Recently, we discussed applications of Rhode Island laws and regulations related to green energy developments, particularly solar developments. On April 20, 2020, the R.I. Superior Court issued a decision related to solar developments and zoning requirements, which we will review here. The Exeter Solar Project Green Development (referred to hereinafter as Green) has been developing various renewable energy projects in…
The renewable energy industries lobbied to get assistance in the latest federal stimulus package. The assistance language was included in the stimulus bill as drafted in the House previously. Review of the stimulus package reveals that the lobbying failed and energy law and policy in the U.S. will keep with the status quo. CARES Act The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and…
The RI General Assembly recognized the need for coordinated decisions on where to site large energy facilities in the state. Given that there is some overlap in the jurisdiction of several agencies with various areas of expertise, this recognition makes sense. In changing the regulatory environment for business, the General Assembly passed the Energy Facility Siting Act. This act created…
Many people agree with the benefits that renewable development bring. For example, less reliance on already-finite fossil fuels, potential long-term financial savings, etc. But, the problems that may come with where to put these development projects are now a hot topic. The balance between renewable energy projects and forests, open space, and farmland has surfaced more recently with regard to…
Renewable energy regulations push for reducing emissions on a statewide basis. Many states are opting to mandate a certain amount of energy from renewable sources by a given deadline. Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo’s January 17, 2020 Executive Order calls for the state to use 100% renewable energy to meet Rhode Island’s electricity demand, by 2030. To meet this goal,…
There are various programs available to electricity consumers in Rhode Island that provide incentives and cost savings. These programs have value to people and businesses who otherwise would not have access to renewable energy because of property constraints. As an energy lawyer, I am familiar with the state-created opportunities for both small-scale and larger solar programs and the assistance to…
The firm has been blogging frequently about renewable energy statutes and regulations lately. This is because renewable energy is a fast-moving and cutting edge area of law. Solar panel laws are no exception. Solar farm projects are popping up in the more rural areas of the state. Rural areas generally have more square footage, which is required for a solar…
By now, you may have heard of an area of power production known as renewable energy law. This area of law covers both state and federal legislation meant to require a minimum amount of power generation from sources other than fossil fuels. This article will cover a few of these statutes enacted in Rhode Island recently. Renewable Energy Standard In…
FERC What is FERC? We are talking about government in this post, so FERC is an acronym for a federal government entity known as the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC” or “Commission”). This entity was formed in 1977 to protect the interests of public and energy customers in the United States. FERC is an independent agency and falls under the…
Renewable energy resources and projects are a very hot topic in Rhode Island. Between solar farms and offshore wind farms, stakeholders face a daunting review process. A public utility law project is one that requires approvals and regulatory compliance at both the state and municipal level, and sometimes federal too. When an activity is designated by the state legislature for…
