The bill amends the existing laws regarding the "Statewide Municipal Solar Permit" and the "Energy Facility Siting Act" to incorporate new requirements focused on carbon neutrality and environmental impact assessments. Specifically, it mandates that the office, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Management, develop rules and regulations by November 1, 2025, to require solar permit applications to include an assessment of whether the proposed solar photovoltaic system is carbon-neutral, in line with the emission reduction goals outlined in § 42-6.2-9. Furthermore, a solar permit can only be granted if the system is verified as carbon neutral based on this assessment.

Additionally, the bill requires that applications for energy facility siting include a detailed analysis of the proposed facility's impact on carbon sequestration and carbon storage loss. This includes a requirement to evaluate whether the facility would be carbon neutral according to the same emission reduction goals. The bill aims to enhance environmental accountability in solar energy projects and energy facility siting by ensuring that carbon emissions and environmental impacts are thoroughly assessed and addressed. The act will take effect upon passage.