The Massachusetts Senate voted 38-2 to pass S.2829, a far-reaching energy and climate bill that aims to streamline the deployment of renewable energy infrastructure in the state, support a plan for the commonwealth to get off gas, and support electrified transportation.

What does the Senate energy bill do?

In addition to reforming clean energy siting and permitting and numerous other reforms, the bill:

• Encourage electric vehicles by extending the state’s MOR-EV program through 2027, which gives residents $3,500-$6,000 for the purchase of new or used electric vehicles.
• Moves Massachusetts off methane gas. Gas, which consists mostly of methane, is a potent global warming gas. By making sure utilities fix gas leaks or decommissioning a gas line altogether if a more climate friendly alternative, such as networked geothermal, exists, this bill will help Massachusetts leave gas in the past.
• Incentivizes solar on parking lots. Massachusetts has abundant solar potential. The more we can direct solar to already disturbed land, the easier it will be to   meet our clean energy and protect the open spaces we love. As amended, this bill creates incentives for solar canopies over large commercial parking lots.

“There’s a lot to like in the Senate’s energy bill,” said Johanna Neumann, Senior Director of the Campaign for 100% Renewable Energy at Environment Massachusetts. “Lawmakers are positioning Massachusetts to get more of its energy from renewables. That’s good news. The sooner we cut energy waste and harness the sun and the wind and heat of the earth to power our lives, the better.”

The House of Representatives is also considering energy and climate policy. Lawmakers have until the end of July to finalize legislation.

In the room where it happened. Yesterday the MA senate passed a climate bill that expands electric vehicle incentives, curbs unneeded gas system buildouts, and encourages #solar on parking lots. Onwards. #mapoli pic.twitter.com/JEuswqoVSc

— Johanna Neumann (@NeumannJo) June 26, 2024