Massachusetts Bills

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3512: An Act establishing a special legislative commission to study small modular reactors

This bill establishes a legislative commission to study small modular reactors (SMRs) as a potential baseload power source. The commission will specifically examine how SMRs can work with renewable energy to improve grid stability, and evaluate non-light water coolants for safety and operational effects. The commission includes key energy committee chairs, legislative leaders, and state agency heads, and must submit a report within one year of the bill's passage. The bill itself creates no new regulations or funding but directs a formal study to inform future energy policy decisions.

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3553: An Act regarding the reform of Class 2 regulations

HD 4260 requires Massachusetts retail electric suppliers to provide at least 34.75% of their electricity sales from designated "Class II" renewable sources starting January 1, 2009. It directly affects all retail electric suppliers serving customers in Massachusetts. Key provisions define Class II sources (including solar, wind, existing hydro under strict limits, landfill gas, and specific biofuels), mandate that 34.75% of revenue from renewable energy certificates must fund approved recycling programs, and impose specific restrictions on hydroelectric facilities (e.g., no new dams, max 7.5 MW, existing facilities only). The bill aims to increase renewable energy usage through these specific sourcing requirements and funding mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3579: An Act providing for a wind-farm study

HD 68 requires a state official to commission an environmental impact study before any offshore wind turbine installation can begin. The study must examine effects on water, ocean floor, and marine life near the proposed site. Developers must wait for this study to be completed and reported to legislative committees at least 180 days prior to installation. This bill directly affects offshore wind energy developers and focuses on requiring environmental review before projects proceed.

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3585: An Act establishing a special commission to study the potential risks to cities and towns from the onshore electrical infrastructure supporting offshore wind energy generation projects

HD 756 establishes a 15-member commission to study risks from onshore electrical infrastructure supporting offshore wind projects in Massachusetts. The commission will examine potential financial, environmental, public health, and safety impacts - including risks from transmission lines, substations, hazardous material releases, water supply contamination, and cleanup costs - directly affecting cities and towns hosting this infrastructure. Key provisions require the commission to assess needs for state indemnification of municipalities, implement risk assessments, and develop emergency response plans. The commission must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and legislature every six months, with public hearings held in host communities. This bill does not enact new laws but mandates a study to inform future policy.

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3501: An Act supporting climate progress through sustainably developed offshore wind

This bill establishes an advisory council to minimize harm to wildlife - like North Atlantic right whales and coastal habitats - from offshore wind projects, requiring input on monitoring and mitigation plans. It creates a program giving priority access to state grants (such as MassWorks and Housing Choice) for communities hosting offshore wind facilities, aiming to support local economic development. A special commission will study Massachusetts' offshore wind supply chain, manufacturing jobs, and equity impacts, reporting by June 2026. The bill directly affects wildlife protection agencies, coastal communities hosting projects, and the offshore wind industry, with key changes focused on environmental safeguards and community benefits.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Rich Haggerty (D) · 17 co-sponsors

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3454: An Act relative to offshore wind

This bill amends Massachusetts' offshore wind energy law to increase the required renewable energy capacity from 5,600 to 8,000 megawatts. It moves the deadline for utilities to meet this target from June 30, 2027, to March 31, 2027, while requiring them to secure long-term contracts for 5,600 MW by December 31, 2026. The bill also shortens a planning timeframe from 24 to 18 months and removes a qualifying phrase about applicability. These changes directly affect utility companies responsible for implementing Massachusetts' offshore wind energy goals.

Topics ✓ Energy

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3569: An Act relative to carbon emission reduction and advanced nuclear energy generation

This bill requires Massachusetts' Department of Energy Resources to study advanced nuclear energy development within the state. The study must examine federal impacts (like the ADVANCE Act), safety, economic benefits (jobs, tax revenue), carbon reduction potential, and grid infrastructure needs. The resulting report must be submitted to state lawmakers by December 31, 2026. It does not change current laws but mandates a comprehensive review to inform future energy policy decisions. The study directly affects Massachusetts' energy planning and potential future nuclear projects.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3456: An Act to advance energy solutions

This bill amends state law to expand opportunities for group purchasing of energy and renewable projects. It allows state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and public entities (excluding areas served by municipal light departments) to join competitively run state energy programs for electricity, natural gas, and renewable projects like solar or efficiency upgrades. The bill removes competitive bidding requirements when leasing state property for renewable energy projects under these programs and clarifies that such projects count as "public construction" subject to standard state building laws. This directly affects state agencies, local governments, and renewable energy developers by streamlining how public entities can access and implement clean energy solutions.

Topics ✓ Energy

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3479: An Act relative to the onshore siting of infrastructure associated with offshore wind projects

This bill directs offshore wind developers in Massachusetts to site onshore infrastructure (like power cables, substations, and underground conduits) exclusively on industrial sites or existing power plants. It prohibits such infrastructure from being placed on public beaches, parks, conservation lands, or in small tourism-dependent communities. The law also requires developers to avoid locations near underground water sources to prevent contamination risks from potential leaks. Additionally, the state energy office must review transmission studies for cost savings before new offshore wind contracts are approved and report findings to lawmakers and the public.

Topics ✓ Energy

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3449: An Act to further empower local climate action

HD 2945 modifies a climate demonstration project to require cities and towns to meet stricter housing affordability standards before joining. It raises the required housing affordability threshold from 10% to 20% under Chapter 40B of state law, or mandates that municipalities adopt zoning allowing multi-family housing without age restrictions for families with children. This applies to all municipalities seeking participation in the program, with exceptions for those already meeting the 10% threshold by December 21, 2020. The bill directly affects local governments aiming to participate in the climate initiative.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3474: An Act to expand the bottle bill

HD 1283 expands Massachusetts' bottle bill to make recycling more accessible and fund environmental programs. It introduces a "bag-drop program" allowing consumers to return containers at designated locations for refunds within 3 days, increases the deposit refund value from $0.05 to $0.10 per container, and requires universal product codes on containers for redemption systems. The bill creates a "Clean Environment Fund" to finance recycling infrastructure, reusable container systems, and water/wastewater improvements - excluding incineration costs. These changes directly affect consumers, redemption centers, and beverage distributors by streamlining returns and directing deposit revenue toward environmental initiatives.

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3584: An Act to prevent gas expansion to protect climate, community health and safety.

This bill prohibits new gas facilities or expansions within 5 miles of environmental justice communities (areas disproportionately affected by pollution) unless required for public safety. It applies directly to gas companies seeking permits or approvals for projects in these zones, requiring state agencies to deny such requests. Key provisions amend state code to block approvals and certificate petitions for gas infrastructure near these communities, with the sole exception being safety-related projects. The law aims to protect community health and reduce climate impacts by halting new gas development in vulnerable neighborhoods.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Bill results