reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 95 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 1 - Wildlife|Subchapter VII - Wildlife and Marine Sanctuaries and Game Preserves|§ 95. Restocking area with birds

 (a) When birds of high breeding potential are released for the purpose of restocking an area, that area shall be closed immediately thereafter to hunting those birds for a period of at least two breeding seasons. (b) If the Commissioner determines that at the end of two breeding seasons a sufficient surplus does not exist, he may extend the ban against hunting upon posting public notice of the proposed extension at least 10 days prior to its effective date.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 96 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 1 - Wildlife|Subchapter VII - Wildlife and Marine Sanctuaries and Game Preserves|§ 96. Prohibited acts in wildlife and marine sanctuaries

 (a) Except under a permit or specific authorization of the Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources, it is unlawful in any wildlife or marine sanctuary to: (1) take or possess any bird, fish or other wildlife, or part thereof; (2) use or possess any firearm, bow and arrow, or any trap or other contrivance designed to be, or capable of being, used to take birds, fish or other wildlife, or to discharge any firearm or release any arrow into any wildlife or marine sanctuary; or (3) throw, place, or deposit any waste within any wildlife or marine sanctuary. (b) The Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources may promulgate such rules and regulations pursuant to Title 3, chapter 35, VIC, prohibiting such additional acts which may adversely impact upon wildlife or marine sanctuaries or game preserves.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 97 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 1 - Wildlife|Subchapter VII - Wildlife and Marine Sanctuaries and Game Preserves|§ 97. Establishment of wildlife or marine sanctuaries

 (a) The Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources may for the purpose of propagating, feeding and protecting birds, fish and other wildlife: (1) designate and establish wildlife or marine sanctuaries in addition to those designated in section 94 of this chapter, and public access areas and special management zones within any wildlife or marine sanctuary; (2) accept on behalf of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands, donations, bequests, gifts of any interest in real property for the purpose of a wildlife or marine sanctuary; and (3) accept on behalf of the Government of the United States Virgin Islands, donations of birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles and other wildlife and of money given or appropriated for any wildlife or marine sanctuary. (b) The Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources shall cause to be prepared suitable signs to be posted under his direction on each territorial game preserve and wildlife and marine sanctuary designating the area as a game preserve or wildlife or marine sanctuary and giving notice of activities prohibited by this chapter or other applicable rules or regulations.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 99 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 1 - Wildlife|Subchapter VII - Wildlife and Marine Sanctuaries and Game Preserves|§ 99. Penalties

 Whoever violates any provision of this subchapter shall, if no other penalty is provided herein for such violation, be subject to a fine of not more than $5000, imprisonment for not more than 30 days, or both.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1102 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter I - General Provisions|§ 1102. Purpose; strategies or projects

 (a) The intent of this chapter is to encourage the development of renewable and alternative energy generation sources on two levels: large, utility scale infrastructure development; and small, homeowner scale and commercial renewable energy use. (b) In carrying out this section, the Energy Office shall identify and evaluate the strategies or projects, with the greatest potential for reducing the dependence on imported fuel used for the generation of electricity, on both, small homeowner scale and commercial renewable and alternative energy use, including strategies and projects for: (1) the application of established standards for energy efficiency for appliances, lighting fixtures, including ceiling fans, air conditioning systems and pumps; (2) the conduct of energy audits for business and industrial customers; (3) the increased use of renewable energy sources including- (A) solar energy for electric generation; (B) solar energy for water heating in large buildings, such as hotels, hospitals, government buildings and residences; (C) photovoltaic energy; (D) wind energy; (E) hydroelectric energy; and (F) microturbine systems; and (G) other strategies and projects including alternative energy sources that the Energy Office may identify as having significant potential. (c) In assessing the potential of any strategy or project under subsection (b), the Energy Office shall consider— (1) the estimated cost of the power or energy to be produced; (2) the long-term availability of the generation source; (3) the capacity of the local electrical utility to manage, operate, and maintain any project that may be undertaken; and (4) such other factors as the Energy Office considers to be appropriate.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1103 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter I - General Provisions|§ 1103. Duties of Director

 To achieve the purposes of this chapter, the Director may: (a) Identify, plan, organize, initiate, and sponsor studies, research, and experimental, pilot, and demonstration facilities and projects that would lead to the development and more efficient utilization of present, new, or alternative energy sources in this Territory, to the conservation of energy, to the attraction of federal and other development funding in emerging and established national or territorial priority areas, or to the enhancement of the economic development of the Territory; (b) Promote, assist, and provide financial assistance for the development of non-profit corporations organized and established under the laws of the Virgin Islands to further the purposes of this chapter; (c) Seek out, apply for, receive, and accept grants, gifts, contributions, loans, and other assistance in any form from public and private sources, including assistance from any agency; and (d) Make grants from funds that are appropriated by the Legislature and from gifts or grants obtained under paragraph (c) of this section for the purposes of developing, constructing, or operating experimental, pilot, and demonstration facilities or programs that develop, test, or demonstrate more efficient and environmentally acceptable methods of extracting energy resources; new concepts, programs, or technology for the conservation of energy; new concepts, programs, or technology for the efficient and environmentally acceptable use of present, new, or alternative energy sources; or concepts, programs, or technology which develop resources of the Territory. Grants may be made, without limitation, for projects and programs such as experimental demonstrations or development of solar heating and cooling and potentially energy-efficient construction in public buildings, schools, offices, commercial establishments, and residential homes; development of programs or experimental demonstrations of the utilization of waste products in energy production and mineral and energy conservation; and development of programs or experimental demonstrations of technologies which would permit utility pricing policies that may reduce the consumer costs of energy.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1104 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter I - General Provisions|§ 1104. Interagency Advisory Committee

 (a) The Virgin Islands Energy Office shall establish an interagency advisory committee consisting of representatives from: (1) government agencies and instrumentalities, including the University of the Virgin Islands; (2) The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority; (3) The private sector; and (4) environmental, energy, and consumer groups and other energy-related organizations. (b) The Committee shall provide input on energy programs and related matters. The Committee shall: (1) assist and advise the Director on matters relating to the development and use of solar energy and other renewable energy resources, including recommendations for the utilization or disbursements of federal and territorial funds for solar purposes; (2) encourage efforts by research institutions, government institutions and home builders in obtaining technical and financial support from the federal government for their activities in solar and advanced alternate energy systems; (3) identify and describe the renewable energy technologies that are feasible and practical in terms of short-term application of retrofit, new construction and conservation projects within five years; (4) identify and describe long-range programs that are feasible and cost effective; (5) encourage the cooperation and direct involvement of academic, business, professional and industrial sectors that are determined to have special expertise or knowledge of solar energy technology; (6) make recommendations to the Director on standards, codes, certifications and other programs necessary for the orderly and rapid commercialization and growth of renewable energy use in the Virgin Islands for consideration by the appropriate jurisdictional bodies; (7) assist the Director with organizing workshops and conferences, and recommend policies, standards, strategies, plans, programs, and procedures with regard to functions of the office of energy; and (8) provide such other assistance as the Director may request or the law may provide. (c) The heads of all agencies, including those that are not represented on the Committee, shall cooperate with and furnish information to the Committee as required or requested.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1121 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter II - Solar and Wind Energy System Incentives|§ 1121. Incentive Program

 The Solar and Wind Energy System Incentive Program is established to provide financial incentives for the purchase and installation of solar and wind energy systems.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1122 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter II - Solar and Wind Energy System Incentives|§ 1122. Installation of solar equipment in new developments

 (a) In the construction of new developments or substantially modified developments after the effective date of this subchapter, the developer shall use energy-efficient solar systems or heat pump water heaters for providing not less than 70% of water heating, unless the Commissioner of the Department determines that the use of such a system is not cost-effective or interferes or conflicts with the use of the building. (b) The Director shall use the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding that is designated for rebates for the Virgin Islands, first for solar water heating system rebates for residences and government buildings. (c) In issuing its building, construction, or development-related permits, the Department shall ensure that permittees comply with the requirements of subsection (a).
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1124 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter II - Solar and Wind Energy System Incentives|§ 1124. Customs duty excise tax exemption

 (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, in order to carry out the purposes of this chapter, equipment or component parts brought into the Virgin Islands for the purpose of manufacturing of solar water heaters or wind or solar energy systems are exempt from the payment of customs duties and excise tax, including such equipment as: Solar Photovoltaic systems, including invertors, charge controllers, batteries and solar lights; Wind Turbine Systems, including wind pumps; Solar Thermal Systems, including solar water heaters; solar dryers, solar cookers; solar air-conditioners; solar stills; and geo thermal heat pump systems. (b) Retailers and installers of solar or wind equipment or component parts who receive exemptions under subsection (a) shall pass on the savings to consumers. (c) The Director of the Bureau of Internal Revenue shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1127 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter II - Solar and Wind Energy System Incentives|§ 1127. Renewable sources inventory

 Not later than six months after the effective date of this chapter, the Director shall submit to the Legislature a report containing- (1) an inventory of renewable and alternative energy sources available in the Virgin Islands for consumers; and (2) a projection of future inventories of renewable and alternative sources of energy.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1128 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter II - Solar and Wind Energy System Incentives|§ 1128. Training of employees

 A solar energy training program must be established within two years after the effective date of this subchapter, within the Virgin Islands Career and Technical Education Program under the Department of Education, including a training program for the construction of solar hot water systems, including solar panels, solar hot water storage tanks, solar circulators, and installation.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1130 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter III - Energy and Environmental Efficiency Leadership|§ 1130. Energy efficiency standards

 (a) Each agency and instrumentality of the Government to the extent practicable shall design and construct buildings to incorporate energy-efficiency measures to optimize solar heating for water heating. This section applies to new residential facilities built using any portion of government funds or located on government lands. (b) Each agency and instrumentality of the Government shall purchase energy efficient equipment, such as “ENERGY STAR” products where available. (c) With regard to motor vehicles and transportation fuel, each agency shall: (1) purchase the most fuel-efficient vehicles that meet the needs of its activities; (2) promote efficient operation of vehicles; (3) use the most appropriate minimum octane fuel; and (4) collect and maintain information on the performance of each vehicle regarding fuel-use in order to evaluate its efficiency. (d) Subject to the exceptions in subsection (d)(4), the Director shall establish regulations, prescribing criteria for prescribing performance and quality standards. (e) The Director may not prescribe performance and quality standards, unless the Director determines that there will be a reduction in fuel consumption as a result of such standards. (f) The Department shall assist any individual or business that intends to construct energy savings and renewable or alternative energy systems by expediting the permitting process; the Commissioner may waive any permit fees for the installation of solar energy, wind turbine, or any renewable or alternative-energy system.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1131 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter III - Energy and Environmental Efficiency Leadership|§ 1131. Exemption for alternative fuel vehicles

 As provided in 33 V.I.C. §  42(e)(7) and 33 V.I.C. §  533, from the effective date of this section until January 1, 2021, the importation of electric vehicles and the lithium-ion batteries they use, hybrid vehicles, and other alternative fuel vehicles, is exempt from the payment of customs duties and excise taxes.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1141 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter IV - Net Energy Metering|§ 1141. Short title

 This subchapter may be referred to as the “Net Energy Metering Act.”
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1142 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter IV - Net Energy Metering|§ 1142. Legislative intent

 It is declared to be the purpose and policy of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands in enacting this subchapter to: (a) encourage private investment in renewable and alternative energy resources; (b) stimulate the economic growth of Virgin Islands; (c) enhance the continued diversification of the energy resources used in this Territory; and (d) conform territorial Policy for Net Metering with the Federal Energy Policy Act of 2005.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1143 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter IV - Net Energy Metering|§ 1143. Definitions

 As used in this subchapter: (a) “Commercial customer” means a person, persons jointly or a legal entity receiving electrical service from the Utility under the Utility’s criteria established for commercial service and who owns the property where the net metering facility is located or the property where the meter for the exported energy is credited is located. (b) “Customer-generator” means a user of a net metering system. (c) “Net metering” means the difference between the electricity supplied by a utility and the electricity generated by a customer-generator which is fed back to the utility over the applicable billing period, which is accomplished by: (1) using a single meter capable of registering the flow of electricity in two directions; (2) using an additional meter to monitor the flow in each direction, which may be installed only with the consent of the customer-generator, and at the expense of the utility; the net energy metering calculation of the dual meters shall yield a result identical to that of a single meter. (d) “Net metering system” means a facility for the production of electricity that: (1) uses renewable energy technology as defined in this chapter; (2) has a generating capacity of not more than 5 kilowatts residential, 100 kilowatts Commercial and 500 kilowatts public facility; (3) is located on property owned by the customer-generator at the point of actual energy consumption; (4) operates in parallel with the utility's transmission and distribution facilities; and (5) is intended primarily to offset part or all of the customer-generator's requirements for electricity. (e) “Public facility” means a building or area in which government operations or activities occupy to include but not limited to schools, hospitals, and recreation areas. (f) “Residential customer” means a person, persons jointly or a legal entity receiving electrical service from the Utility pursuant to the Utility’s criteria established for residential service and who owns the property where the net metering facility is located or the property where the meter for the exported energy is credited is located. (g) “Utility” means the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority or other public utility that supplies electricity in the Virgin Islands.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1144 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter IV - Net Energy Metering|§ 1144. Net metering; availability

 (a) A utility shall offer net metering as set forth in this subchapter. The aggregate capacity of the net metering offered must not exceed 5 mega watts on the island of St. Croix and must not exceed 10 mega watts collectively on the islands of St. Thomas and St. John and Water Island and other territorial offshore keys and islands. Net metering must be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis until customer-generators within each island have reached the aggregate capacity for that island. (b) Any residential or commercial utility customer eligible for net metering, but without sufficient roof or land space, may install a system elsewhere on a stand-alone basis. The electricity produced at the customer-generator’s property from the remote location, or at the customer-generator’s premises, may be credited to only a single designated meter account of the customer-generator. (c) The Utility shall offer power purchase agreements on a first-come-first-serve basis until customer generators within each island have reached the aggregate capacity for that island or group of islands, as applicable. (d) Except for systems in the net metering program on the effective date of this section, net metering is for systems 10 Kilowatts and smaller. (e) A utility: (1) shall offer to make available to each of its customer-generators who accepted its offer for net metering an energy meter that is capable of registering the flow in at least two directions; (2) may, at its own expense, and with the written consent of the customer generator, install an additional meter to monitor the flow of electricity in each direction, pursuant to section 1146; and (3) may not charge a customer-generator any fee or charge that would increase the customer-generator's minimum monthly charge to an amount greater than that of other customers of the utility in the same rate class as the customer-generator.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1145 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter IV - Net Energy Metering|§ 1145. Net metering safety standards

 (a) A net metering system used by a customer-generator must meet all applicable safety and power quality standards established by: (1) The National Electric Code; (2) Underwriter's Laboratories, UL 1741; (3) The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, IEEE-929 and IEEE-1547; and (4) International Building Code. (b) A utility may not require a customer-generator whose net metering system meets the safety and quality standards to: (1) comply with additional standards or requirements; (2) perform additional tests or install additional controls, unless there is a hazardous condition existing on the Utility's System due to the operation of the customer-generator's net metering system, or there is an adverse electrical impact on the electrical equipment of other Utility electric customers; (3) purchase additional liability insurance, arising solely from the customer-generator's status as a customer-generator.
V.I. Code tit. 12, § 1146 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 12 - Conservation|Chapter 23 - Renewable and Alternative Energy|Subchapter IV - Net Energy Metering|§ 1146. Billing

 (a) The billing period for net metering may be either a monthly period, a quarterly, semi-annual or annual period as determined by the billing cycle of the Utility. (b) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the net energy measurement must be calculated in the following manner: (1) The utility shall measure the net electricity produced or consumed during the billing period, in accordance with the established electric rate for that particular class of service. (2) If the electricity supplied by the utility exceeds the electricity generated by the customer-generator which is fed back to the utility during the billing period, the customer-generator must be billed for the net electricity supplied by the utility. (3) If the electricity generated by the customer-generator which is fed back to the utility exceeds the electricity supplied by the utility during the billing period, then the energy delivered by the customer-generator to the utility must be credited to the customer-generator's account at the retail cost of the utility producing the amount of energy. Any excess kwh generation by the customer is carried over as a credit from month to month. At the end of each calendar year, or after termination of service, any excess kwh credits are granted to the Authority by the customer without compensation to the customer.