Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a roadmap for Massachusetts climate policy.

Highlights:

• Defines ''Greenhouse gas emissions source'', as a source, or category of sources, of greenhouse gas emissions with emissions that are at a level of significance, as determined by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, such that its inclusion in the programs and initiatives established under this chapter will enable the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure compliance with the statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits and sub-limits (Sec. 2).

• Requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to, in consultation with the department and the department of energy resources, adopt the following statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits (Sec. 8.b): 

• An interim 2025 statewide greenhouse gas emissions limit; 

• An interim 2030 statewide greenhouse gas emissions limit;

• An interim 2035 statewide greenhouse gas emissions limit;

• An interim 2040 statewide greenhouse gas emissions limit;

• An interim 2045 statewide greenhouse gas emissions limit; and

• A 2050 statewide emissions limit that achieves at least net zero

• Requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to promulgate regulations regarding all sources or categories of sources that emit greenhouse gases to achieve the emissions limits and sub limits and implement the roadmap plans (Sec. 6).

• Establishes a clean energy equity workforce and market development program to provide workforce training, educational and professional development, job placement, startup opportunities and grants promoting participation in the commonwealth's energy efficiency, clean energy, and clean heating and cooling industries to the following (Sec. 13.a):

• Certified minority-owned and women-owned small business enterprises;

• Individuals residing within an environmental justice community; and

• Current and former workers from the fossil fuel industry.

• Appropriates $12,000,000 in funds collected to the Massachusetts clean energy center for the clean energy equity workforce and market development program (Sec. 19.d).

• Expands “non-carbon emitting” energies to include (Sec. 33.c):

• Solar photovoltaic;

• Solar thermal electric;

• Hydroelectric,

• Nuclear;

• Marine or hydrokinetic energy; 

• Geothermal energy; 

• Landfill methane; 

• Anaerobic digester gas; 

• Wind energy; and

• Any other generation qualifying for renewable portfolio standards

Full Bill Text