Massachusetts Bolsters Clean Energy Economy and Offshore Wind Industry As Gov. Baker Signs Critical Legislation

August 11, 2022 /3BL Media/ - Ceres applauds Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and the state legislature for further establishing the Commonwealth’s climate leadership by finalizing an Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind, an ambitious package of investments to further establish the state as a national hub for the offshore wind industry, advance clean transportation priorities, and accelerate efforts to decarbonize buildings across the Commonwealth.

Finalized by lawmakers on the last day of the legislative session, and signed by Gov. Baker today, the new legislation will be critical to meeting the goals established in a 2021 state law, the Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy, which included a legal requirement to achieve a net zero emissions economy by 2050.

“We applaud Gov. Baker and the Massachusetts General Court for once again proving that bold and pragmatic climate leadership can be accomplished on a bipartisan basis. This deal required compromise and collaboration between both legislative chambers and the governor’s office,” said Alli Gold Roberts, senior director of state policy, Ceres. “States have been critical leaders in establishing a U.S. policy environment built to fight the climate crisis and establish a robust clean energy economy that will create jobs, reduce energy costs, and support new innovative industries. The measures signed by the governor today will be essential for Massachusetts to achieve this vision and meet the aggressive climate targets the Commonwealth set last year. It will also ensure Massachusetts remains a national powerhouse in the flourishing offshore wind industry that is already generating legions of well-paying jobs and will secure reliable, affordable, clean power for businesses and households statewide. Today, Massachusetts again stands as a gleaming example that smart climate policy is also smart economics — which is why this package is just the latest clean energy initiative to garner strong support from the state’s business community.”

The bill’s key provisions include:

• New industrial policy to help grow the offshore wind industry and ancillary businesses.
• Increased incentives to help companies and residents purchase electric vehicles.
• Initiatives to more quickly electrify public transit and school buses.
• New efforts to clean buildings, including: legal changes that will allow certain communities to end the use of fossil fuels in new construction; a program to measure and track emissions from large buildings; and adjustments to the Mass Save program that will further prioritize clean heating systems and increase participation from low-income households and renters.

Ceres has rallied companies and investors in support of the Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy and an Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind. These efforts have included sending letters in support of the laws, including one signed by 31 businesses and institutions in June; hosting a series of webinars in summer and fall of 2021; providing oral testimony at multiple legislative hearings; meeting directly with key lawmakers; and working in coalition with partner organizations to advance clean energy, offshore wind, and zero emission vehicle policy.

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.

Media Contact: Helen Booth-Tobin