November 9, 2018

Regulations Under Development for Renewable Energy Development on Farmlands

A law passed in 2017, “Taxation of Farm Forest and Open Space Land”, enables farms receiving tax relief through the Farm Forest and Open Space program to install renewable energy projects (solar and wind) on up to 20% of their farm without losing the tax protections on the remaining portion of the farm.

The RI Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) is finalizing regulations to implement this law. Audubon joined with other partners and submitted comments on the draft regulations.

Eco RI News coverage of the recent hearing can be found here: Rules Near for Renewables on Farms and Open Space

Solar Panels Environment Renewable Energy Siting Regulation Projects Audubon Society of Rhode Island Farms RI DEM Department of Environmental Management

In a letter submitted by Audubon Society of Rhode Island and several other environmental organizations, we have requested that RI DEM performs annual reviews of the conservation plans, which are required to receive the state farm and open space designation. | Image courtesy of U.S. Department of Energy via Flickr

Latest News and Events

May 1, 2026

Look out for these spring migrants!

Grab your binoculars, a pencil, and some patience and head out to our refuges to find these feathered folks returning from their long-distance migratory journey (or birds that are on stopover!) Click here to download our spring migrant checklist.

April 1, 2026

Providence Peregrine Falcon Livestream is Back!

Welcome to the 2026 nesting season! Tune in to our livestream as a pair of Peregrine Falcons lay their eggs and raise their young on the ledges of the "Superman Building" in downtown Providence, RI.

April 30, 2025

It’s Turtle Crossing Season! Slow Down and Let Them Cross Safely

In May and June, turtles and other wildlife will set out to find suitable nesting sites to lay their eggs. Eggs hatch in August in September. For many, they'll need to cross busy roads to access their habitats and nesting sites. Learn tips on how to help them cross, and about the other threats they face.