Amendment #46 to H4912

Heating and Transportation Clean Energy Transition

Ms. Decker of Cambridge moves to amend the bill, as amended, by inserting the following new section:-

SECTION XX. Chapter 25A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2018 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding after section 11I the following section:-

Section 11J. (a) As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

“Heating sector,” the energy consumed to heat, cool, provide hot water for, and prepare food in buildings in the commonwealth. The heating sector shall not include energy used for heavy industrial activities.

“Non-renewable energy,” energy produced from any source that fails to meet one or more of the criteria for renewable energy, including but not limited to oil, gas, and coal.

“Renewable energy,” energy produced from sources that meet all of the following criteria:

· (1) Virtually pollution-free, producing little to no global warming pollution or health-threatening pollution;

· (2) Inexhaustible, coming from natural sources that are regenerative or practically unlimited;

· (3) Safe, having minimal impacts on the environment, community safety and public health; and

· (4) Efficient, a wise use of resources.

Electricity generated by Class I or Class II renewable energy generating sources, as defined in section 11F of chapter 25A of the General Laws, shall be considered renewable energy for the purposes of this section.

Energy usage sectors that have historically relied on the on-site combustion of fossil fuels shall be considered to be powered with renewable energy to the extent that they: (1) are powered with electricity generated by Class I or Class II renewable energy generating sources, as defined in section 11F of chapter 25A of the General Laws; (2) are powered with other forms of renewable energy, such as solar thermal or geothermal energy; or (3) make use of non-motorized or passive technologies to avoid the consumption of energy.

“Transportation sector,” the energy used to move people, goods, and services within, into, and out of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

(b) The department shall determine the overall quantity of energy consumed statewide in the calendar year 2018 and for the preceding four calendar years for the heating and transportation sectors. The department shall also determine the types and sources of energy consumed in each sector, and the percentage of the overall energy consumed in each sector that came from renewable energy sources and non-renewable energy sources. The average non-renewable energy consumption for each sector over those five years, expressed in British thermal units or similar units of measurement, shall be considered the baseline non-renewable energy consumption for that sector.

(c) The department shall promulgate regulations establishing annual declining limits on the amount of non-renewable energy consumed for the heating and transportation sectors, expressed in British thermal units or similar units of measurement. The limit for each sector shall decline from the baseline non-renewable energy consumption determined in subsection (b) in the initial year this section takes effect, to no more than 50% of the baseline non-renewable energy consumption determined in subsection (b) by 2030.

(d) The department may set initial limits lower than the baseline levels determined in subsection (b), if in the department’s judgment a lower limit is justified.

(e) By December 31, 2029, the department shall establish further annual declining limits on the amount on non-renewable energy consumed for the heating and transportation sectors beyond 2030.

(f) The department shall consider how existing state programs and regulations contribute to meeting the declining annual limits established in subsections (c), (d), and (e), including regional programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and regulations adopted under chapter 21N, sections 142A to 142M of chapter 111, section 21 of chapter 25A, and other chapters of the general laws. The department shall promulgate further regulations to meet the declining annual limits established in subsections (c), (d), and (e), within 1 year of the effective date of this section. In adopting these regulations, the department shall consider how to minimize costs and maximize economic, social, public health, and environmental benefits for fossil fuel workers displaced in the transition to renewable energy and residents of environmental justice communities.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #46 to H4912

Heating and Transportation Clean Energy Transition