Support Updating the Energy Facility Siting Act

3/1/2019

Providence, RI - Representative David Place (District 47- Burrillville, Glocester) is introducing legislation to reform the Energy Facility Siting Act. The existing legislation restricts public participation, lacks regulatory enforcement and excludes towns and cities due to budgetary constraints. The proposed House Bill 5446 would expand the EFSA from 3 to 7 members for substantial energy projects. The proposed updates include increasing public and municipal participation, increased environmental protections, a faster and more transparent application process, expansion of members, and compliance from construction to operation. This legislation has received support from Senator Jessica De La Cruz (District 23 - Burrillville. Glocester, and North Smithfield) and is co-sponsored by Representative Brian C. Newberry (District 48 – North Smithfield, Burrillville)

Rep. Place (District 47) commented, saying: “Thirty years ago, the General Assembly enacted the Energy Facility Siting Act which created the Energy Facility Siting Board. They have sole and unilateral authority to grant or deny permits to construct major energy facilities in Rhode Island. It is crucial we pass House Bill 5446 which will overhaul this outdated and inadequate piece of legislation”

House Bill 5446 (An Act Relating to State Affairs and Government Energy Facility Siting Act) was introduced and referred to House Environment and Natural Resources and is scheduled for hearing and or considerations on Thursday February 28 at the Rhode Island State House.

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In 1636, Roger Williams, founder of Rhode Island, established the first working model of Democracy after being banished from Massachusetts for his “extreme views” concerning freedom of speech and religion. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams publicly acknowledged Williams as the originator of these concepts, along with the freedom of public assembly, in the First Amendment in the United States Constitution. Today, Rhode Island House Republicans uphold the liberties designed by our Founders and preserved in our Constitution, and are the primary legislative body promoting lean government, fighting for lower taxes, and advocating for initiatives and policies that improve the economy and in turn, the lives of Rhode Islanders. As members of a part-time assembly, we are small business owners, retired educators, community activists, lawyers, farmers, military service veterans, volunteers, former local officials, retired social workers, coaches, musicians, churchgoers and board directors -- bringing these community engagement and professional experiences to our work, on your behalf, at the Rhode Island State House.