Bill > H4035

This bill authorizes the city of Somerville to establish and enforce a net zero emissions standard for new building construction and major renovation projects. Specifically, the bill allows Somerville to adopt zoning ordinances that require new buildings and significant renovations to be "fossil fuel-free", which means eliminating the use of natural gas, oil, and other carbon-emitting energy sources in favor of renewable or electric alternatives. The city can enforce these standards by withholding or conditioning building permits for projects that do not meet the net zero emissions requirements. This authorization is being granted pursuant to a 2022 clean energy law, and it overrides any existing local or state regulations that might conflict with Somerville's new zoning standards. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, giving the city immediate power to implement these environmental regulations for new construction projects.

Government Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4035