Removes clean coal as a renewable fuel given priority as an energy generation project.

Summary of the Bill

This bill would change Rhode Island's energy laws by removing "clean coal" from the list of renewable fuels that receive special priority when the state evaluates new energy generation projects. Under current law, Rhode Island's Energy Facility Siting Act gives preferential treatment to energy projects that use certain renewable fuels, and clean coal is currently included on that list. If passed, this bill would take clean coal off that list, meaning coal-based energy projects would no longer enjoy the same advantages as projects using other renewable energy sources.

The change would primarily affect energy companies and developers looking to build new power generation facilities in Rhode Island. Under the current system, projects using fuels classified as renewable — including clean coal — can receive priority consideration during the state's approval process. By removing clean coal from this category, the bill would make it harder for coal-based energy projects to receive that favorable treatment, potentially steering future energy development toward other fuel sources that remain on the renewable priority list.

The bill has been moving through the Rhode Island House of Representatives. It was originally assigned to one committee, then transferred to the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee. The bill's sponsor requested a postponement of a scheduled hearing in March 2026, and the committee has since recommended holding the measure for further study, meaning it has not yet advanced to a full vote.