Rhode Island 2024 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7585

Introduced
2/9/24  

Caption

Removes nuclear plant projects from seeking the approval from the general assembly for the construction of said nuclear plant.

Impact

The implications of HB 7585 are significant, as it removes the requirement for nuclear plant projects to seek approval from the General Assembly, which may streamline the process for developers. This legislative change could foster a more efficient project initiation process, encouraging investments in state infrastructure. However, it also raises questions about the balance of power between local governance and state authority, particularly regarding environmental safeguards and community input on such critical infrastructure developments.

Summary

House Bill 7585 aims to amend Rhode Island's existing legislation regarding the approval process for oil refinery and nuclear plant projects. Specifically, the bill states that the final approval or denial of a project plan for the location and construction of oil refineries or nuclear plants is exclusively reserved to the Rhode Island General Assembly. This means that such projects will not be subject to local laws or ordinances, effectively centralizing authority at the state level for these types of constructions. This change signifies a shift in how energy-related projects are managed and overseen in Rhode Island.

Contention

Notable points of contention around HB 7585 focus on the balance of power between state and local governments. Critics argue that this bill undermines local authority and the ability of communities to have a say in significant projects that could affect their environment and quality of life. Proponents, on the other hand, assert that centralizing approval will facilitate energy development and modernization in the face of increasing energy demands. The discourse surrounding this bill reflects a broader tension in legislative priorities regarding economic development versus local governance autonomy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI S0674

Senate Resolution Welcoming The Golden Rule Sailboat To Rhode Island In Support Of A Nuclear-free World

RI H5973

House Resolution Urging The Federal Government To Pursue A Broad Range Of Measures To Reduce The Danger Of Nuclear War, To Sign And Ratify The Treaty On The Prohibition Of Nuclear Weapons (tpnw), To Make Nuclear Disarmament The Centerpiece Of Our National Security Policy, And To Spearhead A Global Effort To Prevent Nuclear War

RI H6397

Protection Of Trees And Plants Generally

RI H6173

House Resolution Welcoming The Golden Rule Sailboat To Rhode Island In Support Of A Nuclear-free World

RI H5727

Joint Resolution Creating A Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations To Safeguard Rhode Island Against Nuclear Weapons (this Resolution Creates An Eleven (11) Member Special Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendation To Safeguard Rhode Island Against Nuclear Weapons.)

RI S0018

Authorizing The Town Of North Providence To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds, Notes And Other Evidences Of Indebtedness To Finance The Construction, Renovation, Rehabilitation, Repair, Improvements, Furnishing And Equipping Of And/or Additions To Schools And School Facilities In The Town, Including, But Not Limited To, The Construction Of Three Elementary Schools, The Renovation Of Two Middle Schools And The Construction Of New Administrative Offices, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 79.8% For Expenditures Eligible For Reimbursement

RI H6276

Authorizing The Town Of South Kingstown To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School, Athletic Facility, And Other School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking And All Attendant Expenses, Including Engineering, Architectural And Other Project-related Consulting Costs, Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S0994

Authorizing The Town Of South Kingstown To Issue Not To Exceed $125,000,000 General Obligation Bonds And Notes To Finance The Acquisition, Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Furnishing And Equipping Of A New High School, Athletic Facility, And Other School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto, Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Demolition, Athletic Fields, Landscaping And Parking And All Attendant Expenses, Including Engineering, Architectural And Other Project-related Consulting Costs, Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S0980

Authorizing The Town Of Barrington To Finance The Construction, Improvement, Renovation, Alteration, Furnishing And Equipping Of Public Schools And School Facilities In The Town And All Expenses Incident Thereto Including, But Not Limited To, Costs Of Design, Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Landscaping, Parking And Costs Of Financing And To Issue Not More Than $250,000,000 Bonds And/or Notes Therefor, Subject To Approval Of State Housing Aid At A Reimbursement Rate Or State Share Ratio Of Not Less Than 35 Percent At The Time Of Issuance And Provided That The Authorization Shall Be Reduced By The Amount Of Certain Grants Received From State Bond Proceeds, From The Rhode Island Department Of Education Or From The Rhode Island School Building Authority

RI S0703

General Provisions

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.