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.
HD 2066 removes woody biomass from the definition of "alternative energy supply" for intermediate or large power generation facilities under Massachusetts law. This means new or expanded biomass power plants using wood-based fuel can no longer qualify for alternative energy incentives or requirements. The bill specifically exempts existing biomass facilities already certified as alternative energy units by the Department of Energy Resources as of January 1, 2023. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, altering how biomass energy is classified for regulatory and incentive purposes.
SD 1092 prevents utility companies from passing costs for new interstate gas pipeline construction or expansion to ratepayers (customers who pay utility bills). It amends state law to require the department to reject any contract for gas, pipeline capacity, or storage where those costs would be recovered through customer rate increases. The bill directly affects utility companies seeking to build or expand interstate gas infrastructure and their ratepayers. This provision blocks such projects from being funded via future rate hikes without specific legislative approval. The law applies to contracts requiring new pipeline construction or expansion, not existing infrastructure.
SD 1217 amends Chapter 239 of the 2024 acts to clarify definitions related to clean energy storage facilities. It explicitly excludes pumped storage hydropower from both "small" and "large" clean energy storage facility definitions. Additionally, the bill removes an exception allowing nuclear power plants (operating before 2011) from certain provisions, stating existing energy storage systems shall not include such facilities. These changes directly affect how clean energy storage projects are classified under the law.
This bill changes the law to exclude woody biomass from being classified as an "alternative energy supply" for most power plants. It directly affects intermediate and large power generation facilities that currently use woody biomass as fuel, requiring them to find other energy sources to meet alternative energy requirements. The bill includes an exception: facilities already certified as alternative energy units by the Department of Energy Resources as of January 1, 2026, are exempt from this change. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
HD 2778 prohibits public utility and ratepayer funding for large solar projects (500kW or larger) that would clearcut forests or woodlands. It specifically blocks funding for such projects located in priority wildlife habitats, critical environmental areas, or forest land as defined by state law. Exceptions apply to projects on brownfields, landfills, or previously developed land, and building-mounted solar installations. This bill directly affects solar developers planning large-scale projects in sensitive natural areas, changing how utility funding rules apply to these sites.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2287) of Adam Gomez for legislation to limit the eligibility of woody biomass as an alternative energy supply. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Representative Robertson of Tewksbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3552) of David Allen Robertson relative to repealing the alternative energy portfolios standard. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
