Bill No. 300, introduced in the February Session, 2024, and referred to the Committee on ENERGY AND TECHNOLOGY, focuses on two main objectives related to energy in the state. Firstly, it mandates the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to conduct a study on the state's natural gas capacity. This study is to include an evaluation of the current capacity and an examination of ways to expand it, along with any necessary regulatory or legislative changes. The results of this study, along with any recommendations, are to be reported to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to energy and technology by January 1, 2025.

Secondly, the bill proposes amendments to the definition of "Class I renewable energy source" in the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard. The amendments include the deletion of specific criteria for hydropower facilities and the removal of the construction date restriction for nuclear power generating facilities to be considered as Class I renewable energy sources. These changes aim to redefine and potentially expand the range of energy sources that qualify as Class I renewable energy sources. The bill specifies that these amendments will become effective on July 1, 2024, and the purpose of the bill is to study the expansion of natural gas capacity in the state and adjust the Renewable Portfolio Standard accordingly.