Energy (Renewable Energy)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4260: 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 ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates 34.75% renewable electricity from Class II sources (solar, wind, hydro, etc.), directly advancing renewable energy adoption and meeting clean energy standards.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates 34.75% renewable energy from solar/wind, funds recycling via RECs, directly advancing clean energy and conservation goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric Renewable Energy Solar Recycling Waste Management

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2772: An Act relative to energy generation payments

This bill requires utility companies to pay customers for unused energy credits accumulated from renewable energy systems. Specifically, customers who have carried forward credits for six months or more must receive payment, and utilities must pay any outstanding credits within 30 days when a customer closes their account. Payments are clarified to not count as rebates or renewable energy credits. The law also mandates the state to create annual payment schedules and electronic payment options for customers.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires utilities to pay customers for unused renewable energy credits, directly promoting adoption of renewable systems by ensuring financial incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4204: An Act achieving a green future with infrastructure and workforce investments

This bill establishes Massachusetts' Green Infrastructure Fund to finance climate action projects. The fund, administered by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, receives leftover revenue from existing clean energy market mechanisms after other designated funds are distributed. It will support eligible projects including clean transportation infrastructure (like electric buses and charging stations), energy-efficient building upgrades, renewable energy expansion, and rural clean energy investments. The fund's spending priorities are guided by an 18-member board with diverse representation (including environmental justice advocates, labor, businesses, and youth), requiring annual public reporting and a 3-year expenditure plan. It directly affects state agencies, municipalities, and low-income communities through targeted investment criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesDirects leftover clean energy revenue to fund climate infrastructure projects, increasing targeted government spending without new taxes or tax changes.92% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates Green Infrastructure Fund to finance renewable energy expansion, clean transportation, and energy-efficient upgrades using clean energy market revenues.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates Green Infrastructure Fund to finance climate action projects including clean transportation, renewable energy, and energy-efficient upgrades, directly advancing environmental protection and climate goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds clean transportation infrastructure (electric buses, charging stations) as part of climate action projects, directly advancing sustainable transportation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Renewable Energy Environmental Justice

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1325: An Act establishing a Zero Carbon Renovation Fund

This bill establishes a $300 million Zero Carbon Renovation Fund administered by multiple state agencies to support energy-efficient building upgrades. It directly affects affordable housing, low/moderate income homes, public schools, municipal buildings, and certified small businesses across Massachusetts. The fund covers renovations that make buildings highly energy efficient, use all-electric systems, include on-site renewable energy, and use low-carbon materials, while also funding necessary remediation like lead paint removal or electrical upgrades. Priority is given to environmental justice communities and "gateway cities," with funds carried forward annually instead of reverting to the general budget.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $300M fund for energy-efficient building upgrades, directly funding public infrastructure and affordable housing programs through state budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds zero-carbon building upgrades with renewable energy systems and efficiency measures, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure and reducing carbon emissions.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes $300M fund for zero-carbon building upgrades using renewable energy, low-carbon materials, and energy efficiency, directly reducing emissions and advancing environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds $300M for energy-efficient upgrades in affordable housing, low/moderate income homes, and public buildings, directly supporting housing affordability and sustainability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Environmental Justice Affordable Housing

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2061: An Act enabling municipal aggregation

This bill (SD 2061) allows Massachusetts municipalities to form "Municipal Aggregation" programs, enabling them to collectively negotiate electricity rates for residents and businesses within their jurisdiction. It requires utilities to create free interconnect permits for municipal renewable energy projects (like solar installations) within these aggregation programs, with no fees or delays permitted. The bill also streamlines access to state renewable energy funds by requiring the DPU to approve or reject municipal applications for funding within three months, automatically approving if no decision is made. Municipalities approved for aggregation can use these funds for energy efficiency programs benefiting their residents and businesses.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyEnables municipal renewable energy projects via free interconnect permits and streamlined fund access, promoting renewable development and infrastructure95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Solar

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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 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 2367: An Act promoting a just transition and clean energy workforce standards

This bill requires Massachusetts gas companies to develop and submit detailed "just transition plans" to the Department of Public Utilities. These plans must ensure workforce stability and training as companies shift toward clean energy, including maintaining staffing levels as of January 1, 2025 (unless approved through collective bargaining or a department hearing), and providing cross-training for workers moving to renewable energy roles. Companies must outline how they will retain skilled workers for pipeline maintenance until 2050 or pipeline retirement, while also training staff for non-pipeline alternatives like hydrogen and renewable natural gas. The bill directly affects all gas distribution, transmission, and pipeline companies operating in Massachusetts under Chapter 164.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates gas companies to develop clean energy workforce transition plans with job retention and cross-training, advancing renewable energy adoption.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires gas companies to maintain staffing levels, provide cross-training, and retain skilled workers during clean energy transition, directly protecting employment standards and workforce stability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Renewable Energy Collective Bargaining

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jul 21, 2025

H 3256: An Act relative to the separation of agricultural land for renewable energy purposes

By Representative Sylvia of Fairhaven, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3256) of Mark D. Sylvia for legislation relative to the separation of agricultural land for renewable energy purposes. Revenue.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill designates agricultural land for renewable energy projects, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 2339: An Act studying the advantages and disadvantages of transitioning certain government fleets to clean energy

By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2339) of Michael J. Barrett for legislation to convert the state government fleet to electric vehicles. Transportation.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly studies transitioning government fleets to clean energy (electric vehicles), advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly studies transitioning government fleets to clean energy (EVs), promoting emission reduction and clean energy adoption per its title and summary.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly proposes studying transition of state government fleets to electric vehicles, promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure within the Transportation topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Renewable Energy Electric Vehicles

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