H7182 amends Rhode Island’s zoning ordinances to restrict where utility-scale solar energy projects may be developed. The bill allows such projects only when the solar structure is located on property serving an urban residential area, a commercial property, or another already developed accessory portion of a residential or commercial property, such as rooftops, parking lots, or similarly developed land.
The bill would prohibit utility-scale solar development on forested land, farmland, undeveloped parcels of one acre or more, and other rural areas. It defines a utility-scale solar project as one producing 10 megawatts or more, or one that sells electricity under the state’s renewable energy procurement provisions. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new section to Rhode Island’s zoning law chapter and directly limit municipal and private siting options for large solar installations. It would narrow the land eligible for utility-scale solar development, effectively steering projects toward already developed urban or commercial sites and away from agricultural, forested, and rural lands. The measure would affect solar developers, landowners, municipalities, and potentially the state’s renewable energy buildout by constraining where large projects can be permitted.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes, the available record does not show formal debate or a documented vote-based sentiment. The bill’s framing suggests support from sponsors concerned about preserving farmland, forests, and rural character, while the policy would likely be viewed favorably by land conservation advocates and skeptically by solar developers and clean-energy proponents who favor broader siting flexibility. Overall, the bill appears to reflect a restrictive approach to utility-scale solar siting rather than a consensus measure.
Contention
The main point of contention is land use: supporters are likely to argue that large solar projects should be confined to already developed areas to protect farmland, forested land, and rural open space, while opponents are likely to argue that the bill would significantly reduce available sites for renewable energy development and make it harder to meet clean-energy goals. Another likely dispute is the bill’s broad prohibition on undeveloped parcels of one acre or more and rural areas, which could be seen as limiting local control and economic opportunities for landowners. No committee transcript or vote record is available to identify specific legislators or stakeholder groups taking positions.
Adds the process of permitting the construction of attached single-family dwellings in identified zoning districts as a factor that zoning ordinances must address.
Adds the process of permitting the construction of attached single-family dwellings in identified zoning districts as a factor that zoning ordinances must address.
Adds a definition for "co-living housing" to the zoning ordinance provisions of the general laws and would include such housing as a special provision to be included in a zoning ordinance.
Adds a definition for "co-living housing" to the zoning ordinance provisions of the general laws and would include such housing as a special provision to be included in a zoning ordinance.
Amends several sections of chapter 24 of title 45, entitled "zoning ordinances," also known as the "Rhode Island zoning enabling act of 1991," with the intent of preserving neighborhood character and promoting smart growth.