An Act authorizing municipalities to impose a methane emissions surcharge and authorize non-pipeline alternatives

This bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to create a special fund called the Emissions Reduction Fund to collect money from local methane emissions surcharges. Once established, the fund can be used to pay for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as purchasing land for conservation or supporting alternative energy initiatives. The legislation also sets a maximum limit of $15 million for unallocated funds in the fund and requires that any land bought with these funds be permanently restricted to its original environmental purpose. Municipalities must keep detailed public records of all money spent and property acquired under this program.