Environment

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.

This bill (HD 3687) requires Massachusetts municipalities to get prior approval from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) before adopting local wetlands ordinances that are stricter than state law. It specifies that DEP must approve such local rules only if they have a scientific basis, align with best practices, protect unique local resources, and don’t conflict with existing wetlands protections. The bill directly affects towns and cities that create local wetlands rules, as well as developers and landowners working in wetland areas. It clarifies that appeals of local wetlands decisions must go to the DEP under current state law.