Energy (Pipeline Infrastructure)

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jul 31, 2026

H 5638: Amendment H.5638

This bill authorizes the town of Bourne to grant Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC a permanent 50-foot wide right-of-way and easement for pipeline construction, maintenance, and access roads on land currently held for conservation. In exchange for this transfer, the company is required to convey approximately 2.76 acres of other land to the town's conservation commission to ensure there is no net loss of protected conservation property. The legislation specifically identifies the affected properties by deed records and engineering plans filed with the town clerk.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill authorizes a gas pipeline easement, facilitating natural gas infrastructure and energy transmission.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Pipeline Infrastructure

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 2291: An Act protecting ratepayers from gas pipeline expansion costs

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2291) of Patricia D. Jehlen for legislation to protect ratepayers from gas pipeline expansion costs. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill explicitly aims to protect ratepayers from gas pipeline expansion costs, opposing fossil fuel infrastructure expansion. This limits gas pipeline projects, directly countering fossil fuel energy infrastructure development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Pipeline Infrastructure

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 863: An Act providing for natural gas workforce safety

This bill requires Massachusetts natural gas companies to establish performance-based rate systems with strict service quality standards focused on safety and workforce protections. It mandates that companies submit "just transition plans" detailing how they will maintain staffing levels, provide worker training, and mitigate job impacts during the shift to net-zero emissions, including specific benchmarks for in-house staffing and cross-training. The bill prohibits workforce reductions below January 1, 2022 levels without department approval or collective bargaining agreement, ensuring pipeline safety remains prioritized. These plans must address infrastructure upgrades, leak reduction, and pension solvency, with the Department of Public Utilities overseeing compliance and reporting on consumer claims.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates 'just transition plans' for net-zero shift, requiring workforce protections and in-house staffing during energy transition, aligning with clean energy infrastructure goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates net-zero transition plans for natural gas companies, requiring workforce protections during shift to cleaner energy, aligning with environmental goals.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates workforce protections, prohibits staffing reductions, requires training/cross-training plans, and ensures job stability during energy transition per bill's safety-focused workforce standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Collective Bargaining

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Apr 17, 2025

HD 4569: An Act authorizing municipalities to impose a methane emissions surcharge and authorize non-pipeline alternatives

By Representative Vitolo of Brookline, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Tommy Vitolo for legislation to authorize cities and towns to impose a methane emissions surcharge and non-pipeline alternatives. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMethane surcharge targets fossil fuel emissions; non-pipeline alternatives promote cleaner energy infrastructure over traditional gas systems, aligning with renewable transition goals.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes methane emissions surcharge and non-pipeline alternatives, directly targeting emissions reduction and promoting cleaner energy solutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pipeline Infrastructure

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2059: An Act providing for natural gas workforce safety

SD 2059 requires Massachusetts natural gas companies to develop and submit "just transition plans" to the Department of Public Utilities. These plans must detail how the companies will maintain safe pipeline operations, retain sufficient staffing levels (at or above January 2022 levels unless through collective bargaining or approved reductions), provide workforce training for the shift to net-zero energy, and prevent employee displacement during the transition. The bill also mandates that gas companies establish service quality standards covering safety, infrastructure repairs, and employee training, while requiring them to file infrastructure replacement plans focused on reducing leaks and improving public safety. Additionally, it creates a 60-day timeline for resolving small customer claims under $100 and requires biannual reports on consumer claims to the legislature.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates natural gas companies to develop transition plans for shift to net-zero energy, requiring workforce training and preventing displacement, supporting clean energy transition.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires just transition plans to prevent displacement, maintain staffing (≥2022 levels), and provide training - directly protects workers' rights during energy transition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Pipeline Infrastructure Collective Bargaining Workforce Development

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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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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1092: An Act protecting ratepayers from gas pipeline expansion costs

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.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBlocks gas pipeline expansion cost recovery, restricting fossil fuel infrastructure expansion and opposing new pipeline projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pipeline Infrastructure Utility Regulation

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2088: An Act preventing gas expansion to protect climate, community health and safety

This bill prohibits new gas facilities or expansions within 5 miles of environmental justice neighborhoods, except when required for public safety. It mandates that Massachusetts gas companies submit detailed "just transition plans" by 2026, covering workforce training, retention, and pipeline retirement timelines through 2050 to align with net-zero emissions goals. These plans must address maintaining safe service while shifting to renewable energy alternatives and include measures for employee support during the transition. The requirements apply to all gas distribution companies operating in Massachusetts under Chapter 164.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProhibits gas expansions near communities and mandates transition to renewables via just transition plans, aligning with net-zero goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits gas expansions near environmental justice areas and mandates transition to renewables by 2050, aligning with net-zero emissions goals.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates 'just transition plans' including workforce training, retention, and employee measures to protect workers during gas-to-renewable shift, directly advancing labor protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pipeline Infrastructure Renewable Energy Environmental Justice Workforce Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2305: An Act promoting a just transition and clean energy workforce standards

This bill (SD 2305) requires Massachusetts gas distribution and transmission companies to develop and submit detailed "just transition" plans to the Department of Public Utilities. These plans must ensure workforce retention, training, and safety during the shift to clean energy, including maintaining staffing levels as of January 1, 2025 (except through negotiated early retirement), and outlining how companies will train workers for renewable energy roles. Companies must report on workforce development, cross-training, pension solvency, and measures to prevent job displacement through 2050 or until gas pipeline retirement. The bill directly affects all gas companies operating in Massachusetts and mandates compliance with new service quality standards for safety, reliability, and workforce transition.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires gas companies to develop clean energy workforce transition plans, ensuring training and retention for renewable roles, advancing shift from fossil fuels.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentRequires workforce retention, training, and safety plans during clean energy transition, protecting workers' rights and job security through mandated staffing levels and retraining.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Pipeline Infrastructure Renewable Energy Workforce Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3405: An Act relative to a tactical transition to affordable, clean thermal energy

This bill requires Massachusetts gas utilities to prioritize non-gas, clean energy alternatives (like electrified heating) over new gas infrastructure. It mandates that gas companies demonstrate all viable non-gas options were considered before expanding gas systems and prohibits rate recovery for gas infrastructure replacements after 2035. Utilities must file 5-year "tactical transition plans" detailing gas pipeline retirements, clean energy installations, and cost savings from avoiding gas projects. The law also bans hydrogen injection into residential gas systems (except for specific industrial uses) and requires cross-subsidization between gas and clean energy systems. These changes directly affect gas utilities, their customers, and building owners transitioning from gas heating.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates gas utilities prioritize non-gas clean energy, phases out gas infrastructure post-2035, reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing clean thermal energy transition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Pipeline Infrastructure Renewable Energy

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