2022 -- H 6657

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LC003606

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2022

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- SOLAR PANELS

     Introduced By: Representatives Phillips, Costantino, Shallcross Smith, Ruggiero,
Cortvriend, Carson, Speakman, Hawkins, Cardillo, and Amore

     Date Introduced: January 06, 2022

     Referred To: House Finance

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Solar panel state highway advisory commission established.

     There shall be established an advisory commission to be known as the solar panel state

highway advisory commission (the “commission”) to determine the most appropriate placement

of solar panels on median strips on interstate highways and route 146, carports at state parking lots,

and such other locations as the commission determines. In making such determinations, the

commission shall seek placements which would provide and generate maximum returns on the

investment as well as producing substantial amounts of energy. The commission shall consist of

the director of the department of transportation, or designee, the director of the department of

environmental management, or designee, the chairperson of the public utilities commission, or

designee, the director of the office of energy resources, or designee, and three (3) members of the

public appointed by the governor.

     SECTION 2. The commission shall make findings and recommendations regarding the

placement of solar panels on median strips on interstate highways and route 146, carports at state

parking lots, and such other locations as the commission determines. The commission shall also

make recommendations to the general assembly regarding proposed appropriations for the costs of

installing and maintaining the solar panels and any ancillary equipment required to operate the

panels. The general assembly shall seek to utilize funds received from the American Rescue Plan

Act of 2021 in making appropriations to support this project and to implement the

recommendations of the commission.

     SECTION 3. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO HIGHWAYS -- SOLAR PANELS

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     This act would establish an advisory commission to determine the placement of solar

panels on median strips on inter-state highways and route 146, and other locations. This act would

also direct the General Assembly to seek to utilize funds received from the American Rescue Plan

Act of 2021 in making appropriations to support this project and to implement the

recommendations of the commission.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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LC003606

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