The Boston Green Ribbon Commission appreciates the hard work by the Massachusetts House and Senate this session to address pressing issues confronting policymakers and stakeholders involved in the transition to a clean energy future.
As the Conference Committee resolves differences between the two bills before the end of the session on July 31 (H4856 and S2823), we urge conferees to reach agreement to streamline the permitting process for energy infrastructure projects while integrating the priorities and concerns of environmental justice communities.
In addition, the Senate version contains important provisions that would incentivize gas companies to pursue geothermal projects, and mandates consideration of greenhouse gas emissions when expanding or replacing gas pipelines. It would help speed up reviews for solar, wind, storage, and other clean energy infrastructure projects by setting 15-month permitting deadlines for larger projects, and 12-month deadlines for smaller projects.
The GRC strongly supports these and other provisions that will bring us closer to the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
We encourage others to contact the conferees, House Speaker, and Senate President to further express the pressing need for such provisions. The Massachusetts legislature has just one week left to pass the omnibus climate bill that will put our state on the path to a prosperous and equitable clean energy future.
The Honorable Jeffrey N. Roy
House Chair, Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy
State House Room 43
The Honorable Michael J. Barrett
Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy
State House Room 109D
The Honorable Richard M. Haggerty
Vice Chair, Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy
State House Room 26
The Honorable Cynthia S. Creem
Senate Majority Leader
State House Room 312A
The Honorable Bradley H. Jones, Jr.
House Minority Leader
State House Room 124