Sen. Erin Lynch Prata (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston) and Rep. Lauren H. Carson’s legislation (2017-S 0562 / 2017-H 5575) to create a statewide solar permit application has been signed into law by Governor Gina M. Raimondo.
The bill would require the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, in conjunction with the RI Building Commission, to create rules and regulations to formulate a statewide solar energy permit application.
“Clean and green energy is the future of our energy infrastructure and solar is one of the more promising technologies in this emerging field. In order to protect our environment and grow these green energy jobs of the future, we as a state must offer a predictable and universal path toward installing solar energy systems and this legislation accomplishes this goal,” said Senator Lynch Prata.
“The need for clean, green, and renewable energy sources is only rising by the day and this legislation will enable our residents and businesses to utilize this technology in an easy and foreseeable manner, hopefully setting the stage for many more solar installations in our state,” said Representative Carson.
The legislation is an effort to streamline the statewide permitting process for the installation of solar systems that removes unnecessary regulatory barriers, resulting in a predictable and less-costly process for solar developers. The single permit would encompass both building and electric permits for solar energy systems with Rhode Island’s municipalities.
The cosponsors of the legislation are Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Dist. 28, Cranston, Providence) and Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick), Rep. Aaron Regunberg (D-Dist. 4, Providence), Rep. Deborah L. Ruggiero (D-Dist. 74, Jamestown, Middletown), and Rep. Susan R. Donovan (D-Dist. 69, Bristol. Portsmouth).
