By Bob Katzen

Senate 35-4, approved an amendment that would remove woody biomass as an eligible fuel under the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standard for Massachusetts municipal light plants. Supporters explained that while biomass was removed from the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard in 2022 because it is not considered clean energy, it remained eligible under a separate section of state law governing municipal light plants. They said the amendment would close that inconsistency by ensuring public clean energy standards are aligned with current science and Massachusetts climate policy, preventing municipal light plants from counting electricity generated by burning woody biomass toward their greenhouse gas reduction requirements.

“For too long, Massachusetts law treated a polluting energy source as if it were clean,” said amendment sponsor Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield). “This amendment closes that loophole, aligns our statutes with science and ensures our clean energy policies reflect our climate commitments and environmental justice values. It’s an important step for communities like Springfield that have spent years fighting to protect public health and cleaner air.”

Opponents of the amendment did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they opposed the amendment.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment removing woody biomass as an eligible fuel. A “No” vote is against the amendment.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes