The bill amends the "Statewide Municipal Solar Permit" law to introduce new requirements for solar photovoltaic permit applications. It mandates that, as part of the solar permit application, an assessment must be conducted to determine if the proposed solar system is carbon-neutral, in accordance with the emission reduction goals outlined in section 42-6.2-9. This assessment must detail the amount of carbon sequestration and carbon storage loss that would occur if the permit is approved. The office, in consultation with the department of environmental management, is tasked with promulgating and adopting rules and regulations to enforce these requirements by November 1, 2025. A solar permit shall only be approved if the proposed solar photovoltaic system is verified to be carbon neutral based on the submitted assessment.

Additionally, the bill amends the "Energy Facility Siting Act" to require that applications for energy facilities include a detailed analysis of the facility's environmental impact, specifically addressing whether the facility would be carbon neutral according to the same emission reduction goals. This analysis must also include information on carbon sequestration and carbon storage loss, as well as methods for preserving carbon sequestration and storage. These changes aim to enhance environmental accountability in the permitting process for both solar energy systems and energy facilities. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
88: 45-68-3, 42-98-8