July 17, 2024

ELM Statement on House Vote to Pass H.4876

July 17, 2024 — Today, the Massachusetts House took a major step to advance climate legislation this session by voting to pass H.4876, An Act accelerating a responsible, innovative and equitable clean energy transition.  

“We in Massachusetts have the opportunity to meet our emission goals and unlock our clean energy potential while ensuring that all communities share in the benefits of the net-zero transition,” said David Melly, Legislative Director for the Environmental League of Massachusetts. “The House has passed thoughtful, targeted legislation that balances our urgent need to build a future-proof electric grid with informed decision-making about equity, land use, and responsiveness to community input.”

ELM thanks Speaker Ronald Mariano, Chair Aaron Michlewitz, and Chair Jeffrey Roy for their dedication to advancing robust legislation and addressing our climate challenges. Like the Senate bill released last month, the House bill will streamline the creation of responsibly-sited clean energy and improve communities’ ability to meaningfully engage in permitting processes and secure lasting project benefits. 

A net-zero future for Massachusetts is within reach, and we can get there by taking meaningful climate action each legislative session. With less than two weeks until the end of the session, swift work is needed to produce a comprehensive, ambitious final bill. ELM looks forward to continuing to work with bill negotiators in the Legislature to produce consensus legislation that meets the scale and urgency of our statewide environmental challenges. 

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