Climate Bill Summary - S.2967
Thank you for your interest in An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers. I am writing today with an update on my blog post that was published on July 22nd, 2024 regarding the House’s passage of the Clean Energy Bill. As you may know, the House and Senate did not come to an agreement on the bill prior to Formal Session ending on July 31st, 2024. (You can read more about the difference between Informal and Formal Sessions here.) I am excited to share that the House and Senate have reached an agreement and as of yesterday, the bill was passed by the Massachusetts Legislature. The bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for her signature. She has 10 days to accept or reject the bill or return any amendments to the Legislature. If the bill is not signed within 10 days, it becomes law automatically.
I was proud to vote in favor of this important piece of legislation and I am thankful to my colleagues in the Legislature for their collaboration on this bill, which works to secure the clean energy future and sustainable prosperity that Massachusetts residents deserve. This bill is an essential step in achieving the Commonwealth’s 2050 net-zero climate goals, and will help with transitioning our infrastructure to prioritize the health of the environment and the wellbeing of residents.
This legislation contains a wide range of provisions which focus on enabling the development of clean energy infrastructure in the Commonwealth. Some main components of this legislation include:
1. Streamlining Processes: Simplifies permitting for small clean energy projects and establishes consolidated permits for larger facilities to expedite development.
2. Equity and Community Support: Creates an Office of Environmental Justice and Equity establishing support funds for interventions in energy proceedings, and ensuring public engagement in the decision making processes.
3. Revised Procurement: Calls for emissions reduction effectiveness review of renewable energy procurement and sets new energy storage goals to meet increased demand.
4. Grid Technology: Requires cost-effectiveness analyses of transmission systems and enables the deployment of grid-enhancing technologies such as advanced metering infrastructure, efficient socket adapters and adds fusion to renewable energy generating sources list.
5. Building Decarbonization: Requires new efficient energy and emissions standards for state owned buildings, establishes new and updates existing governing bodies to regulate the reduction of carbon emissions in building construction.
6. Electric Vehicles: Updates EV charging infrastructure deployment plan, regulates the number and location of EV charging stations, directs feasibility study of EV-only sales mandate, updates governing bodies directed to regulate and encourage mass adoption of EVs.
7.Gas Utilities: Updates “gas company” definition to include geothermal energy, requires DPU to consider the public interest relating to gas service expansion, updates regulations regarding the enforcement of gas emissions standards and gas-leak safety.
8. Industry Support: Expanding tax credits for the offshore wind industry and incentivizing electric vehicle infrastructure development across the state.
I have attached a more detailed summary for An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers, below if you are interested in further details on this bill.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns.
Best regards,
Jay
