Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7623

Introduced
2/11/26  

Caption

Requires that the division of planning create a checklist of environmental and energy issues that state construction projects which cost in excess of $10,000,000 would need to consider.

Impact

The introduction of H7623 signifies a proactive approach by the state legislature towards enhancing environmental accountability and sustainability in government-funded construction. By requiring a systematic evaluation of potential environmental impacts, the bill aims to promote resilience against climate-related challenges, particularly flooding, which poses a significant threat to infrastructure. Ultimately, this law is expected to enhance the overall quality of state projects and their alignment with contemporary environmental standards.

Summary

House Bill 7623 mandates the creation of an environmental and energy checklist for state construction projects exceeding ten million dollars in cost. This initiative aims to incorporate various environmental considerations into the planning and execution phases of these large-scale projects, ensuring that factors such as flooding risk, stormwater management, energy efficiency, and accessibility are adequately addressed. The bill emphasizes collaboration between the division of planning, the division of capital asset management, and the office of energy resources to develop and implement this checklist across all applicable state projects.

Contention

While the bill presents numerous benefits regarding environmental oversight, it may also spark discussions on the balancing of regulatory requirements and the potential impact on project timelines and costs. Some stakeholders may raise concerns about the feasibility and efficiency of implementing such comprehensive checklists, worry about bureaucratic hurdles, and question whether the additional requirements might deter investment or complicate project initiation. Therefore, the reception of H7623 could vary among different interest groups, including construction firms, environmental advocates, and government administrators.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5425

Requires that the division of planning create a checklist of environmental and energy issues that state construction projects which cost in excess of $10,000,000 would need to consider.

RI S1038

Establishes requirements which would have to be met by an applicant prior to the issuing of permits for an activity that would have an environmental impact on or would increase the cumulative impacts on an environmental justice area.

RI H6177

Provides that comprehensive permit projects in Tiverton, involving property not connected to either public water or sewer or both, and for which the property is considered hydric said land be excluded from the building land calculation.

RI S1107

Provides that comprehensive permit projects in Tiverton, involving property not connected to either public water or sewer or both, and for which the property is considered hydric said land be excluded from the building land calculation.

RI S0862

Requires applications for energy facilities to take into consideration the 2021 Act on Climate and how the facility may advance or delay the greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

RI H5573

Requires applications for energy facilities to take into consideration the 2021 Act on Climate and how the facility may advance or delay the greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

RI H5453

Replaces CRMC with a newly created division of coastal resources management, a state entity within the DEM and would transfer all authority to the DEM with duties and responsibilities to be carried out by the division of coastal resources management.

RI H5100

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAVE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.

RI S0501

Authorizes municipalities to make an emergency declaration under limited circumstances to allow for the construction and use of SAVE Units on a temporary basis which have specialized requirements and exemptions from the state fire and building codes.

RI S0503

Create a process to establish a low- or moderate-income housing that exceeds sixty (60) units.

Similar Bills

HI HB1223

Relating To Capital Improvement Projects For The Benefit Of The Thirty-eighth Representative District.

HI HB1223

Relating To Capital Improvement Projects For The Benefit Of The Thirty-eighth Representative District.

HI SB1603

Relating To Capital Improvement Projects For The Benefit Of The Third Senatorial District.

HI SB1603

Relating To Capital Improvement Projects For The Benefit Of The Third Senatorial District.

CA SB809

Employees and independent contractors: construction trucking.

CA AB2550

Women in the construction industry: report.

PA HB1331

Providing for the capital budget for fiscal year 2025-2026; itemizing public improvement projects, furniture and equipment projects, transportation assistance, redevelopment assistance projects, flood control projects and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission projects leased or assisted by the Department of General Services and other State agencies, together with their estimated financial costs; authorizing the incurring of debt without the approval of the electors for the purpose of financing the projects to be constructed, acquired or assisted by the Department of General Services and other State agencies; authorizing the use of current revenue for the purpose of financing the projects to be constructed, acquired or assisted by the Department of General Services and other State agencies stating the estimated useful life of the projects; and making appropriations.

TX SB794

Relating to the method used to select engineers and general contractors for certain transportation-related construction projects.