Bill > S2089

This bill aims to promote the construction and operation of solar power generating canopies over large parking lots in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1) Establishing a program within the Office of Energy Resources to encourage the development of these solar canopies, which can contribute to the state's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals and increase renewable energy generation, while also providing shade and weather protection for vehicles and people. 2) Providing various incentives and financial/regulatory support to facilitate the construction and operation of the solar canopies, such as construction requirements, incentive payments, tax reductions, expedited interconnection, and zoning/regulatory preferences. 3) Defining qualifying parking lots and setting minimum electric generation capacity requirements for the program. 4) Requiring the creation of an advisory working group to provide recommendations on the program's design and operation, and holding public hearings to gather input. 5) Directing the Department of Energy Resources to promulgate regulations and propose any necessary statutory changes to implement the program effectively. The bill sets deadlines for the advisory group to provide recommendations and the Department to implement the program within one and two years, respectively, after the bill's effective date.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S2089