Sen. Bruce Tarr

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Massachusetts officials to create and update a comprehensive energy plan every three years, starting by September 2023, to guide how the state meets its electricity, transportation, and heating needs. The legislation also mandates that state agencies monitor energy supplies and prices to detect potential shortages or consumer cost increases of more than ten percent within the next year. If such risks are identified, the state must develop a public contingency plan outlining specific actions, responsible agencies, and timelines to prevent or mitigate the issues. These plans must include at least one public hearing and be shared electronically with government committees and the public for review.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts state law to increase the maximum number of offshore wind projects allowed in the state from 1,600 megawatts to 6,000 megawatts. It also shortens the deadline for completing these projects, moving the target date from December 31, 2035, to December 31, 2030. These changes directly affect the state's energy planning and the developers or entities responsible for building offshore wind farms. The legislation aims to accelerate the state's renewable energy goals by allowing for a larger and faster expansion of wind power capacity.

By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester and Senator Moore, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2580) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf, Michael O. Moore and others relative to pensions for children of public safety officers killed in the line of duty. Public Service.

By Representative Farley-Bouvier of Pittsfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2514) of Tricia Farley-Bouvier and others relative to pension benefits for surviving spouses of Department of Children and Families social workers killed in the line of duty. Public Service.

By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2582) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and others relative to health insurance benefits for certain state employees. Public Service.

By Representatives Garballey of Arlington and Cataldo of Concord, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3164) of Sean Garballey, Simon Cataldo and others relative to improving outdoor lighting and increasing dark-sky visibility. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative LeBoeuf of Worcester, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2584) of David Henry Argosky LeBoeuf and others relative to health insurance for municipal employees. Public Service.

By Representative DuBois of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2510) of Michelle M. DuBois and others relative to the retirement benefits of certain employees of the Department of Public Health. Public Service.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources to set statewide goals for installing energy storage systems, aiming for 2,000 megawatts by 2030 and establishing further targets for 2035. It empowers the department to use various methods to meet these goals, such as encouraging private customer installations, having utility companies purchase storage to avoid costly grid upgrades, and using funds to support private development projects. The legislation also requires utilities to map areas with critical grid needs and limits the amount of storage that any single utility company can own to ensure a diverse mix of providers. Additionally, the bill creates a specific rule allowing energy storage to count toward renewable energy requirements and mandates annual reporting on progress to the public.