Lawmakers announce clean energy deal

BOSTON (WWLP) – Top lawmakers announced that they have reached a compromise on an omnibus clean energy bill that has been stalled since the end of the formal session in July.

Both the House and Senate passed versions of this bill that would streamline siting and permitting for clean energy infrastructure, but other aspects of each bill were different.

After contentious negotiations, top democrats announced on Thursday morning that they have reached a deal that includes both House and Senate priorities. Representative Jeff Roy and Senator Michael Barrett led negotiations, and said on Thursday morning that "Massachusetts must continue to be a national leader in the effort to combat climate change, a prerequisite for which will be transitioning to a clean energy economy and creating high-quality jobs in the process."

Senator Barrett says this compromise includes outfitting the state with electric vehicle chargers, regulating heat pumps, protecting ratepayers from gas bills, and procuring energy storage. Because the formal legislative session ended in July, lawmakers have two potential paths forward to get this bill passed.

They could present a simplified version of the bill in order to get the unanimous support they need during an informal session. Or, they could call members back into a formal session to power through potential Republican opposition.

Leadership has not yet announced which path they plan to take, but they say the bill will land on the governor's desk "relatively soon."

Local News Headlines

Springfield police seek answers after baby abandoned

As we enter flu peak season, health experts suggest getting vaccinated if you haven't already

Massachusetts ranks last in election competitiveness