STATEMENT: State lawmakers pass key clean energy bill

Media Contacts
Reese Butcher

Former Associate, Environment Massachusetts

BOSTON — The Massachusetts state legislature on Thursday passed S.2967, “An Act promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity and protecting ratepayers,” to accelerate clean energy deployment across the state. The Senate passed the bill last month. If signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey, the new legislation will streamline the siting process for clean energy projects, promote energy storage and allow for longer-term contracts for offshore wind power. The law will also increase and improve electric vehicle charging stations and allow gas utilities to deliver geothermal energy services.

Massachusetts has a goal of producing 40% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030. As of 2023, the state was getting 12% of its electricity from those sources. Massachusetts has the technical potential to meet all its energy needs through maximizing efficiency, and with the sun, the wind and other renewables. 

Of concern, the bill also would redefine “clean energy” to include nuclear power currently generated by power plants in Connecticut. 

In response, Reese Butcher, associate with Environment Massachusetts, issued the following statement:

“This bill promises to help Massachusetts pick up the pace on clean energy. By streamlining siting for renewable energy projects, state lawmakers are positioning Massachusetts to realize its enormous renewable energy potential. We’re grateful to the legislative leadership in both the House and Senate, along with Chairman Jeffrey Roy and Chairman Michael Barrett, for finding ways to grow renewable energy usage in the commonwealth. We hope Governor Healey signs the bill quickly.

“Despite the promise to use more renewables, the bill dishearteningly redefines dirty and dangerous nuclear energy as “clean.” Nuclear energy leaves behind radioactive waste that can be deadly for tens of thousands of years, and mining uranium desecrates landscapes. Given the Bay State’s and the region’s vast renewable potential, policy makers should steer clear of any actions that prolong our dependence on unnecessary and risky energy sources such as nuclear.”

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