RI S2533

Expands the Energy Facility Siting Board from 3 to 5 members by adding the Secretary of Commerce (or designee) and a governor-appointed public member who cannot have received income from energy companies in the previous 5 years.

Creates a new "host community" designation for municipalities where major generating facilities are located, granting them automatic intervenor status and requiring at least 3 public hearings (versus 1 for non-generating facilities) before final board action.

Requires applicants for major generating facilities to fund host community environmental studies up to $150,000 or 0.1% of estimated capital costs (whichever is greater), plus all reasonable fees for legal counsel, expert evaluations, and other participation costs.

Establishes two categories of major energy facilities: "major generating facilities" (40+ MW electricity generation) and "major non-generating facilities" (transmission lines, pipelines, fuel processing/storage), with different procedural requirements for each.

Expands property owner notification requirements to 2 miles from proposed site boundaries for generating facilities (versus 300 feet for non-generating facilities) and allows hearing officers only for non-generating facility proceedings.