Energy

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 6, 2026

H 5641: An Act establishing a temporary moratorium on large scale photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in the town of Becket

This bill authorizes the town of Becket to place a six-month pause on approving new large-scale solar power projects and battery storage systems. During this time, the town will conduct a study to review zoning rules and determine how to regulate these installations while protecting local ecological resources. The temporary halt applies to all large-scale projects except for small battery systems used as accessories to individual homes. This measure gives the town planning staff time to analyze the issue before making permanent changes to local zoning laws.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyThe bill establishes a temporary moratorium on large-scale solar and battery storage, directly restricting renewable energy infrastructure development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 8, 2026

H 5294: An Act establishing a temporary moratorium on large scale ground-mounted solar photovoltaic installations and battery energy storage systems in the town of Worthington

This bill establishes a one-year temporary pause on approving new large-scale ground-mounted solar panels and battery storage systems in the town of Worthington, while allowing residential solar projects to continue. During this moratorium period, the town must conduct a planning study to review and update its zoning rules for industrial solar installations, ensuring any future regulations protect local ecological resources and align with community planning goals. The pause ends either after one year or when the town adopts new zoning amendments, whichever happens first.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill imposes a temporary moratorium on large-scale solar and battery storage installations, directly restricting renewable energy development in the town.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Solar

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2409: An Act prohibiting the burning of construction and demolition waste as fuel

This bill prohibits energy facilities from burning construction and demolition waste as fuel due to the risk of releasing toxic chemicals like arsenic compounds into the air. It directly affects energy-generating facilities that previously used such waste as fuel, requiring them to stop this practice immediately. The bill mandates the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to update facility regulations within 60 days to enforce the ban, allowing temporary suspensions of permits to implement the change quickly. The law aims to protect public health by preventing exposure to hazardous substances from burning treated building materials.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyProhibits burning construction waste as biofuel, restricting a renewable energy source and limiting alternative energy development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits burning construction/demolition waste as fuel, reducing air pollution and aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 30, 2025

S 569: An Act protecting our coasts from offshore drilling

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 569) of Julian Cyr for legislation to protect our coasts from offshore drilling. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill prohibits offshore drilling (fossil fuel extraction), directly restricting fossil fuel infrastructure development per topic description.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly aims to protect coastal environments by prohibiting offshore drilling, directly aligning with environmental protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 2291: An Act protecting ratepayers from gas pipeline expansion costs

SD 1092 prevents utility companies from passing costs for new interstate gas pipeline construction or expansion to ratepayers (customers who pay utility bills). It amends state law to require the department to reject any contract for gas, pipeline capacity, or storage where those costs would be recovered through customer rate increases. The bill directly affects utility companies seeking to build or expand interstate gas infrastructure and their ratepayers. This provision blocks such projects from being funded via future rate hikes without specific legislative approval. The law applies to contracts requiring new pipeline construction or expansion, not existing infrastructure.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill explicitly aims to protect ratepayers from gas pipeline expansion costs, opposing fossil fuel infrastructure expansion. This limits gas pipeline projects, directly countering fossil fuel energy infrastructure development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Pipeline Infrastructure

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 18, 2026

S 1925: An Act imposing an in-state mileage-based road usage charge on the use of clean energy vehicles

By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1925) of Michael J. Barrett foe legislation to impose an in-state mileage-based road usage charge on the use of clean energy vehicles. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes mileage-based charge on clean energy vehicles to generate state revenue, directly creating a new fiscal mechanism under Budget & Taxes.95% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyImposing a mileage charge on clean energy vehicles could deter adoption, restricting renewable energy use per 'oppose' indicators.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill imposes mileage-based road usage charge on clean energy vehicles to generate revenue for transportation infrastructure, directly funding road maintenance through a usage-based fee.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Electric Vehicles

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 3547: An Act preventing gas expansion to protect climate, community health and safety

This bill prohibits new gas facilities or expansions within 5 miles of environmental justice neighborhoods, except for public safety reasons. It requires gas companies to submit biennial workforce transition plans by 2026, detailing how they will maintain safe service while shifting to net-zero emissions by 2050. These plans must cover worker training, retention, pension solvency, and measures to prevent job displacement during the transition. The bill directly affects all gas companies operating in Massachusetts, including those managing dual-fuel or renewable energy systems.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyPrevents gas expansion (fossil fuel infrastructure), directly restricting fossil fuel development to protect climate. Aligns with limiting fossil fuel infrastructure per 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPrevents gas expansion to protect climate, directly aligns with reducing emissions and strengthening environmental protections as stated in bill title and summary.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill explicitly creates a 'just transition office for employment and training opportunities for certain displaced workers,' directly supporting labor by providing job training and transition assistance to workers affected by gas expansion.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 6, 2026

H 4690: An Act establishing a temporary moratorium on the siting of lithium battery storage facilities

By Representative Pease of Westfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly W. Pease, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Donald R. Berthiaume, Jr. relative to lithium battery storage facilities. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyMoratorium on lithium battery storage facilities blocks renewable energy infrastructure development, directly restricting clean energy storage deployment.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 25, 2026

H 3548: An Act limiting the eligibility of woody biomass as an alternative energy supply

HD 2066 removes woody biomass from the definition of "alternative energy supply" for intermediate or large power generation facilities under Massachusetts law. This means new or expanded biomass power plants using wood-based fuel can no longer qualify for alternative energy incentives or requirements. The bill specifically exempts existing biomass facilities already certified as alternative energy units by the Department of Energy Resources as of January 1, 2023. The law takes effect immediately upon passage, altering how biomass energy is classified for regulatory and incentive purposes.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill explicitly limits woody biomass eligibility as an alternative energy source, restricting a renewable energy category per title and summary.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill limits woody biomass eligibility, restricting a potentially harmful energy source to protect environment.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 15, 2025

S 2287: An Act limiting the eligibility of woody biomass as an alternative energy supply

This bill changes the law to exclude woody biomass from being classified as an "alternative energy supply" for most power plants. It directly affects intermediate and large power generation facilities that currently use woody biomass as fuel, requiring them to find other energy sources to meet alternative energy requirements. The bill includes an exception: facilities already certified as alternative energy units by the Department of Energy Resources as of January 1, 2026, are exempt from this change. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill explicitly limits eligibility of woody biomass (a renewable energy source), directly restricting renewable energy development per its title and summary.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill limits woody biomass eligibility in energy, aligning with environmental concerns about deforestation and emissions from biomass combustion, thus supporting protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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