Report of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (pursuant to Section 21(d)(5) of Chapter 25 of the General Laws) submitting its Department of Public Utilities Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Statement 2022-2024 report
This bill requires the Department of Conservation and Recreation to conduct a formal review of its forest management practices every five years, starting with an assessment of current guidelines and operations. The review must evaluate how well existing practices protect natural resources, improve transparency and public participation, and address climate change impacts while considering opportunities to expand forest reserves and nature-based solutions. During the review period, the department cannot lease, sell, or remove timber from public forests except for emergencies, and must hold public hearings and accept written testimony from residents across the state. The department must submit its findings and recommendations to state legislative committees by June 30, 2027, including updated guidelines and proposed changes to improve forest management accountability.
Senate, December 22, 2025 -- The committee on Revenue to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1973) of James B. Eldridge, James K. Hawkins and Jason M. Lewis for legislation relative to the imposition of an excise tax to provide for climate change adaptation infrastructure and affordable housing investments in the Commonwealth, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2751)
By Representative Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3495) of Sean Garballey and Sean Reid relative to the heat-related impacts of climate change and for an investigation by a task force (including members of the General Court) relative to extreme heat task. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
HD 4554 authorizes the City of Somerville to require new construction and major renovations to be fossil fuel-free, directly affecting builders and developers within the city. The bill allows Somerville to enforce this through zoning ordinances and by withholding or conditioning building permits for projects that don’t meet the standard. It overrides conflicting local laws or regulations to implement this net zero emissions requirement for buildings. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2244) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to promote resilience against the heat-related impacts of climate change. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
This bill transfers the Massachusetts Community Climate Bank's assets, staff, and projects to the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center. The Center will now serve as the state's official Green Bank, directly managing climate finance for residential, municipal, and small business clean energy projects. Key provisions require the Center to provide grants, loans, loan guarantees, and investments focused on reducing emissions and advancing equity in clean energy access. The transfer centralizes climate funding under one agency to accelerate adoption of solar, building decarbonization, and other clean energy solutions across Massachusetts.
SD 1493 reforms the governance of Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) by restructuring its 13-member board. The governor appoints four directors (including two with environmental justice/energy expertise and one from the Energy Office), while member cities and towns elect seven directors: three with equal votes and four whose votes are weighted by their electricity sales volume. The bill also requires MMWEC to consider equity, greenhouse gas reductions, and compliance with state emissions limits when making decisions. These changes directly affect MMWEC's operations and the cities/towns that own it, aiming to enhance environmental accountability and local representation on the board.
By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1922) of Michael J. Barrett and James B. Eldridge for legislation relative to the Massachusetts fund for vulnerable countries most affected by climate change. Revenue.
This bill (HD 1702) changes the governance structure of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) Board of Directors. It requires the governor to appoint four directors with specific expertise (environmental justice, clean energy/climate policy, and from the Energy and Environmental Affairs office), while member cities and towns elect seven directors based on voting rules weighted by electricity sales. The board must now explicitly consider equity, greenhouse gas reductions, and local emissions limits when making decisions. These changes aim to align MMWEC's governance with Massachusetts climate goals and community priorities.
