Massachusetts Sets Example with Renewable Energy Law

The state of Massachusetts, with the guiding hand of The Nature Conservancy (TNC), has introduced an innovative renewable energy law gaining attention nationwide.

TNC, a global environmental organisation, assisted in crafting this transformative law in the north-east US.

As a result, Massachusetts now stands as a beacon for states striving to align renewable energy developments with ecological and community benefits.

TNC says: “Massachusetts just enacted a renewable energy law that could serve as a model for other states to follow.

“The new law makes renewable energy siting and permitting more efficient while prioritising communities and nature.

“It ensures new energy projects take into account community engagement and creates environmental safeguards to minimise impacts to nature – all critical steps to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Let’s follow Massachusetts’ lead and create a clean energy future that works for people and nature.”

Breaking down the new legislation

Governor Maura Healey signed a bill into law that promises to streamline the future of renewable energy in Massachusetts.

The law not only aims to simplify renewable energy siting and permitting processes but also ensures significant environmental, community and economic benefits:

• Expediting land-based renewable energy siting and permitting: it simplifies permitting of clean energy projects by establishing timelines and consolidating the local and state permits that the developer would otherwise need to obtain individually
• Providing improved environmental standards 
• Enhancing community engagement: it aims to reduce lengthy community conflicts by requiring energy developers to conduct earlier community engagement and public meetings and through an assessment to fund public participation and intervention in energy-related proceedings.

Steve Long, TNC Massachusetts’ Director of Policy and Partnerships and Jessica Wilkinson, TNC’s North America renewable energy team lead, said in a joint statement: “It’s not your father’s electric grid anymore. Today, Massachusetts enacted a landmark climate and clean energy law, modelling to other states that there are more efficient and equitable ways to transition to the energy future we need.”

“The newly signed law will help make sure that clean and renewable energy projects in Massachusetts will meet standards for biodiversity, healthy lands and waters, resilient ecosystems and environmental justice communities while maximizing benefits to the climate, conservation and communities – what we call the 3Cs.”

Pioneering a Sustainable Future

Capitalising on Massachusetts' legislative milestone, TNC advocates for a broader adoption of similar policies across the US.

The organisation encourages other states to consider the balance of nature, communities, and low-carbon growth in their clean energy initiatives.

The need for efficient and cohesive renewable energy policies is pressing, especially when considering the pitfalls of past energy developments that have disproportionately affected communities and natural habitats.

TNC underscores the importance of integrating scientific environmental assessments and genuine community interactions to foster better outcomes for all.

In its role as a global conservation leader, TNC operates in numerous countries and partnerships, aiming to bring local, governmental and private sector parties together in the fight against climate change.

A Comprehensive Energy and Climate Blueprint

This law not only streamlines the permit process for wind and solar infrastructure but also introduces a 12-month municipal permitting limit to speed up approvals.

Massachusetts establishes a single-permit system at the municipal level and sets a 15-month timeline for state permits, regulated by the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB).

Furthermore, appeals are streamlined by being directed straight to the State Supreme Judicial Court, effectively curbing lengthy legal disputes that previously hindered infrastructure projects.

“For decades, the siting and permitting process has been a major hindrance to the clean energy transition," says Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper.

“This new infrastructure is going to strengthen the reliability of our grid, improve public health, grow our economy and help us transition off polluting fossil fuels.” 

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