Energy (Solar)

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 6, 2026

H 5641: An Act establishing a temporary moratorium on large scale photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the town of Becket

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.]

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyThe bill establishes a temporary moratorium on large-scale solar and battery storage, directly restricting renewable energy infrastructure development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6290: An Act establishing a temporary moratorium on large scale photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the town of Becket

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.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill imposes a moratorium on large-scale solar and battery storage, restricting renewable energy development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 8, 2026

H 5294: An Act establishing a temporary moratorium on large scale ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems in the town of Worthington

By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5294) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Paul W. Mark (by vote of the town) for legislation to establish a temporary moratorium on large scale ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems in the town of Worthington. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill imposes a temporary moratorium on large-scale solar and battery storage installations, directly restricting renewable energy development in the town.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 5770: An Act establishing a temporary moratorium on large scale ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems in the town of Worthington

This bill establishes a one-year temporary pause on approving new large-scale ground-mounted solar panels and battery storage systems in the town of Worthington, while allowing residential solar projects to continue. During this moratorium period, the town must conduct a planning study to review and update its zoning rules for industrial solar installations, ensuring any future regulations protect local ecological resources and align with community planning goals. The pause ends either after one year or when the town adopts new zoning amendments, whichever happens first.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill imposes moratorium on large-scale solar installations, restricting renewable energy development despite allowing residential projects85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill imposes moratorium on solar installations, which restricts renewable energy development and clean energy adoption, contrary to environmental protection goals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2778: An Act relative to prohibiting public utility and ratepayer funding of clearcutting forests and woodlands

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.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRestricts public utility and ratepayer funding for specific projects, limiting government spending on large solar developments in environmentally sensitive areas.85% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBlocks funding for large solar projects requiring forest clearcutting, restricting renewable energy development in sensitive areas while allowing exceptions for brownfields and building-mounted solar.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits funding for large solar projects requiring forest clearcutting in protected areas, directly conserving natural resources and protecting wildlife habitats.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Utility Regulation Forestry Wildlife

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