Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H5583

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Limits the development of utility scale solar energy projects.

Impact

By limiting utility scale solar projects to developed urban areas, H5583 seeks to prevent the use of forested land and other rural properties for such developments. This approach could encourage increased reliance on solar energy within cities but may also deter potential economic development associated with solar farming in less populated areas. The law aims to balance the need for renewable energy with environmental and local zoning concerns, making the energy transition more compatible with urban living environments.

Summary

House Bill 5583 aims to regulate the development of utility scale solar energy projects by restricting where such projects can be established. Specifically, the bill stipulates that these projects can only be developed in urban areas providing energy to residential or commercial properties, and on already developed sites such as rooftops and parking lots. The legislation intends to prioritize the integration of renewable energy solutions within existing urban infrastructure rather than utilizing undeveloped land, thereby promoting sustainable energy usage in populated areas.

Contention

Debates surrounding HB 5583 could arise over the implications of restricting solar development to urban areas. Advocates of the bill may argue that it is a necessary step toward reducing land conversion and preserving natural landscapes, thus addressing environmental impacts. Conversely, critics might contend that restricting solar projects to urban areas limits the scope of renewable energy production, potentially imposing greater energy costs on residents by not utilizing the available rural land for larger solar installations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H6179

Requires the Rhode Island housing authority to update the count of affordable housing stock in the town of Tiverton two (2) times per year.

RI H6180

Ensures that minimum egress requirements for conventional subdivisions in Tiverton apply equally to comprehensive permit applications and cannot be waived, modified, or reduced for such applications.

RI H6184

Permits Tiverton to require two parking space for each studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom low- or moderate-income housing units upon the determination that limited or no local public transportation or off-street parking availability near these units.

RI H5692

Allows the operation of a home-based business, which meets criteria for home office IRS income tax deduction, without securing approval from the municipality with no storage of chemicals/park heavy equipment/not more than 10% of premises used for parking.

RI H5022

Increases the maximum state and municipal small purchase limits from $10,000 to $25,000 for construction projects and from $5,000 to $10,000 for all other state and municipal purchases.

RI H6182

Requires any person who applies to rent or purchase a residence located in Town of Tiverton which qualifies as low and moderate income housing, shall require proof of Rhode Island residency or employment by a local, state or federal entity.

RI H6215

Requires the town of Tiverton to require a minimum number of affordable housing units if there is less than ten percent (10%) of affordable housing in the town.

RI H5371

Allows the towns of Burrillville and Glocester to publish notices in any newspaper located within their municipalities and would also allow publication in other designated digital or print platforms selected by their city or town councils.

Similar Bills

CA AB245

Property taxation: application of base year value: disaster relief.

HI HB1398

Relating To Property.

CA SB603

Property taxation: transfer of base year value: disaster relief.

CA AB1262

Stolen or embezzled property: description.

TX SB180

Relating to the repurchase of real property from an entity with eminent domain authority.

TX HB476

Relating to the repurchase of real property from an entity with eminent domain authority.

TX HB20

Relating to the repurchase of real property from an entity with eminent domain authority.

TX HB3844

Relating to the establishment of the department of consumer affairs services for property owners and property owners' associations within the office of the attorney general.