Massachusetts has approved a bill designed to streamline the siting process and permitting requirements for clean energy projects.

Senate Bill 2967, approved by both chambers of the Massachusetts legislature, also seeks to encourage energy storage in a state that boasts over 5GW of solar PV capacity installed by the second quarter of 2024.

The objective is to support a “clean energy grid, promote equity, and safeguard ratepayers,” by implementing alterations in the siting and permitting processes for energy infrastructure. The legislation seeks to establish and gather “comprehensive data” and insights to expedite the implementation of clean energy initiatives through siting and permitting, as outlined in Bill S.2967.

Moreover, the legislation addresses the potential construction of PV canopies within the state. As stated in the bill, “The department of energy resources will assemble a stakeholder working group to formulate suggestions for regulatory and legislative adjustments that could promote the establishment and functioning of solar power-generating canopies.”

Numerous industry groups, including the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), lauded the legislation. Valessa Souter-Kline, the Northeast regional director at SEIA, expressed gratitude, stating, “The latest climate bill will expedite the expansion of crucial solar and energy storage technologies in Massachusetts. We appreciate the Massachusetts legislature for shepherding this significant legislation. There is no better moment for the Commonwealth to reaffirm its dedication to promoting the adoption of cost-effective, emission-free energy and battery storage.”

Environment America, a climate policy organization, emphasized that the “crucial clean energy legislation” would hasten the adoption of clean energy throughout the state. Nevertheless, it noted that the bill would categorize nuclear energy as clean energy. Reese Butcher, an associate at the Environment Massachusetts Research & Policy Center, remarked, “This legislation pledges to assist Massachusetts in accelerating its progress in clean energy. By simplifying the siting process for renewable energy initiatives, state legislators are positioning Massachusetts to harness its vast renewable energy capabilities.”

Elena Weissmann, Northeast Director at the energy justice non-profit organization Vote Solar, emphasized the critical role of state-level legislation in the transition to clean energy. She commended legislators for enacting the bill and acknowledging the pressing need to tackle the climate crisis while also emphasizing equity in the transition process.

The legislation marks the most recent addition to a series of climate bills approved in Massachusetts since the start of the decade. In 2022, a climate bill was signed into law to bolster the expansion of renewable projects in the state. Massachusetts is targeting to achieve 40% renewable energy usage by 2030.

The Governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey, is anticipated to review and sign the bill later this week.