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Massachusetts lawmakers on Monday passed sweeping climate legislation that sets a statewide net zero limit on greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, includes new renewable energy targets and efficiency standards, and codifies environmental justice provisions into state law. The bill now heads to Gov. Charlie Baker, R, for his signature.
The bill requires development of an additional 2,400 MW of offshore wind, bringing Massachusetts’ total target to 5,600 MW, and increases the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) to 40% by 2030.
The bill also clarifies the tax treatment of solar projects, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), which helped negotiate a legislative compromise with state tax assessors. The package is a “roadmap” to decarbonization, according to David Gahl, senior director of state affairs at SEIA.
