Office of the Governor

HOUSE BILL NO. YYYY

AN ACT

TO ESTABLISH THE SOUTH LATOKA RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH LATOKA:

ARTICLE I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title

This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "South Latoka Renewable Energy and Environmental Protection Act."

Section 2. Purpose

The purpose of this Act is to promote the development and use of renewable energy sources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect the natural environment of South Latoka.

Section 3. Definitions

For the purposes of this Act:

(a) "Department" means the South Latoka Department of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources.

(b) "Renewable energy" means energy derived from solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, or hydroelectric sources.

(c) "Greenhouse gas" means carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and other gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect.

(d) "Board" means the Renewable Energy and Environmental Advisory Board established under this Act.

ARTICLE II. RENEWABLE ENERGY TARGETS

Section 1. Establishment of Renewable Energy Targets

(a) The state of South Latoka shall achieve the following renewable energy targets:

(1) 30% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

(2) 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2040.

(3) 70% of electricity from renewable sources by 2050.

(b) The Department shall develop and implement strategies to meet these targets.

Section 2. Renewable Energy and Environmental Advisory Board

(a) There is hereby established the Renewable Energy and Environmental Advisory Board.

(b) The Board shall consist of nine members:

(1) The Secretary of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources or their designee.

(2) Four members appointed by the Governor.

(3) Four members appointed by the Speaker of the House.

(c) The Board shall:

(1) Advise the Department on policies and strategies to meet renewable energy targets.

(2) Review and approve grants from the Clean Energy Innovation Fund.

(3) Submit an annual report on the state's progress towards renewable energy goals.

ARTICLE III. CLEAN ENERGY INCENTIVES

Section 1. Renewable Energy Tax Credits

(a) Individuals and businesses that install solar panels, wind turbines, or other approved renewable energy systems shall be eligible for a tax credit of up to 30% of the installation cost.

(b) The Department shall establish criteria for eligible systems and application procedures.

Section 2. Green Building Incentives

(a) New construction projects that meet certified green building standards shall be eligible for expedited permit processing and reduced permit fees.

(b) The Department shall develop guidelines for qualifying green building standards.

ARTICLE IV. CLEAN ENERGY INNOVATION FUND

Section 1. Establishment of the Clean Energy Innovation Fund

(a) There is hereby established the Clean Energy Innovation Fund.

(b) The fund shall be administered by the Department and overseen by the Board.

(c) The Legislature shall appropriate $10 million annually to the fund.

Section 2. Grant Application and Award Process

(a) Businesses, research institutions, and non-profit organizations may apply for grants to support clean energy innovation projects.

(b) The Board shall establish criteria for evaluating and awarding grants.

(c) No single grant may exceed $500,000 unless approved by a two-thirds vote of the Board.

ARTICLE V. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION MEASURES

Section 1. Greenhouse Gas Reduction

(a) The state shall aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by:

(1) 30% below 2005 levels by 2030.

(2) 50% below 2005 levels by 2040.

(3) Net-zero emissions by 2050.

(b) The Department shall develop and implement a comprehensive plan to achieve these targets.

Section 2. Protection of Natural Resources

(a) The Department shall designate and protect critical habitats and ecosystems.

(b) A minimum of 30% of South Latoka's land and water shall be conserved in a natural state by 2030.

ARTICLE VI. REPORTING AND EVALUATION

Section 1. Annual Report

(a) The Department shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature by December 31 of each year.

(b) The report shall include:

(1) Progress towards renewable energy and emissions reduction targets.

(2) Details of grants awarded from the Clean Energy Innovation Fund.

(3) Status of environmental protection efforts.

(4) Recommendations for policy adjustments.

Section 2. Independent Evaluation

(a) The Department shall contract with an independent entity to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the programs established by this Act every five years.

(b) The evaluation results shall be presented to the Governor, the Legislature, and made publicly available.

ARTICLE VII. FUNDING

Section 1. Appropriations

The Legislature shall appropriate funds necessary for the implementation of this Act, including but not limited to:

(a) $10 million annually for the Clean Energy Innovation Fund.

(b) Funds necessary for the administration of the renewable energy incentives and environmental protection programs.

ARTICLE VIII. EFFECTIVE DATE

Section 1. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2025.