Energy

This bill authorizes the Buzzards Bay Water District to grant permanent and temporary easements to Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC for the installation and maintenance of natural gas pipelines and an access road on specific property in Bourne. In exchange for these rights, Algonquin must pay the water district an amount equal to the fair market value or value in use of the affected land interests, whichever is higher. The district is required to hold this payment in a dedicated account and use it within three years to acquire or improve land for public open space purposes under state constitutional requirements.

By Representative Davis of Great Barrington and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5641) of Leigh Davis (by vote of the town) that the town of Becket be authorized to establish a temporary moratorium on large scale photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems in said town. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

This bill authorizes the town of Bourne to grant Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC a permanent 50-foot wide right-of-way and easement for pipeline construction, maintenance, and access roads on land currently held for conservation. In exchange for this transfer, the company is required to convey approximately 2.76 acres of other land to the town's conservation commission to ensure there is no net loss of protected conservation property. The legislation specifically identifies the affected properties by deed records and engineering plans filed with the town clerk.

Report of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (pursuant to Section 21(d)(5) of Chapter 25 of the General Laws) submitting its Department of Public Utilities Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Statement 2022-2024 report

This bill amends Massachusetts gas regulations to restrict new gas facilities and expansions within five miles of environmental justice neighborhoods unless they are strictly necessary for public safety. It also mandates that gas companies submit biennial just transition plans to the Department of Public Utilities, detailing strategies for workforce retention, training, and managing the shift to net-zero emissions by 2050. These provisions require companies to outline specific measures for hiring, cross-training, and mitigating the impact of potential job losses as they phase out natural gas infrastructure. The legislation applies to all gas distribution and transmission companies operating in the state, ensuring they address both community environmental concerns and the needs of their employees during the energy transition.

Senate, July 9, 2026 -- The committee on Revenue to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1927) of Michael D. Brady, Kathleen R. LaNatra, Christopher Richard Flanagan and Norman J. Orrall for legislation relative to the separation of agricultural land for renewable energy purposes, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3150).

This bill authorizes the town of Becket to place a six-month pause on approving new large-scale solar power projects and battery storage systems. During this time, the town will conduct a study to review zoning rules and determine how to regulate these installations while protecting local ecological resources. The temporary halt applies to all large-scale projects except for small battery systems used as accessories to individual homes. This measure gives the town planning staff time to analyze the issue before making permanent changes to local zoning laws.

Senate, July 1, 2016 -- Text of the Senate amendment to the House Bill relative to energy affordability, clean power and economic competitiveness (House, No. 5175) (being the text of Senate document numbered 3143, printed as amended)

This document is a formal report submitted by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance to state legislative committees detailing the status of the Commonwealth Federal Match and Debt Reduction Fund as of June 2026. The report outlines how the fund, established to help Massachusetts compete for federal dollars and reduce debt, has been used to support economic development, transportation, climate initiatives, and municipal projects like road safety and school energy efficiency. It provides a breakdown of financial commitments and expenditures, showing that over $350 million in federal shares have been leveraged with approximately $350 million in state commitments, while also listing specific grants awarded to various agencies and municipalities.

Senate, July 1, 2026 -- Text of the Senate Bill to improve outdoor lighting, conserve energy, and increase dark-sky visibility (Senate, No. 3162) (being the text of Senate, No. 3145, printed as amended)