House Unanimously Passes Global Warming Solutions Act

Reworked bill sets limits on emissions linked to climate change, establishes stringent penalties for emission cap violations

BOSTON – The House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation that will cap harmful greenhouse gas emissions and put in place a long-term plan to curb emissions in the Commonwealth.

Under the bill redrafted by House leaders and the Patrick administration, bold economy-wide emissions limits would be set – up to 25 percent of 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent those levels by 2050. The bill sets interim targets for 2030 and 2040 to facilitate hitting the 2050 level.

Tough new penalties will meet violators under the bill, with civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day for emission violations.

The redraft language, developed by House leaders with Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles, would charge the Secretary with mapping a plan to achieve the 2020 emissions limit by creating new regulations for electricity generation, fuel supplies, heating and cooling of buildings, and vehicle emissions. The Secretary would also be required to establish an emissions registry and reporting system to monitor emissions in the Commonwealth by 2014.

The bill also sets up a climate change adaptation advisory committee to examine how humans and plant and animal species will adapt to the reality of climate change.

“The evidence is clear that the burning of fossil fuels will have long-term effects on our environment. So it is our job, as citizens of this Commonwealth and of the globe, to preserve our natural resources for generations to come. With the adoption of this bill, the House has taken a bold step to protect our planet today and tomorrow,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover).

“In order to stop carbon emissions from taking a toll on our environment, it is going to take bold initiatives from the states and the full cooperation and support of leadership in Washington,” said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi. “With the adoption of this bill, Massachusetts will be setting an example for the nation to follow. I hope the House will approve this bill and make our state part of the global warming solution.”

“This bill will put Massachusetts in a national leadership role in confronting climate change by creating a stringent, yet market-based, emissions reduction mandate that will create clean energy jobs,” said Secretary Bowles. “Taken together with major new laws on oceans, energy reform and biofuels as well as pending bills on environmental bonding and the promotion of the clean energy sector, this legislation would cap a landmark legislative session. I commend Speaker DiMasi, Senate President Murray, Senator Pacheco, Chairman Smizik, and numerous environmental, business, and clean energy advocates for their work on this vitally important challenge.”

“This bill is a bold measure that will encourage the use of clean energy and address the problem of carbon pollution through market-based incentives,” said Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), Environmental Committee Chairman. “We must pass this legislation in order to preserve the quality of life in Massachusetts and protect our ecosystem and public health for generations to come.”

“Combating global warming is as much about protecting Massachusetts as it is about protecting the planet. We need to do our part to limit the negative impacts of climate change so we can protect our beaches, improve people’s health and have a cleaner environment. Working with the governor, Massachusetts is now recognized as a national leader in the development of clean and renewable energy technology and the new jobs that sector will bring. Now, with this bill, we will also be a leader in taking immediate action to reduce harmful carbon emissions,” stated Representative Robert DeLeo (D-Winthrop), Chairman of the House Committee on Ways & Means.

House Unanimously Approves Green Jobs Initiative

Bill will promote workforce training in clean energy sector, assist expansion of green companies in Commonwealth

BOSTON – In an effort to grow jobs in the Commonwealth’s burgeoning clean energy sector, The House of Representatives today unanimously approved legislation to encourage green start-up companies to expand in Massachusetts and provide individuals of all income levels with the job skills needed to excel in the state’s budding green economy.

“The clean energy industry stands to be a significant revenue and job generator for Massachusetts. The green jobs bill will ensure that people of all income levels can take advantage of the jobs created in this new and promising sector and encourage companies to expand their operations in the Bay State,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover).

“From the outset of this legislative session, the House made energy reform its top priority. Today we add to this session’s clean energy agenda with a bill that will not only bolster our efforts to change the way we consume, produce and deliver energy in the Commonwealth but also grow jobs and provide new opportunities for our workforce,” said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston).

“I commend the Speaker on his continued leadership in solidifying the Commonwealth as a national leader in the green movement. His Green Communities Law is groundbreaking and will develop great demand for renewable energy and energy efficiency in Massachusetts. This Green Jobs bill will create the workforce and develop the industry needed to service that demand. It’s going to put thousands of people to work throughout the entire state and create sustainable economic development in an industry that has great potential for the commonwealth,” said Representative Daniel Bosley (D-North Adams), Chairman of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies.

The bill establishes the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center to serve as the state’s lead agency to promote and develop the clean energy sector. The Center will promote workforce training in the clean energy sector and provide support to existing clean energy companies in the Commonwealth through the establishment and administration of job growth grants.

The bill establishes two types of job growth grants to be administered by the Center: Clean Energy Seed Grant and Green Jobs Initiative Grant. The Clean Energy Seed Grant will award funding to clean energy researchers and companies, non-profit and community-based organizations that seek to expand their organization and grow jobs. The Green Jobs Grant Initiative will award funding to higher education institutions and vocational technical schools to facilitate workforce development efforts.

The bill is revenue neutral. Under the bill, $43 million from the Massachusetts Alternative and Clean Energy Investment Trust Fund and $5 million from the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust Fund will be transferred to the Center to administer grants and facilitate economic growth. In FY09 budget, $3.95 million was allocated to fund a clean energy industry study, operations at the Center, and three different green job growth programs that will be administered by the Secretary of Environmental Affairs, including the Pathways out of Poverty workforce development grant to train low and moderate income individuals for jobs in the clean energy sector.

The Center will also develop a state-wide plan for installation and operation of renewable energy generating facilities on state-owned property to advance the use of alternative energy and provide new opportunities for workforce development and training initiatives in communities across the state.

The bill now proceeds to the Senate for its consideration.

House Unanimously Passes Environmental Bond Bill – Andover

Legislation will invest in park infrastructure, recreational facilities, DCR roads & bridges, land conservation and farmland

Boston – The House of Representatives unanimously approved a $1.6 billion environmental bond bill to preserve and improve the Commonwealth’s “green infrastructure” through targeted investments in open spaces, parks, beaches, and recreation facilities across Massachusetts.

“Investing in our environment today will have a positive impact on our Commonwealth for generations to come. The House has taken action to ensure communities across the state have the resources needed to maintain public parks, protect open spaces and keep their overall green infrastructure thriving,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover)

“With the passage of comprehensive energy and alternative fuels legislation this session, the House has made great strides to curb greenhouse gases and decrease waste in the Commonwealth. Our efforts to promote the use of green technology and alternative energy will have long-term benefits for our environment,” said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston).”With this bond bill, the House has taken another meaningful step to preserve Massachusetts’s natural resources by investing in state beaches, parks and open spaces.”

“This document, our first full bond in six years, sets the stage for our environmental work over the next half-decade. The bond is comprehensive, is generous in its bottom line, and puts us back on track after years of neglect,” said Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), Chairman of the Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “I’m particularly pleased to include authorization for subjects like climate change adaptation, land preservation, dam removal, and water supply protection.”

The bill provides over $600 million in borrowing authority for infrastructure and park assets, $250 million for design and construction of DCR-maintained bridges, and over $350 million for land conservation.

In addition to general authorizations, the bond bill includes funding for cities and towns to repair water infrastructure, acquire more open space, and maintain existing park properties.

Under the environmental bond bill adopted by the House, Andover will receive:

• $75,000 to increase the existing water supply capabilities of the Harold Parker Water Cistern;
• $500,000 for Arsenic Remediation at the Ledge Road Landfill

House Unanimously Passes Environmental Bond Bill – Boxford

Legislation will invest in park infrastructure, recreational facilities, DCR roads & bridges, land conservation and farmland

Boston – The House of Representatives unanimously approved a $1.6 billion environmental bond bill to preserve and improve the Commonwealth’s “green infrastructure” through targeted investments in open spaces, parks, beaches, and recreation facilities across Massachusetts.

“Investing in our environment today will have a positive impact on our Commonwealth for generations to come. The House has taken action to ensure communities across the state have the resources needed to maintain public parks, protect open spaces and keep their overall green infrastructure thriving,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover)

“With the passage of comprehensive energy and alternative fuels legislation this session, the House has made great strides to curb greenhouse gases and decrease waste in the Commonwealth. Our efforts to promote the use of green technology and alternative energy will have long-term benefits for our environment,” said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston).”With this bond bill, the House has taken another meaningful step to preserve Massachusetts’s natural resources by investing in state beaches, parks and open spaces.”

“This document, our first full bond in six years, sets the stage for our environmental work over the next half-decade. The bond is comprehensive, is generous in its bottom line, and puts us back on track after years of neglect,” said Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), Chairman of the Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “I’m particularly pleased to include authorization for subjects like climate change adaptation, land preservation, dam removal, and water supply protection.”

The bill provides over $600 million in borrowing authority for infrastructure and park assets, $250 million for design and construction of DCR-maintained bridges, and over $350 million for land conservation.

In addition to general authorizations, the bond bill includes funding for cities and towns to repair water infrastructure, acquire more open space, and maintain existing park properties.

Under the environmental bond bill adopted by the House, Boxford will receive:

• $120,000 for the development of comprehensive watershed hydrological studies and resulting watershed management plans for the Fish Brook, Pye Brook and Parker River

House Unanimously Passes Environmental Bond Bill – Georgetown

Legislation will invest in park infrastructure, recreational facilities, DCR roads & bridges, land conservation and farmland

Boston – The House of Representatives unanimously approved a $1.6 billion environmental bond bill to preserve and improve the Commonwealth’s “green infrastructure” through targeted investments in open spaces, parks, beaches, and recreation facilities across Massachusetts.

“Investing in our environment today will have a positive impact on our Commonwealth for generations to come. The House has taken action to ensure communities across the state have the resources needed to maintain public parks, protect open spaces and keep their overall green infrastructure thriving,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover)

“With the passage of comprehensive energy and alternative fuels legislation this session, the House has made great strides to curb greenhouse gases and decrease waste in the Commonwealth. Our efforts to promote the use of green technology and alternative energy will have long-term benefits for our environment,” said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston).”With this bond bill, the House has taken another meaningful step to preserve Massachusetts’s natural resources by investing in state beaches, parks and open spaces.”

“This document, our first full bond in six years, sets the stage for our environmental work over the next half-decade. The bond is comprehensive, is generous in its bottom line, and puts us back on track after years of neglect,” said Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), Chairman of the Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “I’m particularly pleased to include authorization for subjects like climate change adaptation, land preservation, dam removal, and water supply protection.”

The bill provides over $600 million in borrowing authority for infrastructure and park assets, $250 million for design and construction of DCR-maintained bridges, and over $350 million for land conservation.

In addition to general authorizations, the bond bill includes funding for cities and towns to repair water infrastructure, acquire more open space, and maintain existing park properties.

Under the environmental bond bill adopted by the House, Georgetown will receive:

• $125,000 for the implementation of a downtown sewer study

House Unanimously Passes Environmental Bond Bill – Haverhill

Legislation will invest in park infrastructure, recreational facilities, DCR roads & bridges, land conservation and farmland

Boston – The House of Representatives unanimously approved a $1.6 billion environmental bond bill to preserve and improve the Commonwealth’s “green infrastructure” through targeted investments in open spaces, parks, beaches, and recreation facilities across Massachusetts.

“Investing in our environment today will have a positive impact on our Commonwealth for generations to come. The House has taken action to ensure communities across the state have the resources needed to maintain public parks, protect open spaces and keep their overall green infrastructure thriving,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover)

“With the passage of comprehensive energy and alternative fuels legislation this session, the House has made great strides to curb greenhouse gases and decrease waste in the Commonwealth. Our efforts to promote the use of green technology and alternative energy will have long-term benefits for our environment,” said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston).”With this bond bill, the House has taken another meaningful step to preserve Massachusetts’s natural resources by investing in state beaches, parks and open spaces.”

“This document, our first full bond in six years, sets the stage for our environmental work over the next half-decade. The bond is comprehensive, is generous in its bottom line, and puts us back on track after years of neglect,” said Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), Chairman of the Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “I’m particularly pleased to include authorization for subjects like climate change adaptation, land preservation, dam removal, and water supply protection.”

The bill provides over $600 million in borrowing authority for infrastructure and park assets, $250 million for design and construction of DCR-maintained bridges, and over $350 million for land conservation.

In addition to general authorizations, the bond bill includes funding for cities and towns to repair water infrastructure, acquire more open space, and maintain existing park properties.

Under the environmental bond bill adopted by the House, Haverhill will receive:

• $300,000 for the purchase of rail corridor east of the Basiliere Bridge and the redevelopment of a boat park on the Merrimack River by the public boat ramps
• $500,000 for improvements to the Winnekenni Castle Park

House Unanimously Passes Environmental Bond Bill – Methuen

Legislation will invest in park infrastructure, recreational facilities, DCR roads & bridges, land conservation and farmland

Boston – The House of Representatives unanimously approved a $1.6 billion environmental bond bill to preserve and improve the Commonwealth’s “green infrastructure” through targeted investments in open spaces, parks, beaches, and recreation facilities across Massachusetts.

“Investing in our environment today will have a positive impact on our Commonwealth for generations to come. The House has taken action to ensure communities across the state have the resources needed to maintain public parks, protect open spaces and keep their overall green infrastructure thriving,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover)

“With the passage of comprehensive energy and alternative fuels legislation this session, the House has made great strides to curb greenhouse gases and decrease waste in the Commonwealth. Our efforts to promote the use of green technology and alternative energy will have long-term benefits for our environment,” said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston).”With this bond bill, the House has taken another meaningful step to preserve Massachusetts’s natural resources by investing in state beaches, parks and open spaces.”

“This document, our first full bond in six years, sets the stage for our environmental work over the next half-decade. The bond is comprehensive, is generous in its bottom line, and puts us back on track after years of neglect,” said Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), Chairman of the Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “I’m particularly pleased to include authorization for subjects like climate change adaptation, land preservation, dam removal, and water supply protection.”

The bill provides over $600 million in borrowing authority for infrastructure and park assets, $250 million for design and construction of DCR-maintained bridges, and over $350 million for land conservation.

In addition to general authorizations, the bond bill includes funding for cities and towns to repair water infrastructure, acquire more open space, and maintain existing park properties.

Under the environmental bond bill adopted by the House, Haverhill will receive:

• $300,000 for the rehabilitation, improvement and enhancement of city parks;
• $100,000 for drainage for a culvert on Old Ferry Road to mitigate years of flooding on Frye road;
• $400,000 for a infiltration elimination program;
• $200,000 for the design and construction of a walking path connecting the upper part of the city of Methuen to the Lower portion near Searle’s Estate;
• $500,000 for drainage improvements on Frye Road

House Unanimously Passes Environmental Bond Bill – North Andover

Legislation will invest in park infrastructure, recreational facilities, DCR roads & bridges, land conservation and farmland

Boston – The House of Representatives unanimously approved a $1.6 billion environmental bond bill to preserve and improve the Commonwealth’s “green infrastructure” through targeted investments in open spaces, parks, beaches, and recreation facilities across Massachusetts.

“Investing in our environment today will have a positive impact on our Commonwealth for generations to come. The House has taken action to ensure communities across the state have the resources needed to maintain public parks, protect open spaces and keep their overall green infrastructure thriving,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover)

“With the passage of comprehensive energy and alternative fuels legislation this session, the House has made great strides to curb greenhouse gases and decrease waste in the Commonwealth. Our efforts to promote the use of green technology and alternative energy will have long-term benefits for our environment,” said House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi (D-Boston).”With this bond bill, the House has taken another meaningful step to preserve Massachusetts’s natural resources by investing in state beaches, parks and open spaces.”

“This document, our first full bond in six years, sets the stage for our environmental work over the next half-decade. The bond is comprehensive, is generous in its bottom line, and puts us back on track after years of neglect,” said Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), Chairman of the Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “I’m particularly pleased to include authorization for subjects like climate change adaptation, land preservation, dam removal, and water supply protection.”

The bill provides over $600 million in borrowing authority for infrastructure and park assets, $250 million for design and construction of DCR-maintained bridges, and over $350 million for land conservation.

In addition to general authorizations, the bond bill includes funding for cities and towns to repair water infrastructure, acquire more open space, and maintain existing park properties.

Under the environmental bond bill adopted by the House, Haverhill will receive:

• $100,000 for improvements to McEvoy Park
• $190,000 for the design and development of a riverfront park and boat ramp along the Merrimack River on Riverview Street
• $100,000 for improvements to Thomson Field
• $150,000 for renovations to Hayes Stadium
• $9,000 for the installation of drainage on the pathway leading from the Franklin School to the Berkeley Road neighborhood

House Unanimously Passes Bold Biofuels Bill

Legislation introduces first-in-the-nation gas tax exemption for cellulosic biofuel, calls for biodiesel blending of home heating oil sold in Massachusetts

BOSTON – In an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the use of fossil fuels state-wide, the House of Representatives today unanimously passed legislation to encourage the development of advanced biofuels in the Commonwealth. The legislation, unveiled by House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi, Governor Deval Patrick and Senate President Therese Murray last November, aims to promote the use of advanced biofuels through a first-in-the-nation state gas tax exemption on cellulosic biofuel, based on the percentage of renewable fuel used, and mandated blending of advanced biofuels with traditional diesel and heating fuel.

“The evidence is clear that the burning of fossil fuels continues to take a dramatic toll on our environment, and pain at the pump will only worsen as the price of gasoline exceeds fours dollars a gallon. These environmental and consumer costs demand solutions. Today the House voted to make Massachusetts a part of the clean energy solution,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover).

“As the price of crude oil approaches $200 dollars a barrel and the environment continues to be a casualty of our fossil fuel consumption, it is imperative that we change the way we produce, consume, and deliver energy in the Commonwealth. Today the House has taken another meaningful step toward comprehensive energy reform that will preserve our environment, ultimately drive down consumer energy costs and bolster Massachusetts growing clean energy sector,” said Speaker DiMasi (D-Boston).

“It addresses climate change by encouraging the use of less carbon intensive fuels as substitutes for gasoline, home heating oil and diesel fuel. Emissions from the transportation sector make up more than 30 percent of our total greenhouse gas emissions, so this is an important step,” said Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline), House Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture and member of the Advanced Biofuels Task Force.

“This bill will allow for the Commonwealth to develop the framework to advance the biofuels sector while seizing the economic, energy and environmental benefits of this emerging technology,” said Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), House Chair of the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “Biofuels will reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions while offering significant opportunities for economic development and job creation.”

“Oil dependence exacts a huge toll on the Massachusetts economy. Consumers spend more on petroleum every year than natural gas and electricity combined, and 80 cents of every dollar spent on gasoline exits the local economy,” said Brooke Coleman, Executive Director of the New Fuels Alliance. “This bill puts Massachusetts on the map as a national leader in the effort to commercialize advanced biofuels, and is good news for those interested in seeing something other than oil at the pump.”

The bill calls for a reduction in the state’s gasoline sales tax, currently 21 cents per gallon, in proportion to the amount of biofuel in each gallon of gasoline. According to the Advanced Biofuels Task Force Report, issued in April, this incentive will encourage fuel purchasers to buy advanced biofuels once they are on the market and reduce the risk associated with investing in biofuels production.

In addition to the tax incentive, the bill sets a mandate, which escalates by a full percentage point every year, on the amount of biofuel content that must be present in all home heating oil and diesel used in Massachusetts – achieving 5 percent utilization by 2013. Advocates of advanced biofuels say that this type of mandate will help to develop the infrastructure needed to break the state’s dependence on fossil fuels and encourage the development of a biofuels industry.

Under the legislation, all qualifying fuels must achieve at least a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels.

The environment and economy will benefit from this legislation, advocates said. According to the Advanced Biofuels Task Force Report, Massachusetts could stand to gain 1,000 to 4,000 permanent “green collar” jobs by encouraging the development of a biofuels industry in Massachusetts. In addition, the industry could contribute up to $1 billion in revenue to the state’s economy.

The bill now heads to the Senate for deliberation.

HOUSE UNANIMOUSLY PASSES NATION-LEADING ENERGY REFORM PACKAGE

Bold reform will reduce dependence on foreign oil, increase use and production of clean energy

BOSTON – The House of Representatives has unanimously approved a comprehensive, best in the nation energy reform bill that will reduce the Commonwealth’s use of foreign oil, increase use and production of cleaner, more renewable energy and help save costs at a critical time for consumers.

The Green Communities Act, also unanimously approved by the Senate, is expected to become law Wednesday with the signing of Governor Deval Patrick.

“When we saw the energy crisis on the horizon last year, the Massachusetts House acted and now we will have a law that comprehensively and aggressively tackles this crisis at just the right time,” said Representative Barbara L’Italien (D-Andover). “I am pleased to have been a part of this historic energy reform in the Commonwealth.”

The bill’s lead author, House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi said, “Bold energy reform was my top priority this session and we have produced a nation-leading law that will reduce our reliance on foreign oil and encourage the production and use of more sustainable, renewable energy that can save us all money in the years to come. I am very pleased to have worked with such a broad coalition of stakeholders to make my original bill far stronger and I thank them, particularly the members of the House, Senate President Murray, Governor Patrick and his energy Secretary Ian Bowles, for their hard work.”

“With the cost of energy skyrocketing, this legislation comes at a critical time and puts Massachusetts at the forefront of clean energy policies and the development of alternative fuel sources,” said Senate President Therese Murray. “With this landmark legislation, the Commonwealth will tip the scales away from fossil fuels in favor of more efficient and affordable energy alternatives. Emerging technologies and conservation are major parts of this effort, and Massachusetts will lead the way.”

Ian Bowles, Governor Patrick’s Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs added, “I congratulate the Legislature for bringing this landmark piece of legislation to fruition. I commend particularly Speaker DiMasi for his early leadership, and Senate President Murray for working with him, Governor Patrick, and myself to move Massachusetts toward a clean energy future. This bill makes sweeping changes to the electricity marketplace. It will provide a huge boost to renewable power generation, give consumers major new tools to reduce their energy costs, cut our greenhouse gas emissions and launch a new wave of clean energy technologies. We look forward to implementing it.”

The bill originally unveiled by Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi in December 2006 was redrafted over several months with Senate President Murray, Governor Patrick, the energy industry, environmentalists and other key stakeholders.

The Green Communities Act will place a renewed focus on cost-saving energy efficiency and renewable energy throughout the Commonwealth. The bill retains many important provisions in the final legislation passed in the House in November and Senate in January after months of work by legislators, the administration and coalitions of environmental, business and energy industry leaders.

The bill places a focus on “Efficiency First Energy Procurement,” and requires distribution companies to consider all available energy resources when purchasing power. It also mandates that the state’s electric companies purchase the most cost-effective and stable resources, with the goal of procuring all cost-effective energy efficiency and conservation, prior to the acquisition of more expensive supply from traditional sources.

On a local level, the bill charges the new Division of Green Communities, under the newly-elevated Department of Energy Resources, to establish a green communities program to give cities and towns the opportunity to take advantage of loans and grants provided by the state to finance the cost of energy efficiency improvements and renewable and alternative energy projects.

“This effort represents the collaboration of a broad coalition of support for clean energy technologies and energy efficiency that will benefit ratepayers and allow us to continue to meet our energy demands,” said Representative Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “Initiatives such as the Green Communities Program will be key to advancing the clean energy goals of the Commonwealth.”

The bill also revamps the existing Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust Fund, housed within the Massachusetts Technology Park Collaborative. The Fund, still under the direction of the Collaborative, will now be directly overseen and administered by a Governing Board, chaired by the Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources. The new Board will be charged with ensuring that funds will be used to generate the maximum economic and environmental benefits from renewable energy to the ratepayers of the Commonwealth through initiatives which utilizes the advantages of renewable energy in a more competitive energy marketplace.

Also established in the bill is the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Auction Trust Fund, consisting of funds recovered through carbon dioxide allowance auctions. Massachusetts joined the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, a cooperative effort by Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states to reduce carbon dioxide emission, in January 2007. Funds from these auctions, deposited into the trust, will be used for projects like the green communities program and the promotion of energy efficiency, conservation and demand response.

The proposal also amends the current renewable energy portfolio standard and creates a second tier to assist our regions existing renewable resources while we continue to promote new renewable energy to come online. Class I eligible technologies will include new and incremental renewable generation while the second tier, Class II, is created to include existing renewable generation.

Other portions of the bill include provisions that:

• Direct the state to replace state-owned and operated vehicles with more fuel-efficient vehicles.

• Direct the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to establish a program whereby homeowners or tenants can purchase renewable energy products for the home with no up-front payment, and pay them off monthly on their utility bill.

• Establish a 5-year pilot program, requiring distribution companies to enter into cost-effective renewable energy contracts, over 10 to 15 years, to help eliminate a barrier in the financing of renewable energy generation in the Commonwealth.

• Codify the Office of the Ratepayer Advocate under the Attorney General to intervene in proceedings on behalf of Massachusetts ratepayers.

• Encourage net metering to promote on-site generation through financial incentives.

• Establish a commission to examine the environmental and economic impact of instituting a green building plan for the Commonwealth.