Bill > S2294

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in buildings across Massachusetts through several key mechanisms. It creates a new "Green Plus Communities" program that encourages municipalities to develop comprehensive plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20% within five years, requiring them to establish emissions baselines, adopt specialized energy codes, and track emissions across multiple sectors. The bill also introduces mandatory building emissions performance standards for large buildings, requiring them to meet increasingly stringent carbon intensity limits over time, with provisions for alternative compliance methods that include renewable energy adjustments and special considerations for low- and moderate-income buildings. Additionally, the legislation establishes a Building Energy and Emissions Retrofit Funding Program to provide grants and loans for deep energy retrofits, prioritizing projects in environmental justice communities, low-income housing, and municipal properties. The bill creates a dedicated trust fund to support these initiatives and establishes a Net Zero Energy Building Advisory Council to oversee implementation, comprising representatives from diverse stakeholders including community advocates, business owners, labor organizations, and technical experts. The goal is to systematically reduce building-related greenhouse gas emissions while supporting equitable and sustainable energy transitions across the Commonwealth.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2294