THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 2021 Page 5 Rep. McGonagle votes to pass landmark climate change bill O n January 4, State Representative Joseph McGonagle, along with his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature, enacted breakthrough climate legislation that overhauls the state’s climate laws, drives down greenhouse gas emissions, creates clean energy jobs and protects Environmental Justice (EJ) communities. The bill, An Act creating a next-generation roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy (S.2995), sets a 2050 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions limit, as well as statewide limits every five years; increases the requirements for offshore wind energy procurement; requires emission reduction goals for Mass Save, the state’s energy efficiency program; and, for the first time, establishes the criteria in statute that define EJ populations. In addition, the legislation increases support for clean energy workforce development programs, including those targeting low-income communities, and improves gas pipeline safety. The bill is now with the governor. “This legislation represents a major piece of climate legislation that will set the course of the Commonwealth for the next three decades,” said House Speaker Ronald Mariano. “Today we send a message loud and clear that Massachusetts will empower our environmental justice communities, achieve net zero emissions by 2050, continue to lead on offshore wind, increase equitable access to our clean energy programs, and create pathways to clean energy jobs for underserved and low-income communities.” “I’m very excited for the commitment and investment made today by the legislature,” said McGonagle. “With this legislation, we are sending a message that the climate and environment will remain priorities in the Commonwealth for the next 30 years. Environmental justice communities such as Everett will reap from the passing of this bill.” The legislation includes, among other items, the following provisions. • Sets a statewide net-zero limit on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and mandates emissions limits every five years, as well as limits for specific sectors of the economy, including transportation and buildings • Codifies EJ provisions into Massachusetts law, defining EJ ing and certifying utility contractors • Increases the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) by three percent each year from 2025–2029, resulting in 40 percent renewable energy by 2030 • Establishes an opt-in municipal net-zero energy stretch code, including a definition of “net-zero building” • Prioritizes equitable access Joseph McGonagle State Representative populations and providing new tools and protections for affected neighborhoods • Requires an additional 2,400 megawatts of offshore wind, building on previous legislation action, and increases the total to 5,600 megawatts in the Commonwealth • Directs the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), regulator of the state’s electric and natural gas utilities, to balance priorities going forward: system safety, system security, reliability, affordability, equity and, significantly, reductions in greenhouse gas emissions • Sets appliance energy efficiency standards for a variety of common appliances, including plumbing, faucets, computers and commercial appliances • Adopts several measures aimed at improving gas pipeline safety, including increased fines for safety violations and regulations related to trainto the state’s solar programs by low-income communities • Establishes $12 million in annual funding for the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center in order to create a pathway to the clean energy industry for EJ populations and minority- and women-owned businesses • Provides solar incentives for businesses by exempting them from the net metering cap to allow them to install solar systems on their premises to help offset their electricity use and save money • Requires utilities to include an explicit value for greenhouse gas reductions when they calculate the cost-effectiveness of an offering of Mass Save • Creates a first-time greenhouse gas emissions standard for municipal lighting plants that requires them to purchase 50 percent non-emitting electricity by 2030 and net-zero by 2050 • Sets benchmarks for the adoption of clean energy technologies, including electric vehicles, charging stations, solar technology, energy storage, heat pumps and anaerobic digestors.
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