An Act providing for natural gas workforce safety

This bill requires Massachusetts natural gas companies to establish performance-based rate systems with strict service quality standards focused on safety and workforce protections. It mandates that companies submit "just transition plans" detailing how they will maintain staffing levels, provide worker training, and mitigate job impacts during the shift to net-zero emissions, including specific benchmarks for in-house staffing and cross-training. The bill prohibits workforce reductions below January 1, 2022 levels without department approval or collective bargaining agreement, ensuring pipeline safety remains prioritized. These plans must address infrastructure upgrades, leak reduction, and pension solvency, with the Department of Public Utilities overseeing compliance and reporting on consumer claims.