In a bid to meet ambitious climate goals, Massachusetts is accelerating renewable energy projects, raising concerns about the potential rapid loss of forests and farmlands in the Connecticut River Valley. Local legislators are addressing these concerns with new legislation aimed at balancing development with environmental protection.
Representative Natalie Blais, D-Deerfield, emphasized the importance of partnerships in achieving the commonwealth’s climate objectives. Her district, which covers a vast rural area, is particularly affected by the influx of solar projects. “We are all partners in the commonwealth’s efforts to meet our climate goals,” Blais stated.
The law, recently signed by Governor Maura Healey, aims to protect natural resources by avoiding the saturation of solar projects in small towns. It introduces a methodology to determine when a town has reached its capacity for such developments, addressing concerns about the undue burden on these communities.
Blais highlighted that the legislation establishes standards within the Office of Environmental Justice and Equity to assess site suitability. This is part of a broader effort to ensure that renewable energy projects do not compromise environmental and community standards.
Senator Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, noted that the legislation prioritizes solar installations on already developed sites over fertile agricultural lands. It also incentivizes solar canopies and emphasizes carbon storage in buildings through the Embodied Carbon Coordinating Council. “Constituents want us to do more to address carbon emissions before we site ground-mounted solar,” Comerford stated.
During a recent virtual forum titled “Accelerating Renewable Energy with Better Outcomes for People and Nature,” Comerford and Blais addressed over 250 participants. The event, organized by the Massachusetts chapter of The Nature Conservancy, focused on achieving efficient and equitable land-based development, with strong environmental standards and community involvement.
Steve Long, director of policy and partnerships at The Nature Conservancy, moderated the discussion, emphasizing the law’s focus on biodiversity, community resilience, and environmental justice. The pre-application process will require developers to understand the unique challenges faced by local communities.
Michael Judge, the Undersecretary of Energy, is responsible for implementing the new law. He explained that the changes in siting authority and approval timelines are essential for meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets. The plan includes doubling solar capacity by 2030 and expanding energy storage and offshore wind power.
The law seeks to streamline the local permitting process, which has been considered a significant barrier due to its complexity and length. “It’s not working well for developers, but it’s also not working well for communities,” Judge remarked, noting the need for a more efficient system.
Judge also highlighted the environmental challenges of the current process. “There’s definitely suboptimal outcomes we’ve seen from an environmental standpoint, as well,” he said.
The new law incorporates recommendations from the Commission on Energy Infrastructure and Siting, including consolidated state-level permitting and the Energy Facilities Siting Board for large generation and storage facilities. There is also a requirement for bundled municipal reviews and decisions within a year for smaller projects.
Comerford praised the law’s provisions for community engagement and the establishment of the Division of Public Participation. She stressed the importance of renewable energy infrastructure that addresses the urgent climate crisis while protecting communities from severe weather impacts, such as the 2023 floods.
Blais acknowledged the challenge faced by municipal staff in managing renewable energy projects. The law’s Division of Clean Energy Siting will offer technical assistance to help towns achieve their clean energy goals.
Judge warned that relying solely on built environments for solar installations is insufficient. “We cannot get there just by putting it in the built environment alone,” he noted, emphasizing the need for responsible land-use policies.
Judge also highlighted the importance of reducing energy demand and enhancing grid technology as part of the solution. “Demand reduction is central to what we’re doing,” he explained, noting the increased production needed for electric vehicles and heat pumps.
During the forum, a question was raised about the ability of communities to reject projects under the new law. Judge explained that current state law limits local regulation of solar projects, leading to tensions at the municipal level. The new legislation may offer communities more power to set environmental standards.
Massachusetts is recognized as a leader in renewable energy, with significant solar development on landfills and brownfields. Judge noted that the state accounts for over a third of all solar facilities on landfills nationwide.
The regulations associated with the new law are expected to be in place by 2026, and Judge emphasized the importance of public input in the coming months. “There’s definitely a lot more to come on this project,” he said.
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