Day Testifies On Bill To Protect From Invasive Utility Projects

A release from State Representative Michael Day:

State Representative Michael S. Day testified before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy in support of his bill H.1736, An Act relative to the Energy Facilities Siting Board. H.1736 would protect communities against large projects, such as the Eversource transmission lines, by clarifying the Energy Facilities Siting Board’s (EFSB) charge to make explicit that it must consider not just the bottom-line price tag of a proposed project, but must also consider the proposal’s impact on the environment and public health.

The legislation will also charge the EFSB with prioritizing a minimum impact on the overall wellbeing of residents abutting the project over the “lowest possible cost” of the proposal when considering whether or not to grant a permit.

As the legislature addresses the changing face of energy here in Massachusetts, many communities are facing major infrastructure proposals that would place new electric transmission lines, natural gas pipelines and other energy storage facilities within their borders, often over their objections and without regard to legitimate concerns over safety, property value diminution and major disruptions to business operations and everyday life.

Both Stoneham and Winchester have lodged objections with the EFSB to a new power line project proposed by Eversource.

“I recognize that we must address the ever-climbing price of energy in our region, and we all want a stable and reliable energy grid at a low price point,” said Representative Day. “However, the cities and towns that find themselves in the path of new transmission and pipeline proposals should not have to bear the overwhelming brunt of the burdens imposed by these infrastructure projects in the name of regional benefits without due consideration of their legitimate environmental and safety concerns. Eversource’s proposed power line project, which would cut through the heart of both towns and impact scores of neighborhoods and residents adversely, is a perfect example of why this legislation is so necessary.”

The EFSB is a nine-member review board located within the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), although the DPU does not supervise or otherwise control the Board. State law charged the EFSB with ensuring, “a reliable energy supply for the Commonwealth with a minimum impact on the environment at the lowest
possible cost.” The EFSB describes its own primary function as licensing, “the construction of major energy infrastructure in Massachusetts, including large power plants, electric transmission lines, natural gas pipelines and natural gas storage facilities.”

The legislation now awaits a vote by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. The full text of H.1736 can be read at the following link: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H1736.