The bill amends the Energy Facility Siting Act in Rhode Island to enhance the regulatory framework for major energy facilities. It increases the membership of the siting board from three to five members, which will include representatives from various state agencies and a public member appointed by the governor. The bill recognizes that host communities for proposed or existing major generating facilities are uniquely affected by the siting process and mandates their inclusion and participation, along with the public from affected cities and towns.

New definitions are introduced, including "host community" and "major generating facility." The bill outlines the powers and duties of the siting board, including the authority to appoint hearing officers and to review its own regulations. It requires energy facility permit applications to include detailed descriptions of environmental impacts, construction and operational costs, and a summary of studies related to public health and safety.

The bill emphasizes public participation and transparency by requiring the board to notify local councils and property owners about applications and to hold public hearings in the host community prior to taking final action on applications. It establishes that each host community shall be granted intervenor status as of right and outlines the responsibilities of hearing officers, ensuring that no officer has a conflict of interest with applicants. Additionally, the bill allows for the host community to request funding from the applicant for studies on local environmental effects, with specified limits on costs.

Overall, these amendments aim to improve the regulatory process for energy facility siting, ensuring that community concerns and environmental impacts are adequately addressed while streamlining the permitting process. The act will take effect upon passage.