As we near the end of 2024, I’m pleased to share some good tidings and a bit of hope. While uncertainty hangs heavy on the horizon, Massachusetts offers a bright example of how states can shine when they choose to step up.
Governor Maura Healey recently signed a landmark clean energy package that will accelerate clean energy deployment in Massachusetts, and, in turn, will increase local jobs and lower energy costs. The act includes critical reforms to streamline siting and permitting processes, as well as provisions to expand grid-enhancing technologies, energy storage, and other advanced energy technologies.
Advanced Energy United has been elevating solutions like this all year. Back in the spring, for instance, we hosted a lively town hall at Greentown Labs in Somerville, Massachusetts, highlighting lessons learned from embracing major infrastructure improvements in the Commonwealth. As Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper explained during the panel, “We're not going to be able to meet our climate goals or build a clean energy economy without changing the way we do things and building a lot of things.”
Throughout this year, our team also participated as an appointed member of the Commission to Accelerate Siting and Permitting of Clean Energy Infrastructure to reform how clean energy project proposals are evaluated and approved in Massachusetts. What was previously a complex and cumbersome process with wide variations across all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts was reimagined and strategically reframed through stakeholder engagement.
The commission comprised municipalities, land conservation advocates, environmental justice organizations, electric utilities, labor representatives, and the clean energy industry. This diverse group of stakeholders engaged in robust deliberations to craft a balanced approach that accelerates clean energy deployment in Massachusetts, respects local communities, and reduces environmental impacts. Importantly—and not by accident—the commission’s recommendations closely mirrored United’s siting principles for states across the country and key legislation adopted in Michigan in late 2023. The final recommendations of the clean energy siting commission informed key provisions of the new clean energy bill.
In addition to permitting and siting reform, the Massachusetts bill also offers better ways to use cost-saving “advanced transmission technologies.” Similar to bills United championed recently in Virginia and California, the Massachusetts provisions require utilities to consider—and use when beneficial—tools like grid enhancing technologies and advanced conductors to get more out of the existing power grid.
Throughout the legislative debates, the United team worked with individual lawmakers, industry members, and our allies to advocate for successful passage of the omnibus bill. Led by energy co-chairs Michael Barrett and Jeff Roy, the legislature worked to pass slightly different versions of the bill in the House and Senate. While it took a bit of extra time to forge the two versions into a single bill, Governor Healey and legislative leaders extended the legislative calendar to get it done this fall.
The shared commitment to expanding access to emission-free energy and making Massachusetts resilient to climate change ultimately saved the bill. The result ensures Massachusetts will be positioned to meet its clean energy targets and improve energy system reliability while reducing costs to consumers.
As we approach a new year and legislative sessions commence at state houses across the country, it’s worth remembering there’s more that unites us than divides us. We all want affordable, safe, and reliable energy for our homes. We want energy systems that stand the test of time and encourage innovation and cost savings through fair competition.
At Advanced Energy United, we will continue to champion a level playing field for clean energy technologies – because we know that when we invest in clean energy, we are growing good local jobs, enabling energy independence, improving system reliability, reducing climate impacts, and meeting the needs of consumers.
The success in Massachusetts over the past year offers a proven playbook: collaboration among stakeholders, transparent processes, earnest compromise, and clear shared goals. Whatever comes in 2025, we know what to do. And we look forward to getting to work.