Solar Power and Forest Preservation
New compromise reflects agreement among conservationists, labor and developers to advance clean energy without sacrificing forests.
The climate crisis is urgent. We need rapid deployment of renewable energy to respond to the crisis and achieve the science-based goals in the Act on Climate, which became law in Rhode Island in 2021. At the same time, protecting our forested areas, particularly large tracts of undisturbed forest, is increasingly important in the face of climate change.
For years, solar development and forest protection have been at odds, but that is changing. We can have both.
In June 2023, the General Assembly approved long overdue solar siting reform legislation that shifts projects away from core forests and toward roof tops, parking lots and other industrial sites. The bill was championed by Rep. June Speakman and Sen. Alana DiMario and represented a hard-fought compromise negotiated this year by an unlikely coalition of environmentalists, labor unions and developers.
Why were so many solar projects being sited in Rhode Island’s forests?
Under the old law, state programs to promote solar energy development benefited the lowest price options. And most of the time, it was cheaper to clear-cut large tracts of forestland for solar than to install it in already disturbed areas.
But don’t we need forests to help achieve our climate goals?
Yes. Rhode Island’s largest, undisturbed forest areas play a critical role in absorbing and sequestering carbon emissions. Forests also serve as the world's most effective water filtration system, provide habitat for wildlife and offer recreational opportunities, like hiking, birdwatching and mountain biking, for thousands of visitors each year.
How does the new legislation work?
Solar Siting Reform Achieves These Goals
Conserves Core Forests
Repeals state incentives (for Virtual Net Metering credits or Renewable Energy Growth tariff payments) outside of core forests, which are defined as unfragmented forest blocks of single or multiple parcels 250 acres or greater. Makes projects in core forests ineligible for incentives, but provides a safe harbor for projects currently in development that have completed or paid for an interconnection study.
Promotes Clean Energy
For the first time in Rhode Island law, expands virtual net metering, but includes an overall cap of 275 megawatts. All of this new development will be outside of core forests, excluding any preferred sites within core forests (e.g., rooftops, industrial sites, gravel pits). Significantly expands Renewable Energy Growth up to 300 megawatts per year—one of the most cost-effective programs.
Preserves & Grows Good Jobs
Provides job security as programs transition and state incentives drive solar development outside of the core forests.
Organizations Endorsing Landmark Solar Siting
The Nature Conservancy, Audubon Society of RI, Save The Bay, RI Land Trust Council, IBEW Local 99, Climate Jobs RI and Revity.
