The bill establishes a new chapter in Title 39 of the General Laws, titled "Offshore Wind Procurement Policy Study Commission." The purpose of this commission is to evaluate policies and procurement structures necessary to support the long-term development of offshore wind in Rhode Island, with the goal of procuring 1,200 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind capacity by the year 2030 in a manner that is cost-effective, reliable, and consistent with the state's climate and economic development goals, including high-quality job creation and workforce standards.

The commission will consist of 15 members, including one member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, one member of the Rhode Island Senate appointed by the President of the Senate, the Commissioner of the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources or designee, the Chair of the Public Utilities Commission or designee, the Director of the Department of Environmental Management or designee, one representative of Rhode Island Energy appointed by Rhode Island Energy, two representatives of an environmental or climate advocacy organization appointed by the Environment Council of Rhode Island, two representatives from organized labor with relevant experience in construction and workforce standard implementation appointed by the President of the Rhode Island AFL-CIO, one representative of a ratepayers or consumer advocacy organization appointed by the Governor, one expert in offshore wind development, finance, or supply chain activities appointed by the Governor, one academic professional in offshore wind energy appointed by the Governor, one expert in electric grid planning or electric transmission appointed by the Governor, and one representative of a community-based environmental justice organization appointed by the Governor.

The commission is required to meet at least bi-monthly and will sunset on December 31, 2030, unless extended by the General Assembly. Its duties include studying and making recommendations on offshore wind procurement authority, procurement evaluation criteria, multi-state or regional procurement structures, contract pricing and flexibility mechanisms, onshore infrastructure and workforce development needs, and a strategic pathway for Rhode Island to procure 1,200 MW of offshore wind by 2030.

The commission shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly detailing findings, recommendations, and progress toward offshore wind procurement goals, with the first report due by October 30, 2027. Within 180 days of the submission of the commission's first annual report, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources (OER) shall initiate a rulemaking process to implement any recommendations of the commission that require regulatory action. The rulemaking shall include the development of rules and regulations establishing necessary procurement structures, evaluation criteria, labor and workforce standards, and contract pricing mechanisms identified by the commission. If OER determines that one or more commission recommendations cannot be implemented through rulemaking or are not in the public interest, OER shall submit a written explanation to the Governor and the General Assembly detailing the reasons for such determination.

The commission seats shall be appointed by September 30, 2026, and the first meeting of the commission shall take place by October 30, 2026.