An Act relative to essential energy needs

This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to create a demonstration project allowing cities and towns to mandate that new construction and major renovations be fossil fuel-free. Local governments would be able to enforce these requirements by withholding or conditioning building permits, even if existing state laws typically limit such local zoning authority. The legislation explicitly exempts research laboratories, hospitals, medical offices, and commercial, industrial, and institutional projects from these fossil fuel-free mandates.