Bill > H3585

This bill establishes a special 15-member commission to comprehensively study the potential risks associated with onshore electrical infrastructure supporting offshore wind energy generation projects in Massachusetts. The commission will investigate financial, environmental, public health, and safety risks, including potential hazards from electric transmission lines, substations, electromagnetic emissions, catastrophic failures, and environmental contamination. The commission will be composed of representatives from various state agencies, municipal associations, and appointees from the Governor, Senate, and House of Representatives, with members selected for their expertise in areas like wind energy development, municipal government, public safety, and environmental concerns. The commission is required to hold meetings, potentially in host communities, and will produce a preliminary report within six months of the act's effective date, followed by regular reports every six months. These reports will be submitted to the Governor, legislative clerks, and the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. Commission members will not be compensated but will be reimbursed for travel expenses, and the group will explore potential needs such as indemnification for cities and towns, risk assessments, emergency response plans, and inter-agency coordination in the event of a catastrophic incident related to offshore wind infrastructure.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3585