MA House Passes Bill to Boost Offshore Wind Development

BOSTON – Representative David P. Linsky (D-Natick), joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing H.4515, An Act advancing offshore wind and clean energy by a vote of 144-12. The legislation will help meet the Commonwealth’s climate goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Additionally, it will modernize Massachusetts’ electrical grid and energy storage infrastructure as well as create thousands of new jobs.

The legislation creates parity between electric and natural gas, imposing a charge for natural gas consumers to support renewable energy, similar to the charge electric customers currently pay. At a little over $1 a month for the average customer, this is estimated to collect $23 million a year over the next 10 years to support the Commonwealth’s transition to clean energy. By diversifying Massachusetts’ energy portfolio, Massachusetts will become more energy independent and less reliant on imported natural gas that is susceptible to volatile price spikes, thereby helping to stabilize ratepayer bills in the long term. The bill now goes to the Senate for their consideration.

“I was proud to join my colleagues in passing House Bill 4515. This bill takes immense steps in ensuring Massachusetts remains at the forefront of renewable energy development,” said Representative Linsky. “I want to thank Speaker Mariano, Chair Michlewitz and Roy, and the rest of my colleagues for their hard work in reducing our carbon emissions and modernizing our energy infrastructure.”

Overview

• Makes the Massachusetts offshore wind bidding process more competitive by removing a current price cap that requires bids to be less expensive than previous procurements, which has deterred companies from participating in the procurement process. Future procurements would now include economic development, employment, and environmental and fisheries mitigation benefits.
• Invests hundreds of millions of dollars over the next decade in infrastructure, innovation, job training, supply chain capacity, and transmission upgrades. The legislation consists of tax incentives, grants, loans, and other investments.
• Requires utility companies to proactively upgrade the transmission and distribution grid to improve reliability and resilience and accommodate the anticipated significant shift to renewable forms of energy.
• Invests in long-term energy storage to help the Commonwealth’s transition to renewable energy.
• Provides thousands of good-paying jobs with a focus on ensuring access and opportunity for everyone.
• Creates a DESE high school offshore wind credential training pilot program through which DESE would reimburse school districts for each student that obtains the credential.

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