An Act to establishing a moratorium on new gas system expansion

This bill proposes a temporary halt on approving new natural gas infrastructure projects in Massachusetts until at least 2026. It directly affects utility companies and local governments by prohibiting the construction of new facilities or expansions of existing ones, with the sole exception being projects deemed necessary for public safety. The legislation also prevents towns without current gas service from digging up streets to build new gas lines. By amending existing state laws, the bill aims to pause the development of oil, natural gas, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen distribution systems during this period.