The bill amends Chapter 42-17.1 of the General Laws by introducing a new section titled "Big River Reservoir Administration," which designates the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) as the overseeing authority for the lands acquired for the Big River Reservoir. The director of DEM, along with authorized agents, will manage the land and natural resources, with enforcement authority granted to the department. Starting July 1, 2026, DEM will also be responsible for land use planning and the creation of rules and regulations for the reservoir, while existing regulations will remain in effect until officially transferred.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 42-17.1-2 to clarify the director's powers, including the ability to enter into agreements with other state departments and agencies regarding the management of lands and waters acquired under the Big River Wood River Reservoir Site Acquisition Act.

The bill also amends the "Rebuild Rhode Island Tax Credit" program, increasing the maximum aggregate credits from two hundred twenty-five million dollars ($225,000,000) to two hundred fifty million dollars ($250,000,000) and extending the sunset date for various tax credit programs to December 31, 2028.

Furthermore, it introduces a new section under the Rhode Island Energy Resources Act requiring state departments to measure and report monthly energy usage for state-owned, state-occupied facilities, with the first report due by March 31, 2030. The bill establishes a state facilities benchmarking and performance standards program, which will develop performance standards for energy usage and emissions reductions by March 31, 2031.

Lastly, the bill repeals existing language regarding the administration of the Big River Reservoir by the Rhode Island Water Resources Board, designating DEM as the responsible agency. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the management of the Big River Reservoir and improve energy efficiency and environmental conservation efforts in Rhode Island.

Statutes affected:
2356: 42-17.1-2, 42-64.21-9, 42-64.22-15, 42-64.23-8, 42-64.24-8, 42-64.26-12, 42-64.27-6, 42-64.28-10, 42-140-3, 44-48.3-14, 46-15.1-5, 46-15.1-19.1