By David O’Leary
A new 105 page version of an omnibus energy bill is quickly moving through the House this week, with a vote in the full chamber scheduled for Thursday afternoon, with only two days for legislators to review this complex proposal. The bill has major implications to energy costs and climate policy across our state.
The initial bill, H.4144, An Act relative to energy affordability, independence and innovation, was proposed by Governor Healey’s administration last summer. This is the second major revision of this legislation, after Chair Cusack quickly pushed a bill, H.4744, through the Energy committee this past November. As that version of the bill included many concerning elements, Sierra Club members and other members of the environmental community objected strongly and the bill was reworked. This third version is considerably better, but still has several flaws. In particular, $1 Billion dollars in cuts to the MassSave program is unacceptable.
In addition to the mixed policy choices, the process continues to be seriously flawed, with too little transparency and too much control vested in the House leadership. The bill is moving forward with little to no opportunity for input from state residents or consideration of amendments by the rank and file House members.
Massachusetts is a leader on energy and climate policy, including our nationally leading energy efficiency programs. At a time when the federal government is reversing course in these areas, now is not the time to step back from commitments made as recently as 2024.
Mass Save programs continue to provide significant savings for ratepayers, since we don’t have to build as much electricity generation here, or purchase electricity from out of state sources. These programs also provide jobs across the state, installing insulation, upgrading heating, cooling, and lighting systems, and much more. Even if funding is eventually restored, major fluctuations in the amount year over year creates business uncertainty, much like the Trump tariffs.
We need to continue to invest in programs that address the real issues affecting energy affordability, including preventing utilities from using ratepayer funds for lobbying and “public education” campaigns that promote business as usual and continued use of fossil fuels.
Please contact your state representatives now and encourage them to speak out in support continued funding for MassSave and address these other flaws:
- the energy bill must cut utility spending on lobbying, executive salaries, or perks, which would immediately save ratepayers money (per H.3400 / S.2239)
- the bill must reduce spending on GSEP (Gas System Enhancement Plan), as these $800 million annual expenditures on gas infrastructure are one of the biggest drivers of high energy bills
- the bill must include provisions to stop gas system expansion especially near environmental justice communities (per H.3547 / S.2290)
- the bill should not override the 1982 referendum that requires ballot approval for new nuclear energy
- Alternative Compliance Payments made by utilities that fail to meet the state’s renewable energy requirements must be used to fund renewable energy and energy efficiency programs
Our voices made a difference in November as this latest version of the bill removed several problems with the previous version and incorporated some new positive elements, including:
- No changes to the 2030 climate goals (a major win!)
- Removing subsidies for burning toxic biomass so municipal light plants across the state won’t be given incentives to purchase this electricity
- Removes the “pipeline tax” proposal which would allow electric bills to pay for gas infrastructure
- Expansion of solar energy, authorizing 10 gigawatts of solar
- Automating permits for residential solar installations, and allowing use of balcony solar panels and vehicle to grid technology
- Doubles the municipal net metering cap from 10MW to 20MW per municipality
- Rate protections for Low and Moderate income residents are maintained
- Introducing favorable regulations regarding labor and network geothermal clean heat generation
Please encourage legislators to preserve these positive elements of the bill when you contact them.