Lewis, Day File Legislation to Expand Energy Facilities Siting Board Review

BOSTON—In light of the proposed Eversource transmission lines that would run from Woburn to Wakefield, Sen. Jason Lewis and State Rep. Michael Day have filed legislation that would broaden the scope of review of the Energy Facilities Siting Board(EFSB).

Lewis' office announced Friday that the legislation would widen the review of the EFSB to consider public health and wellbeing of residents before granting or rejecting projects. The proposed transmission lines have brought upon numerous concerns from residents, with signs in opposition of the proposed lines popping up across the route.

“Serious concerns about the proposed transmission line have been raised by residents and local businesses, from short-term quality of life issues to long-term public health harm,” Lewis said in the release. “These are urgent matters that warrant further consideration by the Energy Facilities Siting Board. I’m pleased to advance legislation to accomplish that needed analysis.”

Eversource's proposal is currently under review with the EFSB, and the announcement indicates that the legislation would require that the EFSB review the proposal's impacts.

“We recognize the need for increased electricity reliability and transmission capability in this area, but this particular project has also highlighted a gap in the Energy Facilites Siting Board’s charge,” said Day. “This legislation will fill that gap, and allow the Board to consider impacts beyond just the price tag associated with a proposed project.”