On November 14, the Massachusetts legislature passed S.2967“A law that promotes a clean energy network, promotes equality and protects taxpayers.”
The climate bill was announced after significant pressure from environmental justice and clean energy advocates following the failed passage of major climate reforms months earlier. This legislation addresses the urgent climate crisis by paving the way from polluting fossil fuels to streamlined adoption of clean energy sources.
A solar project in Massachusetts by Bluewave.
“Now, more than ever, state-level legislation is critical to the clean energy transition. We applaud lawmakers for passing this bill and recognizing the urgent need to address the climate crisis while also prioritizing equity,” said Vote Solar’s Northeast Director, Elena Weissmann. “We congratulate the Senate and House leadership and those advocates who failed to ease the pressure on passing this bill.”
The bill introduces significant changes to the siting and permitting of energy infrastructure, which will accelerate the transition to renewable sources such as solar energy in the Commonwealth, as well as a plan to phase out methane gas programs without impacting low-to-moderate ratepayers endangering incomes. Furthermore, the bill lays the foundation for a distributed and resilient network of the future by integrating battery storage and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
“We are thrilled that the bill prioritizes strong cumulative impact assessment for new energy projects that are rooted in the principles of environmental justice. This assessment requires that new energy projects fully take into account the historical and ongoing burdens experienced by communities disproportionately affected by climate change and the current energy system,” Weissmann said. “We look forward to working with partners to facilitate the transition from polluting infrastructure to sustainable energy projects that directly benefit frontline communities.”
News item from Vote Solar