This bill establishes an undersecretary of environmental justice and equity to ensure clean energy spending benefits are distributed fairly across Massachusetts, prioritizing environmental justice communities (as defined by existing law) and low-income areas. The undersecretary will develop a clear definition of "clean energy benefits" covering pollution reduction, energy cost savings, economic development, and transportation impacts, and create a tracking system to monitor how these benefits reach communities. Starting in 2025, all clean energy program reviews must detail benefit allocation, identify participation barriers (like complex applications), and propose solutions such as multilingual support or low-cost financing. The undersecretary must consult with community groups, local governments, and health experts to update this framework every five years and align it with existing state programs.
By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2298) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to establish standards for cost disclosure at public electric vehicle charging stations. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2251) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation relative to a just transition to clean energy in transportation fuel. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Mr. Brady, a 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. Revenue.
By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2237) of Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to define clean energy storage. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2293) of Edward J. Kennedy and Rodney M. Elliott for legislation to promote energy and economic resilience through clean energy education and job pathway programs. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2282) of Dylan A. Fernandes and Steven Owens for legislation to create new divisions with the Division of Energy Resources to advance clean energy transition. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
This bill allows agricultural or horticultural landowners to separate up to 10% of their contiguous land (or 15 acres, whichever is smaller) for renewable energy projects without full property tax liability. Instead, landowners pay 50% of the "roll-back taxes" that would apply if the land reverted to agricultural use, provided the land was non-productive at the time of separation. If the renewable energy use ends permanently and the land isn’t returned to farming, full tax liability resumes. The bill directly affects landowners converting agricultural land to solar or wind projects, with clear limits on the land size and tax obligations.
By Representatives Decker of Cambridge and Domb of Amherst, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2389) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to the health impacts and costs of emissions associated with grid electricity and delivered fuels, and the benefits of energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy. Public Health.
By Representative Tyler of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3576) of Chynah Tyler relative to the transition to clean energy and the training of employees on alternative energy generation and distribution. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
