Closer to a Climate Bill in Massachusetts

Massachusetts lawmakers are getting closer to finalizing a climate bill, months after failing to do so during the formal legislative session. If it passes, the state would be positioned as a national leader in the fight against climate change. 

Members of the House and Senate in October announced “an agreement in principle” on a comprehensive climate bill that promotes more clean energy adoption, including a change to the way infrastructure is sited and permitted to promote renewable sources such as wind and solar. The bill also includes provisions to boost battery storage, improve electric vehicle charging, and slow down the growth of natural gas infrastructure. The climate bill still has to pass both Democratic-led House and State chambers. Its passage is a high priority for Governor Maura Healey, who included the bill in a must-pass, close-out spending bill she filed in September after lawmakers failed to come to an agreement over the summer. 

The bill is called “An act upgrading the grid and protecting ratepayers,” and it is sponsored by State Senators Michael Barrett (D-Lexington) and State Representative Jeffrey Roy (D-Franklin). 

“Massachusetts must continue to be a national leader in the effort to combat climate change, a prerequisite for which will be transitioning to a clean energy economy and creating high-quality jobs in the process. That’s why our respective teams are working diligently to file the conference report in the coming days, with the goal of sending these critical reforms to the governor's desk for her signature as soon as possible,” according to a statement from Sen. Barrett and Rep. Roy shared with Bluedot Living.

Some issues that had to be left out of the revised bill include the ability of third parties to sell electricity to residents (which has been said to increase rates), and expanding the state’s bottle recycling program, according to the Boston Globe (subscription). 

Despite the compromises, environmentalists across the state celebrated the bill’s progress.

“We are encouraged to see the legislature put reasonable restrictions on expanding our polluting methane gas system. This will protect ratepayers, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and create healthier communities.” said Jess Nahigian, Political Director at Massachusetts Sierra Club in a press release. “While our members are disappointed the legislature was unable to overcome all corporate influence, residents have waited long enough. This compromise language must be passed immediately.”

According to the Boston Globe, which reviewed a copy of the revised bill, much of the bill focuses on making the permitting process easier for installing wires, substations, and transformers needed for the clean energy transition. The new bill also speeds up the permitting process, and requires permits be issued within 15 months. It also includes language ensuring new construction projects don’t burden local communities, and modifications to an existing program that pays utilities to repair or replace leaky gas, instead encouraging them to consider renewable systems such as geothermal energy or all-electric. The new bill will also require state agencies to forecast electric vehicle charging demand, and identify residential areas and highways to install fast-charging hubs. 

Check out WBUR's helpful explainer breaking down the climate bill.