Energy (Coal)

SB 2351 amends Rhode Island's Energy Facility Siting Act by removing "clean coal technology" from the list of fuel types that receive priority in the state's energy facility siting process. Specifically, it revises Section 42-98-2(8)(i) to eliminate the provision that previously gave priority to projects using coal processed via clean coal technology, while maintaining priority for renewable fuels and natural gas. This change affects how the state's energy facilities siting board evaluates and approves major energy projects, particularly those proposing clean coal as a primary fuel source. The bill would take effect upon passage, altering the criteria used in siting decisions without banning clean coal use.

HB 7069 amends Rhode Island's Energy Facility Siting Act to remove "clean coal technology" from the list of energy sources that receive priority consideration for new projects. This change directly affects energy developers and state regulators evaluating facility siting applications, as it eliminates a specific criterion favoring clean coal projects. The bill does not ban clean coal but removes it from the priority list that previously gave it favor over other energy sources like renewables or natural gas. Key provisions now require the siting board to prioritize projects based on criteria including renewable fuels, efficiency, and low emissions, without the clean coal designation. The policy change takes effect upon passage.