Legislation meets the climate crisis head-on with streamlined siting, expanded EV infrastructure, and ratepayer protections

BOSTON — Senator Sal DiDomenico recently voted to pass comprehensive climate legislation to make systemic changes to the state’s clean energy infrastructure that will help the state achieve its net zero emissions by 2050 goals, expand electric vehicle (EV) use and infrastructure, and protect residents and ratepayers. The bill included key priorities from Senator DiDomenico’s energy facilities siting bill which will accelerate clean energy deployment across our state and work to better include equity and input from impacted communities in our siting procedures.

During debate, DiDomenico successfully advocated for an amendment that will expand access to the data within the clean energy infrastructure dashboard so that municipalities can construct their own analysis to inform local decision making. The Senate also voted to adopt an amendment modernizing the ‘bottle bill’, adding noncarbonated beverages, wine, and spirits to the list of containers eligible for a bottle deposit, and increasing the deposit amount from 5 cents to 10 cents. This language included DiDomenico’s proposal to make small alcohol bottles, known as ‘nips,’ eligible for the bottle return.

“I am proud to pass this transformational climate bill that will move our state closer towards a cleaner, cheaper, and safer electric grid all while supporting our goals of fighting the climate crisis,” said State Senator Sal DiDomenico. “I want to thank Senate President Spilka, Chair Michael Rodrigues, and Senator Mike Barrett for all their work on this much-needed bill and including several of my priorities in the final legislation. ”

The climate bill will allow Massachusetts to develop infrastructure essential for the fight against climate change, including new solar, wind, and storage facilities. It will also enhance the electric grid to support getting clean energy to residents efficiently and in the needed capacities to power homes, businesses, and vehicles. 

Enhancements to the clean energy grid will be paired with measures to keep costs down for ratepayers across the state.

“We are in a climate crisis. The Senate has heard loud and clear from residents, advocates, and clean energy leaders that we need systemic infrastructure changes to deliver on our net zero by 2050 emissions goals,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today we are taking action to make it easier and more efficient to build clean energy infrastructure so that Massachusetts can deliver on our climate commitments and leave our kids with the green state and planet that they deserve. This bold action is the direct result of the work of Majority Leader Creem, Chair Rodrigues, Senator Barrett, and each senator who has contributed to this bill. I am grateful to each of them.”

The comprehensive climate legislation modernizes laws related to cost control for ratepayers; siting and permitting; decarbonization; electric transportation incentives; clean tech innovation; emissions reduction in state operations; and natural gas infrastructure.

Protecting Ratepayers from High Costs

To save residents’ money and protect residents from unfair and deceptive practices, the bill would ban competitive energy suppliers from enrolling new individual residential customers. According to the Attorney General’s Office and the Department of Public Utilities (DPU), data analyses show that consumers lost more than $577 million to competitive electric suppliers between July 2015 and June 2023. The Senate previously adopted this policy in April.

Consumers will see relief in a number of other ways as well. The bill would lower utility rates for consumers with low- and middle-incomes by directing utility providers to offer lower rates to eligible consumers. Utility companies would also gain more flexibility to negotiate the lengths of basic service contracts with electricity providers. By negotiating longer-term contracts, residents are less likely to see cost spikes.

Partnering with Communities to Expedite Siting and Permitting

The siting and permitting provisions, modeled on the work of a commission of diverse stakeholders established by the Healey-Driscoll administration, will consolidate the review of clean energy siting and permitting and expedite the timeline of projects. Large projects that require state, regional, and local permits will be consolidated into a single permit that must be decided upon in 15 months. Small projects with multiple local permits will also be consolidated into a single permit and must be decided upon in one year.

Robust community review processes will be paired with new permitting. The legislation formally establishes the Office of Environmental Justice and Equity (EJE), the Office of Public Participation at the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB), and the Division of Siting and Permitting at the Department of Energy Resources (DSPDER). Each office would be charged with engaging with communities and applicants in their respective areas to ensure a thorough and community-centered review.

To protect ratepayers from bearing the cost of new construction, the state will require the EFSB to first consider enhancing current technologies before looking to new construction. An online clean energy infrastructure dashboard would also be created to promote public accountability in real time.

Making EVs Accessible and Expanding Infrastructure

Gas-powered vehicles are one of the highest emitters of carbon, and incentivizing EV usage is critical to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

The legislation would expand the state’s MOR-EV program through 2027, which gives residents $3,500-$6,000 for the purchase of new or used electric vehicles. It would allow residents who own parcels within condominiums, homeowner associations, and historic districts to install EV chargers, and authorize condo boards to install EV chargers on community parcels.

It will bring coordination to EV infrastructure expansion, by centralizing the deployment of resources with the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council (EVICC), and directing DPU to make it easier to install pole-mounted chargers that often are used in parking spots and on streets.

The bill would also make it easier for cities and towns to procure electric school buses and EV charging equipment for their municipalities.

Decarbonizing Buildings

An Act Upgrading the Grid and Protecting Ratepayers makes it easier to decarbonize buildings across the state, a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. It would authorize condo association boards to install energy efficiency devices and EV chargers in common areas and make heat pumps more efficient by allowing installers to use the most up-to-date refrigerants.

Leading the Way on Clean Technology and Innovation

Already leaders in clean technology, the state's innovators will receive even more support from this legislation to make sure that the next generation of technology is built in Massachusetts.

The legislation would boost the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) by expanding their mission to include carbon removal, embodied carbon reduction, and nuclear power. MassCEC would also be directed to promote carbon removal and embodied carbon activities, and study opportunities for future carbon removal.

Leading by Example

The Commonwealth will take an in-depth look at its own operational climate impact under this legislation.

It would revise Massport’s enabling statute to prioritize reductions in greenhouse gas emissions alongside the promotion of commerce and growth. It would direct the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) to evaluate the energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions of state buildings, as well as seek options for reducing future emissions. The mission of the Board of Building Regulations and Standards would also be expanded to include the pursuit of reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Curbing Over-reliance on Natural Gas

Ensuring the electrical grid is on an equal playing field as the natural gas system is crucial to reducing dependency on fossil fuels and reaching the state’s net zero carbon emissions goals.

The bill reins in a statutory provision that for decades has given gas companies a preferential ratemaking advantage over providers of other heating sources.

Under An Act Upgrading the Grid and Protecting Ratepayers, the DPU will be directed to consider greenhouse gas impacts when it weighs a petition by a gas company to expand its territory. Gas companies will be allowed to pursue geothermal projects and networked heat pump systems, new opportunities that are undergoing successful testing in communities in Framingham and Lowell.

As the gas system needs continued upgrades, the legislation will shift the system from automatically replacing leak-prone pipes, to instead considering more targeted repairs, or decommissioning the line altogether if a more climate friendly alternative exists. Payments for new gas lines are often financed over 30 years, beyond the 2050 goal of reducing fossil fuels. By repairing or decommissioning pipes instead of replacing them, costs shifted to ratepayers are reduced, and the clean energy transition is accelerated.  

During debate, the Senate voted to adopt an amendment modernizing the ‘bottle bill’, adding noncarbonated beverages, wine, and spirits to the list of containers eligible for a bottle deposit, and increasing the deposit amount from 5 cents to 10 cents.

Having passed the Senate by a vote of 38-2, the legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

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$57.999 billion budget benefits cities, programs, and residents in Cambridge, Charlestown, Chelsea, and Everett

BOSTON — Senator Sal DiDomenico and his Massachusetts Senate colleagues unanimously approved a $57.999 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25). Following robust and spirited debate, the Senate adopted several of Senator DiDomenico’s amendments, adding millions of dollars in spending for statewide initiatives and local priorities that will directly benefit constituents in his district and residents around the Commonwealth.

The budget builds on the Senate’s commitment to fiscal responsibility while delivering historic levels of investment in every level of education, regional equity, and mental health, reflecting the Chamber’s commitment to creating a more affordable, equitable, and competitive Commonwealth. Senator DiDomenico’s amendments will support working families by expanding access to food, clothing, quality education and workforce training.

“This budget is a victory for people of all backgrounds and income levels in my district and throughout the Commonwealth,” said Sal DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “I am proud to bring millions of dollars to my district for organizations and programs that provide vital services for our residents. These investments will create new opportunities for people of all ages in our communities, support projects that will improve lives and ensure all our children can build the bright futures they deserve.”

Statewide DiDomenico Amendments

• $3.5 million to expand the annual clothing allowance for low-income families. This investment will give families $500 per child to purchase the clothes they need every year.

• $250,000 for operations services for the Massachusetts Emergency Food Assistance Program.

• Senator DiDomenico also successfully advocated for the $42 million that was included for food services in this program.

• $300,000 for Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston to provide basic workforce and skills training, employment services and job re-entry support to older workers.

• Require the Department of Elementary & Secondary Education to gather data on sex & relationship education in our schools. This will help our state government understand how we can best support our schools to ensure our children have the information they need to protect their health and form respectful relationships.

Local DiDomenico Amendments

• $25,000 for the John F. Kennedy Family Service Center for educational programming and family engagement.

• $25,000 for East End House to provide comprehensive support services for families.

• $25,000 for Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee for economic stability and mobility services

• $25,000 for Transition House to address domestic violence through intervention and prevention

• $25,000 for Margaret Fuller House for community advancement programming

• $25,000 for The Spot to provide materials and services to residents in need

• $25,000 for the Eliot Family Resource Center for comprehensive community-based services and resources

• $25,000 for La Comunidad to support community programming and services

• $25,000 to the Everett Haitian Community Center for community programming, resources and services

• $25,000 for Chelsea Black Community for community-based services and resources

• $50,000 for Community Action Programs Inter-City for economic stability and mobility services

• $25,000 for Chelsea Restoration Corporation to promote home ownership for low-to-moderate income residents in Chelsea and the surrounding areas

• $25,000 for Harvest on Vine Food Pantry to provide food resources and services

• $50,000 for the theater program at Cambridge Public Schools 

• $50,000 for the music program at Everett High School 

• $25,000 for the music program at Chelsea High School

• $25,000 to the Everett Public Schools for student-led environmental initiatives

• $25,000 for Girls on the Run Greater Boston to provide social-emotional learning and physical activity curriculum to elementary and middle school-aged girls in the cities of Chelsea, Everett, and Cambridge, and in Charlestown

• $25,000 to For Kids Only Afterschool for a pilot workforce development program to support programming for low-income and at-risk children and educators

• $25,000 for the Bunker Hill Monument Association regarding the history of the Bunker Hill Monument

• $25,000 for Courageous Sailing for youth programming and enrichment opportunities

As the Commonwealth adjusts to a changing economic landscape and ongoing tax revenue volatility, the FY25 budget adheres to disciplined and responsible fiscal stewardship. It does not raise taxes, nor does it draw down available reserves from the Stabilization Fund or the Transitional Escrow Fund, while at the same time judicially utilizing one-time resources to maintain balance.

The Senate’s budget continues responsible and sustainable planning for the future by continuing to grow the Rainy Day Fund, already at a historic high of over $8 billion. The Senate’s proposal would build the Commonwealth’s reserves to a healthy balance in excess of $9 billion at the close of FY25.

A conference committee will now be appointed to reconcile differences between the versions of the budget passed by the Senate and House of Representatives.

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Legislation would help facilitate better interactions between people with autism and law enforcement officers

BOSTON — Senator DiDomenico joined all Massachusetts Senators in unanimously passing An Act facilitating better interactions between police officers and persons with autism spectrum disorder—also known as the “Blue Envelope” bill—to improve communication during traffic stops involving a person with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

The bill would create a voluntary program that would make available blue envelopes that people with autism could carry with them while driving and hand over to a police officer in the event that they are pulled over. A driver could place their license, registration, and insurance cards inside the envelope, and the outside of the envelope would note that the driver has Autism Spectrum Disorder and provide guidance on best practices on how to interact with the individual.

The envelope’s guidance—which would be created by a coalition of advocates, Chiefs of Police, and the RMV—would help law enforcement officers to better understand the actions of individuals with autism, who are more likely to have increased sensitivities and communication challenges in stressful situations.

“This legislation will improve communication and interactions between law enforcement officers and our neighbors with autism which will improve public safety for everyone,” said Sal DiDomenico, Assistant Majority Leader of the Massachusetts Senate. “I am proud to support this commonsense measure that has garnered support from a wide range of groups, including advocates and our law enforcement community, and will continue to make our state safer for our residents. Thank you, Senate President Spilka and Senator Comerford for getting this legislation the attention and urgency it deserves.”

“In Massachusetts, we stand firmly in our belief that every person is entitled to equal treatment in their lives, regardless of their background or life experience. For our neuro-diverse friends and neighbors with Autism Spectrum Disorder, that means empowering each other to reach our full potential,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today’s action in the Senate would make a common-sense, meaningful, and positive change to how people with Autism Spectrum Disorder interact with members of our law enforcement community, bringing us closer to the ideals we strive for. I am grateful to Senator Comerford for bringing this bill to the floor, as well as Chair Rodrigues and Chair Crighton for their support in the committee process.”

Many people with autism display no physical markers to alert others to their disability. Without adequate training, it is possible that law enforcement could misread the actions of an individual with autism. Every year, numerous people with Autism Spectrum Disorder suffer psychological trauma and physical injury as a result of such misunderstandings.

The bill has wide support from Autism Spectrum Disorder advocates and law enforcement organizations around the state.

“The Arc of Massachusetts and Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM) are grateful to Senator Comerford, Senate President Spilka and Chairman Rodrigues for passing the Blue Envelope bill, a priority bill for our advocacy organizations,” said Maura Sullivan, Director of Government Affairs for The Arc of Massachusetts. “This bill will ease interactions between police and autistic drivers. We know these situations can escalate and become traumatic or even dangerous. The Arc and AFAM applaud the Senate for taking action to be inclusive of the needs of the drivers with autism in Massachusetts.”

“The Blue Envelope Bill would be a game changer for our family and for so many Massachusetts residents. Like many people with autism, my 25-year-old son Sam does not have any physical characteristics that indicate he has autism,” said Ilyse Levine-Kanji, an Executive Committee member of Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts (AFAM). “In a stressful situation, where split second decisions must be made, I’m relieved that a police officer could see a blue envelope in Sam’s car and immediately understand that any unusual behavior or speech pattern is a result of autism. Thus, this bill could dramatically decrease the possibility of a tragic misunderstanding. Advocates for Autism of Massachusetts is extremely grateful for Senator Comerford’s leadership in introducing and championing this common-sense initiative, and to the Senate for moving so quickly to pass the bill.”

During the bill’s hearing before the Transportation Committee, the Massachusetts State Police Association and a representative of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association testified in favor of the bill.

“Massachusetts police officers conduct thousands of traffic stops each year. While most of these interactions are relatively ‘routine,’ officers do not know who they are interacting with before the traffic stop, so they proceed with caution,” said Tyrone Parham, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Chief of Police at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. “There are many potential communication conflicts with police officers during traffic stops and perspectives offered by those on the autism spectrum. The introduction of the blue envelope under stressful interactions will provide immediate information and context to the officer as they begin to communicate. Traffic stops are some of the most dangerous citizen interactions by police and this additional information gleaned by the Blue Envelope will be extremely helpful. I am extremely enthusiastic and grateful for the passing of this imperative legislation. Our Commonwealth drivers on the autism spectrum will be able to quickly and confidently present the blue envelope the next time they are pulled over during a routine traffic stop. This will be instrumental to help bridge the communication gap for both motorists and police officers.”

Similar legislation has been adopted in other states, including Connecticut, and has been shown to reduce stress, facilitate better communication, and improve safety.

Having been passed by the Senate, the legislation now moves to the Massachusetts House of Representatives for consideration.   

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