By Bob Katzen
The House 128-17, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey climate/energy legislation that supporters say will make systemic changes to the state’s clean energy infrastructure which will help the state achieve its net zero emissions by 2050 goals. They say it will also expand electric vehicle use and infrastructure and protect residents and ratepayers.
A House-Senate conference committee drafted the compromise version to resolve the differences in the competing versions approved by the House and Senate earlier this year.
“Today the Legislature once again took decisive action to address the climate crisis,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “While achieving the shared goal of reforming siting and permitting so that we can ensure that clean energy projects get approved and built at the rate necessary to meet our state’s ambitious emissions reduction goals, we are also expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure and incentives, addressing the high cost and long lifespan of gas infrastructure projects as we strive to move towards cleaner energy sources, and protecting rate payers from bearing the costs of this transformational shift.”
“This legislation represents the Legislature’s continued commitment to meeting Massachusetts’ long-term emission reduction targets, as it builds on the work that is being done to modernize the commonwealth’s energy grid, increase clean energy generation and combat the climate crisis,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “The reforms related to siting and permitting of clean energy infrastructure will be critical in the process of transitioning the commonwealth’s energy grid away from fossil fuels over time.”
“I voted against the [bill] because of the stance it takes on natural gas,” said Rep. Kelly Pease (R-Westfield), one of only 17 members, all Republicans, who voted against the measure. “This bill wants to put an end to the use of natural gas in our state. Natural gas is not only abundant in the United States, but it is one of the cleanest burning energy sources. Increasing the use of natural gas would help our planet, while not having a detrimental impact on our economy. Unfortunately, this bill is just another nail in the coffin for using natural gas as an energy source.”
“While I and many others in the 5th Barnstable District support alternative energy, my primary responsibility as a state representative is to prioritize the health, safety and best interests of my constituents,” said Rep. Steve Xiarhos (R-Barnstable). “These interests would be significantly undermined by [the bill] because it would dramatically reduce state and local oversight of clean energy projects and the infrastructure to support them. Communities I represent have been directly and negatively affected by this infrastructure, and I have been pushing for more state and local oversight of these projects, not less, to protect host communities’ interests. This bill is a step in the wrong direction.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes/Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Didn’t Vote Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes