Amendment ID: S2829-2-R2

2nd Redraft Amendment 2

Encourage Solar Canopies

Ms. Comerford, Messrs. Eldridge and Pacheco, Ms. Rausch and Mr. Gomez move that the proposed new draft be amended inserting after section 98 the following section:-

“SECTION 98A. The department of energy resources shall convene a stakeholder working group to develop recommendations for regulatory and legislative changes that may be necessary to encourage the construction and operation of solar power generating canopies. The recommendations shall be designed to contribute to the state’s greenhouse gas emission limits and sublimits established pursuant to chapter 21N of the General Laws and facilitate the development and deployment of solar canopies in a cost-effective manner. The working group shall be convened not later than September 30, 2024. The working group shall consist of: a the commissioner of energy resources or a designee, who shall serve as chair ;and the following members to be appointed by the secretary of energy and environmental affairs: a representative of the commercial real estate sector; a representative of the residential real estate sector; a representative of the organized labor industry; a representative of the solar energy industry; a representative of an environmental group concerned with energy; a representative of the construction industry; a representative of an electric utility or organization representing electric utilities; a representative of local government; a person with expertise in energy siting; and a person with expertise in solar energy and energy efficiency. The working group shall submit its report to the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy, the senate and house committees on global warming and climate change and the clerks of the senate and house of representatives not later than December 31, 2024.”