Bianca Sanchez, bianca.sanchez@sierraclub.org
BOSTON, MA. -- Today, the Massachusetts State House passed the Commonwealth’s latest climate bill, an “Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity and protecting ratepayers.” The bill now heads to Governor Maura Healey to sign. The House’s vote to pass follows a rollercoaster year in which the House and Senate failed to reconcile their two respective climate bills before the end of the formal legislative session in July.
The final compromised language includes several energy wins, including ensuring new methane gas infrastructure spending supports climate mandates and ratepayer interests and a revamp of the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) to quicken the buildout of new infrastructure while protecting historically polluted communities from the cumulative health impacts new infrastructure may bring.
“We are encouraged to see the legislature put reasonable restrictions on expanding our polluting methane gas system. This will protect ratepayers, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and create healthier communities,” said Jess Nahigian, Political Director of the Sierra Club Massachusetts Chapter. “With a new federal administration around the corner, procurements for new clean energy and storage are needed now more than ever. We urge the state to maximize the potential to bring new energy online and avoid wasting money on life support for existing dangerous power, like nuclear.
Massachusetts is, again, being asked to show what is possible. We will continue our work to ensure all provisions are implemented with the least impact on communities and our natural environment. Thanks to Chairs Barrett and Roy, President Spilka, Speaker Mariano, and Governor Healey for their leadership.”
Key provisions of the law include:
- Siting Reform: Changes to the Massachusetts Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB), effective July 2026, will hasten the buildout of renewable energy, electric transmission, and distribution infrastructure.
- New “Gas Company” Definition: By expanding the definition of a “gas company” to include non-emitting thermal energy, gas utilities will no longer be obligated to exclusively provide gas
- Updated Gas System Enhancement Program: By law, the Massachusetts gas leak repair program, known as the Gas System Enhancement Program (GSEP), will now include repairing or retiring pipelines, rather than just costly replacements.
- New Battery Storage Incentives: The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is charged with creating a statewide energy storage incentive program and new energy storage procurement program. These programs will be similar to those already in place for offshore wind procurement.
- More Renewables: Extended regional clean energy procurement timelines will allow the Commonwealth to get more clean energy online. Additionally, offshore wind contract terms will now extend to 30 years.
- Building Reform: The board overseeing building regulations and standards will be required to consider emissions and embodied carbon considerations.
- Environmental Justice and Equity: Lastly, the signed bill codifies the existing Office of Environmental Justice and Equity into law and includes important environmental justice protections in siting reform and the port authority charter.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.