Energy

Establishes the thermal energy network & jobs act facilitating study of the technology to determine if goals can be met by implementing thermal energy networks in Rhode Island/creates a task force of interested parties to be an advisory committee.

Facilitates the study of thermal energy technology to determine if these goals can be met by the implementation of thermal energy networks in Rhode Island.

This bill prohibits the Quonset Development Corporation from allowing any thermal waste conversion facilities, such as pyrolysis plants, to be built or operated within the Quonset Point/Davisville Industrial Park. The legislation defines these facilities as those that use high heat to turn solid waste into energy or fuel and applies to all land managed by the corporation. It includes a "sunset clause" that will automatically end the ban on February 1, 2027, unless renewed. Additionally, the law protects any projects already underway before the bill takes effect from being shut down.

This bill prohibits the Quonset Development Corporation from approving or operating thermal waste conversion facilities, such as pyrolysis plants, within the Quonset Point/Davisville Industrial Park. The law defines these facilities as those that use high heat to turn solid waste or biomass into fuels, energy, or chemicals and applies to all land managed by the corporation. It includes a "sunset clause" that will automatically end the prohibition on February 1, 2027, allowing such facilities to be considered again after that date. Additionally, the bill protects any projects that were already lawfully started before it takes effect from being shut down immediately.