Bill > S2266

This bill requires new and substantially remodeled commercial and residential buildings to use electricity instead of fossil fuels for space heating and cooling, cooking, clothes drying, and hot water (with thermal solar as an alternative for hot water). Specifically, for biolabs and hospitals, the bill mandates progressively reducing carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions, with a goal of net zero emissions by 2050. Biolabs must use heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that primarily rely on non-fossil fuel heating, with limited fossil fuel supplementation. Hospitals must meet specific CO2e emission reduction targets from 2025 to 2049, gradually decreasing from 15.4 to 2.4 kilograms of CO2e per square foot per year. The Department of Energy Resources will develop implementation regulations, and municipalities can establish additional reporting and emissions reduction requirements. The bill includes exemptions for certain appliances and allows for waivers in cases of implementation challenges. Additionally, the bill requires gas utilities to submit a plan for a just transition to a low-carbon economy, addressing workforce development, environmental justice, and employment opportunities in the clean energy sector. The requirements of the bill will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2266