Bill > H3504

This bill establishes the Gateway Cities Renewable, Efficient, and Electrified Neighborhoods (GREEN) Initiative, a program designed to retrofit low and moderate income housing in Gateway Cities and smaller qualifying municipalities. The initiative aims to transform existing housing by making it highly energy efficient, implementing clean heating and cooking technologies, and potentially integrating on-site renewable electricity generation. The department of energy resources will administer the program, potentially contracting with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and will create a dedicated account funded by up to $30 million annually from electric and gas distribution companies. Municipal governments, nonprofits, and other entities can apply to retrofit housing units, with a priority on buildings with 6 or fewer units. The bill defines specific technical terms like "passive house standards" and "clean heating technology," and requires detailed data collection and public reporting on the initiative's impacts, including energy savings, greenhouse gas reductions, and air quality improvements. The program also emphasizes inclusivity by setting goals for minority and women-owned business participation, providing translation services, and establishing a diverse task force to guide implementation, which includes representatives from various state agencies and community stakeholders.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3504