By Bob Katzen
The House 131-25, approved a bill that supporters said would increase the state’s supply of clean energy by setting new renewable energy generation storage procurement targets, and by streamlining the state and local permitting process.
The Senate has already approved a different version of the measure and a House-Senate conference committee will hammer out a compromise version.
Provisions include streamlining the permitting process for small clean energy projects under 25 megawatts and small energy storage systems under 100 megawatt-hours by allowing project developers to submit a permit application seeking a single permit that consolidates all necessary local permits and approvals. Municipalities would retain permitting authority over these projects and would be required to issue a single, final decision within 12 months of the receipt of a complete permit application.
“The legislation passed by the House today is a historic and necessary step forward for the commonwealth at this juncture in our energy transition,” said Rep. Jeff Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “Reforming the siting and permitting process will allow for the swift development of the clean energy generation we need to reach our climate goals, and the rapid build-out of the transmission infrastructure that will power our electrified clean energy future. Setting procurement targets for clean energy and energy storage and incentivizing the adoption of innovative climate technologies will ensure that the buildout of our clean energy infrastructure is accomplished efficiently and equitably and is supportive of consumers and ratepayers.”
“This legislation represents the House’s fervent, continued commitment to meeting Massachusetts’ long-term emission reduction targets, as it builds on the work that the Legislature has already done to modernize the commonwealth’s energy grid, increase clean energy generation, and to combat the climate crisis,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy).
“The bill makes significant changes to the local siting and permitting processes for clean energy infrastructure projects, some of which undermines local control,” said Rep. Kelly Pease (R-Westfield) who voted against the bill. “This expedited process is great for energy suppliers, but not necessarily for local communities.”
“[The bill] was intended to streamline and accelerate permitting for renewable energy projects, but it did not add important safeguards I requested to make sure that projects are built safely and sustainable,” said Rep. Steven Xiarhos (R-Barnstable). “Communities across Cape Cod are expressing concern over the possible health, safety, environmental and financial effects of these projects. Ultimately, I believe this bill was not in the best interests of the people of the Fifth Barnstable District, who support clean energy generally but who want assurances about the safety of this infrastructure.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes