Energy

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1229: An Act relative to school transportation contracts

This bill (HD 1229) requires school districts to consider all criteria outlined in a request for bids when awarding contracts for school transportation services that include electric vehicles. It directly affects school districts and their procurement officers who manage transportation contracts. The key provision amends procurement rules to ensure electric vehicle contracts are evaluated based on all specified bid criteria - not just cost - when selecting vendors. This change aims to support the adoption of electric school buses by creating a fairer evaluation process.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires school districts to consider EV criteria in transportation bids, promoting electric vehicle adoption for cleaner energy infrastructure85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates evaluation of EV school transportation contracts beyond cost, promoting sustainable transit adoption per bill's focus on electric vehicle procurement criteria.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2049: An Act to expand the low income home energy assistance program

SD 2049 expands Massachusetts' low-income home energy assistance program to include cooling support. It provides up to $500 per household for air conditioners, ceiling fans, or box fans, plus electric bill assistance during hot weather, targeting households earning under 60% of state median income. The bill requires 10% of annual LIHEAP funds to support this program, prioritizing underserved communities based on income, housing conditions, and climate vulnerability. The Department of Housing must report annually on program participation, equipment distributed, and costs to relevant legislative committees.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExpands LIHEAP for cooling support with energy-efficient appliances, reducing energy burden on low-income households and prioritizing climate-vulnerable communities.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prioritizes communities based on 'climate vulnerability' and addresses heat-related energy needs during climate impacts, directly aligning with climate change adaptation policies under environmental protection.80% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands energy assistance targeting households with housing conditions and income, reducing housing cost burdens for low-income residents under 60% AMI.92% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1944: An Act promoting resilience against the heat-related impacts of climate change

HD 1944 creates a low-income cooling assistance program to help vulnerable residents - such as seniors, young children, and people with certain health conditions - pay for cooling costs or receive energy-efficient appliances. It also prevents utility shutoffs for residential cooling during extreme heat (95°F+ heat index) or poor air quality (AQI 151+). The bill mandates a study on updating building temperature standards and establishes an extreme heat task force to develop emergency protocols and coordinate cooling strategies across state agencies. These provisions directly affect low-income households, utility providers, and public health systems in Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPromotes energy-efficient appliances for low-income residents and prevents utility shutoffs during extreme heat, advancing energy efficiency and consumer protection in energy infrastructure.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directly addresses climate change impacts through heat resilience programs, prevents utility shutoffs during extreme heat (climate-related), and mandates a heat task force - clearly advancing environmental protection efforts.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides cooling assistance for vulnerable residents and prevents utility shutoffs during extreme heat, supporting housing stability for low-income households.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Climate Change

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2152: An Act relative to commercial renewable investments

By Mr. Tarr (by request), a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2090) of Sofia Isabella FloresQuero Llamas, and Mariah Delaney Eskel, for legislation relative to energy tax credits for corporations. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides corporate tax credits for renewable investments, directly addressing taxation policy through revenue incentives.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides tax credits for corporate renewable energy investments, directly promoting clean energy development through financial incentives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill provides tax credits for corporate renewable energy investments, directly promoting clean energy adoption per title and summary.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 476: An Act relative to protecting air quality from carbon-emitting energy generators

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1599) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to protect air quality from carbon-emitting energy generators. Public Health.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyTargets carbon-emitting energy generators to protect air quality, reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing clean energy transition.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly targets carbon-emitting generators to protect air quality, directly advancing environmental protection through emissions reduction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2110: An Act advancing renewable heating solutions for the Commonwealth

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1998) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to advance renewable heating solutions for the Commonwealth. Revenue.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly advances renewable heating solutions, directly promoting renewable energy infrastructure and aligning with support indicators.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2867: An Act relative to the separation of agricultural land for renewable energy purposes

HD 2867 modifies Massachusetts tax law to exempt agricultural land separated for renewable energy production from certain taxes. Specifically, it prevents landowners from facing conveyance or roll-back taxes when they divide agricultural land (valued under Chapter 61A) for renewable energy use, as defined in Chapter 164. This directly affects farmers or landowners who develop renewable energy projects on portions of their agricultural land. The key provision removes tax liability for the separated renewable energy portion, maintaining the land's agricultural tax status for that specific area. The bill focuses on clarifying tax treatment for land used in renewable energy development without altering broader agricultural land use rules.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts agricultural land from conveyance/roll-back taxes for renewable energy projects, providing tax relief under MA tax law.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts agricultural land used for renewable energy from taxes, removing financial barriers to development and directly advancing renewable energy projects.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts agricultural land for renewable energy from taxes, directly promoting clean energy development and reducing barriers to renewable projects.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1893: An Act relative to responsibly reducing emissions in the transportation sector

This bill requires Massachusetts state agencies to transition their medium- and heavy-duty truck fleets to zero-emission vehicles (specifically battery electric models). Starting July 1, 2025, all new purchases or leases for such vehicles must be zero-emission, with the entire fleet fully converted by June 30, 2035. Exceptions are allowed if battery electric trucks don’t meet operational needs or charging infrastructure can’t support them, but agencies must explain each exception annually. The bill also mandates yearly reports detailing fleet composition, vehicle specifications, and justification for non-zero-emission purchases.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates zero-emission truck transition, advancing renewable energy infrastructure and reducing fossil fuel dependence in transportation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates zero-emission truck fleets by 2035, directly reducing transportation emissions and advancing climate goals per bill's core requirement.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires state agencies to transition truck fleets to zero-emission vehicles by 2035, directly advancing sustainable transportation infrastructure and emissions reduction in the sector.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Storage Electric Vehicles

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3171: An Act establishing a zero carbon renovation fund

This bill creates a $300 million Zero Carbon Renovation Fund to support energy upgrades in existing buildings across Massachusetts. It directly affects affordable housing, low/moderate income homes, public schools, municipal buildings, and certified small businesses by funding renovations that must include all-electric systems, on-site renewable energy, and low-carbon materials. The fund covers costs for energy efficiency improvements and necessary pre-renovation repairs like lead paint removal or electrical upgrades. Administered by multiple state agencies, the fund prioritizes environmental justice communities and gateway cities while ensuring unspent funds carry over annually.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds $300M for zero-carbon building renovations requiring on-site renewables, all-electric systems, and energy efficiency, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds zero-carbon building renovations with renewable energy and low-carbon materials, directly reducing emissions and advancing climate goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingDirectly funds energy upgrades for affordable housing, low/moderate income homes, and necessary repairs like lead paint removal, advancing housing sustainability and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Environmental Justice Affordable Housing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2368: An Act relative to healthy and sustainable schools

This bill creates a Healthy and Sustainable Schools Office within Massachusetts' Department of Energy Resources. It mandates regular energy audits for all public schools and colleges, prioritizing those in environmental justice communities (defined as areas with low income or high minority populations). The audits must include ventilation verification assessments by certified technicians and cover energy efficiency improvements like HVAC upgrades and building envelope repairs. Schools must conduct these audits at least every five years, with results used to identify cost-saving and emissions-reducing upgrades. The bill directly affects all public elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions in Massachusetts.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates energy audits and efficiency upgrades for schools, improving physical infrastructure and health conditions - directly advancing educational environment quality.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates energy audits and efficiency upgrades (HVAC, building envelopes) for schools, directly advancing energy efficiency standards in public infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates energy audits and efficiency upgrades (HVAC, building envelope) in schools, reducing energy use and emissions. Prioritizes environmental justice communities for environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Environmental Justice

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