ELM Input Helps Shape Siting and Permitting Reforms Critical in Advancing Massachusetts’ Clean Energy Transition

June 3, 2025 – The Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) submitted detailed comments to Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper in response to the administration’s straw proposals for implementing key siting and permitting reforms outlined in the 2024 Climate Act. The straw implementation framework marks a major step toward improving equitable, efficient siting and permitting across our Commonwealth. 

ELM’s recommendations are designed to help Massachusetts advance clean energy infrastructure projects while centering community input, reducing consumer costs, and strengthening environmental justice protections. The state’s clean energy future depends not just on the projects we build, but where and how we build them.  

“Our climate goals will only be met if we modernize the way we site and permit projects,” said Erin Smith, Clean Grid Director at the Environmental League of Massachusetts. “This is a moment to put fairness, speed, and climate impact at the center of decisions about where clean energy infrastructure belongs. ELM’s guidance ensures Massachusetts leads on both equity and innovation.”  

ELM’s comments highlight key priorities: 

• Prioritizing project sites near existing grid infrastructure to lower ratepayer costs and avoid unnecessary land conversion; 

• Leveraging existing rights-of-way—like highways and rail corridors—for new clean energy projects; 

• Integrating a strong cumulative impact analysis framework to measure and reduce impacts on historically overburdened environmental justice communities; 

• Clarifying how social equity metrics will influence siting decisions; and 

• Using real-world case studies and community feedback to test and improve the proposed site suitability scoring systems. 

As the EEA implements reforms in the 2024 Climate Act, ELM will continue working to ensure that permitting processes are effective, inclusive, and aligned with both climate and economic priorities. 

ELM thanks Secretary Tepper and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their commitment to a clean, affordable, and just energy future. We look forward to continuing this critical work in partnership with agencies and stakeholders statewide.