Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
The Energy Facilities Siting Board has advanced draft regulations related to implementation of a clean energy and climate law passed last November, and the public comment period has begun.
The independent state board, supported administratively by the Department of Public Utilities, reviews proposals for power plants, electric transmission projects, intra-state gas pipelines, and natural gas storage tanks.
Last year’s climate law calls for the Energy Facilities Siting Board to play a key role in developing a new streamlined, consolidated application and review process for large and small clean energy infrastructure facilities. The law requires the state to promulgate regulations and guidance to implement the new siting and permitting policies by March 1, 2026.
The law requires the EFSB to begin accepting applications and reviewing proposals for large clean energy infrastructure facilities using this new framework starting on July 1, 2026.
The EFSB will be responsible for siting and permitting for clean energy generation projects over 25 megawatts (e.g., solar, wind), clean energy storage projects over 100 megawatt hours, and certain transmission and distribution projects. Projects under these size thresholds will be managed by the Department of Energy Resources’ new permitting process, which is being developed concurrently (See related story.)
Hearings scheduled
The EFSB and DPU has scheduled four hybrid public comment hearings on this regulatory effort:
• Oct. 27, 6-9 p.m., Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School Auditorium, 1121 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford
• Oct. 29, 6-9 p.m., Berkshire Innovation Center, 45 Woodlawn Ave., Pittsfield
• Nov. 3, 6-9 p.m., 1 South Station (3rd floor, large hearing room), Boston
• Nov. 5, 6-9 p.m., North Shore Community College (cafeteria), 300 Broad St., Lynn
Remote attendees can register here.
Comments
Initial written comments on the EFSB proposals are welcomed through Oct. 17. The final deadline for comments to the EFSB is Nov. 7.
Information about how to submit comments can be found on the EFSB’s rulemaking website.
More information about the clean energy siting and permitting reform process can be found on the Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting Reforms website, and questions can be directed to [email protected].