What is House Bill 502?

CRCQL stands in opposition to House Bill 502!

HB 502 was introduced to the committee in the 2025-2026 session, and currently has been referred to the Energy Committee. It proposes the creation of a statewide Reliable Energy Siting and Electric Transition (RESET) Board, which would be given full and centralized authority over approving energy permits. Under HB502, this RESET Board is given the power to undermine municipal government’s authority and override local zoning regulations. The language in HB502 around what qualifies as “reliable energy generating and storage facilities” (Lines 8-9) is vague, which leaves room for potentially dangerous projects such as LNG to be approved with little resistance. Here are some of the main issues with the bill:

• Overrides Local Control
  Under the Environmental Rights Amendment, it is the responsibility of the Commonwealth and its municipalities to protect public natural resources. HB 502 overrides this local authority, instead transferring the power to a statewide board. This reduces the power of local governments in environmental justice communities. HB 502 creates a mechanism to fast-track energy infrastructure—without any specifically defined limitations to prevent projects near schools, homes, or ecologically sensitive areas (Food and Water Watch).

• Centralization of Power
  “Section 803 of the bill empowers the RESET Board to override local zoning laws, even in the face of public opposition. The ability to grant or deny “Certificates of Reliable Energy Supply” (Section 805) without clearly defined environmental standards enables political favoritism, reduces transparency, and concentrates immense influence in the hands of a few” (Food and Water Watch).

• Expedited Approval, Minimal Accountability
  “Section 806 imposes an accelerated permitting timeline, sacrificing thorough environmental and public health review. Section 804(d) [worsens] the problem by limiting judicial review of the Board’s decisions—allowing communities to challenge them only in cases of fraud or constitutional violations. This creates a nearly impenetrable barrier to holding the Board accountable for harmful decisions” (Food and Water Watch).

To read the bill in its entirety, click here.

Information from Food and Water Watch at foodandwaterwatch.org. Click here to read their full letter on HB502.