Bill > S1998

This bill advances renewable heating solutions for Massachusetts by establishing a comprehensive framework to reduce carbon intensity in heating fuels and promote renewable thermal energy. The legislation creates a Renewable Heating Solutions Development Fund to support investments in qualified renewable heating fuels like renewable natural gas, renewable hydrogen, and renewable propane. Natural gas utilities will be required to progressively reduce the carbon intensity of delivered gas, starting with a 2% reduction in 2027 and increasing to 20% by 2035. The bill provides tax credits for businesses and individuals who invest in renewable heating equipment such as heat pumps and geothermal infrastructure, offering a 30% refundable tax credit for qualified expenditures. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of gas quality standards for injecting renewable gases into pipeline systems and requires the Department of Energy Resources to conduct an inventory of potential renewable heating fuel sources. The legislation aims to support Massachusetts' climate goals by encouraging the transition to lower-carbon heating solutions, creating economic opportunities for renewable energy development, and providing financial incentives to support this transition. The bill includes provisions to ensure affordability, allow for potential compliance adjustments, and prioritize workforce and economic equity in implementing these renewable heating standards.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1998