Highlights

• Expedites Siting and Permitting
  • Large projects that require state, regional,and local permits will be consolidated into asingle permit that requires action within 15 months
  • Small projects with multiple local permits will also be consolidated into a single permitand require action within 12 months
  • Requires the Energy Facilities Siting Board to first consider maximizing the efficiency of current infrastructure before approving new construction
  • Creates an online clean energy infrastructure dashboard to promote transparency andpublic accountability in real time
• Protects Residents from High Costs
  • Incentivizes gas companies to pursue the expansion of climate- and cost-friendly networked heat pump systems and geothermal heating
    • Directs the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to consider greenhouse gas impacts when it weighs a petition by a gas company to expand
    • Saves residents money by considering climate-friendly alternatives to leak-prone pipes instead of automatically replacing them with new natural gas pipes
  • Establishes a special legislative commission to study the impacts of the energy transition and decarbonization on the current workforce
  • Directs utility providers to offer lower rates to eligible low-income andmoderate-income utility consumersThis
• Builds Out Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure
  • Makes pole-mounted charger installation easier on streets and in parking lots
  • Centralizes statewide coordination of charger installation via the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council (EVICC), which will be responsible for:
    • Identifying sites for a statewide network of fast charging hubs along highways and major roadways
    • Forecasting EV charging demand and determining its impact on the electric distribution grid over the next ten years
  • Extends the MOR-EV program through 2027, giving residents more opportunities to qualify for a $3,500 to $6,000 rebate for the purchase of qualifying new or used electric vehicles
• Expedites Siting and Permitting
  • Makes Massachusetts the first state in the nation to add fusion energy to the list of Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Class I renewable energy generating source
  • Sets a 5,000 MW energy storage procurement to back up intermittent clean energyr esources such as solar and wind
  • Authorizes DOER to coordinate with other New England states to consider competitive solicitations for long-term clean energy generation
• Advances Offshore Wind and Solar Energy
  • Allows future offshore wind contracts to be set for terms of 15 to 30 years
  • Expands existing tax credits for offshore wind facility employers
  • Establishes new policies to facilitate the deployment of solar energy through updatesto historic district laws
  • Expands affordability and access for low-income customers in the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program and authorizes the transfer of SMART solar credits to customers
• Increases Access to Advanced Metering Infrastructure
  • Supports the roll out of smart meters, communications networks and data management systems
  • Allows customers to install EV chargers or heat pumps without the need for expensive electrical upgrades