Massachusetts Signs Landmark Clean Energy Law | November 22, 2024
Advanced Energy United
United in our mission to accelerate the transition to 100% clean energy.
A Note From Our CEO
We are once again at a moment when states need to step up and lead in the energy transition, and this week, Massachusetts answered the call. Governor Healey just signed into law a landmark bill that makes comprehensive permitting and siting reforms for clean energy infrastructure, along with key advancements for grid-enhancing technologies and energy storage. We have been championing these solutions all year, from the town hall we convened back in the Spring about the importance of embracing big infrastructure achievements in Massachusetts, to participating in a state commission on building clean energy projects, to meeting with individual lawmakers. This is the value of sustained and deep engagement with state decisionmakers, and we're optimistic about the progress we can make in the years ahead with leadership like this.?
Heather O'Neill, President & CEO
Policy Update
Today, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey?signed?into law a landmark clean energy bill that promises to streamline permitting and siting for clean energy projects, invest in grid-enhancing technologies, and establish energy storage targets.?United’s Kat Burnham commended the passage of the law, underscoring the state’s commitment to clean energy leadership. Read more.>
United’s new?report?shows that fixing interconnection processes could result in over $100 billion in economic benefits, and over one million years' worth of work for Americans. United’s President and CEO Heather O’Neill emphasized the important role states play in expediting interconnection reforms nationwide. Read more.>?
This week, United endorsed S.373, the Reinvesting in Shoreline Economies and Ecosystems (RISEE) Act, which was introduced by Senators Whitehouse and Cassidy.?The Act requires consolidated permitting at both the state and local level for clean energy generation and storage projects, creates a path for utilities to deploy a suite of advanced transmission technologies, and requires utilities to conduct competitive solicitations for energy storage resources. United’s Harry Godfrey released a statement in support of the legislation, urging both chambers to move swifty towards passage. Read more.>?
On the Blog
The process of integrating new electricity sources to the power grid—known as “generator interconnection”—must be reformed to realize the full potential of widely available and affordable energy resources like wind, solar, and energy storage technologies. Today, United published a new report, which quantifies the advanced energy deployment gains states could see from implementing interconnection process improvements. The report’s key message? Improving interconnection processes can significantly boost energy deployment, delivering much needed electricity generation and economic benefits. Read more.>
Earlier this month, the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) took a major step forward to protect affordable heat options for ratepayers with its decision to cut back on rate increases and require DTE Gas to plan for a more financially sustainable future. On our blog, United’s Kate Shonk celebrates the MPSC’s work but notes that over 1.6 million Consumers Energy customers and customers of other gas utilities across the state are still entirely exposed to the concerning bill trends affecting gas utilities nationwide. United hopes that MPSC continues its strong work to protect ratepayers now and into the future. Read more.> ? ?
In the News
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As the battery storage industry continues to grow, United's?Kat Burnham?spoke to?ecoRI News?about the benefits of storage and the Rhode Island Energy Storage Systems Act, expressing hope that the Ocean State will continue to invest in energy storage solutions. Read more.>?
Tennessee Lookout: Analysts - Trump May Roll Back EV Tax Credits, Putting Tennessee Industry on Uncertain Ground
Tennessee is seeing manufacturing expansion since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022, but under the Trump-Vance administration, it's unclear how the electric vehicle (EV) sector will fare in the coming years. United's Harry Godfrey spoke to Tennessee Lookout about the value EV tax credits provide to manufacturing growth in the state. Read more.>?
Big Pivots discusses the potential impacts of the 2024 election on Colorado's decarbonization goals in an interview with several clean energy experts, including United's Leah Rubin Shen, who highlights Colorado’s robust policies and strategic use of federal funds, emphasizing that the state is well-positioned to continue advancing its decarbonization efforts as planned. Read more.>?
RTO Insider reports that the Massachusetts Legislature sent a bill with major changes to the state’s permitting procedures for clean energy infrastructure to the desk of Governor Maura Healey. United's Kat Burnham is quoted on the bill's passage and speaks to the provisions, which would eliminate inefficient processes that slow down projects. Read more.>?
Arizona Capitol Times reports that the clean energy industry may face new challenges as republicans will fill all five seats on the Arizona Corporation Commission in 2025. However, many clean energy advocates, including United's Michael Barrio, are looking forward to new opportunities to engage with the commission on the benefits of clean energy. Read more.>?
Industry Events
Mark your calendars for Reuters Energy Transition North America 2024 in Houston, TX! The event will bring together 400+ key decision makers from the energy sector, working together to modernize grid infrastructure, future proof assets for long-term profitability, and scale emissions reduction technology. Don’t miss Matthew Boms of Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance, who will moderate the “Resolving Load Growth Difficulties in the Renewable Project Queue” panel on the first day of the conference. Use code AEU250 for $250 off your ticket price: Register here.>?
Register now for Transmission Infrastructure West in San Francisco in early December. The conference will bring together policymakers, regulators, utilities, investors, and technology providers to discuss challenges and explore solutions for expanding and establishing a low-carbon, modern, and efficient electric transmission network in the West. Don’t miss United’s?Brian Turner, who will moderate a panel discussion with Jeremiah Baumaan, Senior Policy Advisor, U.S. Department of Energy, on the first day of the event. Register here.>?
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