The bill amends Sections 42-98-8 and 42-98-11 of the General Laws in Chapter 42-98, known as the "Energy Facility Siting Act," to include new requirements for applications and licensing of energy facilities. The amendments introduce a new requirement for applications to include a detailed and specific statement on the effects the proposed facility would have on the state's ability to meet carbon-emissions-reduction goals as set forth in § 42-6.2-2(a)(2). This is an insertion to the existing law. Additionally, the bill mandates that the board shall not issue a license unless it makes an affirmative determination that the construction of the proposed facility will not adversely impact the state's ability to achieve these carbon-emissions-reduction goals, which is another insertion to the law.

The bill also outlines the contents that applications must contain, such as identification of owners, a detailed description of the facility, environmental impact analysis, cost estimates, life-cycle management plans, and studies of alternatives. It specifies the process for the board to notify applicants of deficiencies in their applications and the resubmission process. For the final hearing, the bill describes the standards and decisions, including the necessity of the facility, cost-justification, environmental impact, and socio-economic enhancement. The bill will take effect upon passage and will apply to applications made to the energy facility siting board on or after the effective date of this act. There are no deletions indicated in the provided text.