Bill > H3582

This bill introduces a comprehensive moratorium on new gas system expansion in Massachusetts, focusing on preventing the development and expansion of combustible fuel facilities. The bill defines "combustible fuel facilities" as infrastructure involving processing, storage, transmission, or distribution of fuels like oil, natural gas, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen. It prohibits the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) from approving construction or granting certificates for new combustible fuel facilities until 2026, with exceptions only for projects deemed necessary for public safety. Additionally, the bill removes the Department of Public Utilities' (DPU) ability to approve gas company expansions beyond their original chartered territories and explicitly prohibits gas service expansion into towns that do not currently have existing gas infrastructure. These provisions aim to restrict the growth of fossil fuel infrastructure, potentially as part of broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3582