The Department of Health and Environmental Control adopted amendments to regulations governing beachfront management. The amendments add several technical corrections, new definitions, and language to clarify guidelines related to beach preservation, beach/dune system critical areas, and associated construction activities.

The Department of Health and Environmental Control adopted a new rule concerning solar energy systems. The rule establishes basic guidelines for large solar energy systems, including a registration requirement and a decommissioning plan requirement.

The Public Utilities Commission adopted amendments to regulations governing the implementation of a renewable energy standard. The amendments reflect statutory changes enacted in June 2022 by changing the annual percentages of renewable energy required to achieve a 100% renewable energy standard by 2033. See https://rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/810-40-05-2.

The Department of Environmental Services proposed to readopt, with amendments, regulations governing grants for surface water treatment, regional water systems, and groundwater investigations. The amendments would make minor editorial changes to make it possible for the Department to continue to pay out grants. A hearing will be held June 26, 2024. Comments are due July 12, 2024.