The bill amends Chapter 42-11 of the General Laws by adding a new section, 42-11-22, which mandates the creation of an environmental and energy checklist for state construction projects exceeding ten million dollars ($10,000,000). This checklist will be developed by the state division of planning in conjunction with the division of capital asset management and maintenance and the office of energy resources. The checklist will address various critical issues, including:

1. Coastal flooding during storm surges in one hundred (100) and five hundred (500) year flood events on the project site;
2. Other flooding during one hundred (100) and five hundred (500) year flood events on the project site;
3. Resilience of facilities at the site to coastal and other flooding during one hundred (100) and five hundred (500) year flood events;
4. Impact of the project on flooding and stormwater management for neighboring properties, particularly vulnerable state facilities;
5. Alternative stormwater management strategies;
6. Energy efficiency of the facility and intentions to pursue leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) or similar standards;
7. Present value costs/savings/comparisons/evaluations for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems;
8. Intentions and plans to use efficient, renewable, or alternative energy sources;
9. Access to public transit, pedestrians, and bicycles; and
10. Any other environmental and energy issues deemed necessary by the department of administration.

Once created, the checklist will be made available to those responsible for managing the relevant state construction projects. The project manager will be required to complete and certify the checklist, ensuring it is maintained with other publicly accessible project materials in accordance with applicable retention records policies. The bill clarifies that the checklist does not need to meet the satisfaction of the division of planning, as the intent is to consider the checklist's substance during the design and construction phases. Additionally, other branches, departments, agencies, and institutions of the state are encouraged to create and consider similar checklists where applicable. The act will take effect upon passage.