The bill amends the "Statewide Municipal Solar Permit" law to introduce new requirements for solar photovoltaic permit applications. It mandates that the office, in consultation with the department of environmental management, promulgate and adopt rules and regulations to require, as part of the solar permit application, an assessment of whether the proposed solar photovoltaic system would be carbon-neutral in accordance with the emission reduction goals set forth by 42-6.2-9. The assessment must detail the amount of carbon sequestration and carbon storage loss that would occur if the permit is approved. A solar permit will only be granted if the proposed solar photovoltaic system is verified to be carbon neutral based upon the assessment submitted.

Additionally, the bill modifies the "Energy Facility Siting Act" to require applications to include a detailed analysis of whether the proposed facility would be carbon neutral in accordance with the emission reduction goals set forth by 42-6.2-9. This analysis must also detail the amount of carbon sequestration and carbon storage loss that would occur if the facility is permitted. The office's rules and regulations must be adopted no later than November 1, 2026. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
2217: 45-68-3, 42-98-8