A LEGISLATIVE APPROACH TO REGULATING SOLAR ACCESS: AMENDMENTS TO THE PROPOSED RHODE ISLAND ZONING ENABLING ACT OF 1984

The use of solar energy as a viable means of heating and cooling buildings has greatly increased within the past ten years. In 1974, Congress stated in the Solar Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Act that …it is in the Nation\u27s best interest to expedite the long-term development of renewable and nonpolluting energy resources, such as solar energy. The realization that fossil fuels are becoming increasingly scarce, coupled with the political ramifications of our dependence upon such fuels has led to greater public acceptance and Congressional recognition of the importance in seeking alternative energy sources. Both technological advancement and increased economic feasibility, have also led to the growth and development of solar technology. This growth will continue if the use of this solar technology is assured access to the sun. There are certain land use tools which the planner can utilize to insure that access to sunlight is assured for the current and future solar energy user. In order that the land use planner facilitate the full use of solar energy, he must understand at least two basic principles which are relevant to solar energy. The following discussion centers on these two principles: solar energy systems and solar access