Bill > H4385

This bill aims to promote energy diversity and improve infrastructure safety by enacting several key provisions. It mandates that gas companies survey project areas for gas leaks when significant public works projects, such as road repairs or utility line installations, are undertaken, and repair any identified leaks within the construction timeframe, or provide a repair schedule if immediate repair isn't feasible. The bill also requires gas companies to report the volume of statewide lost or unaccounted-for gas due to leaks to the state's Department of Energy Resources (DOER). Furthermore, it establishes programs to facilitate the development of offshore wind energy generation and other clean energy resources through long-term contracts and competitive solicitations by distribution companies, with the goal of procuring a significant amount of clean energy by specific deadlines. The bill also introduces "Property Assessed Clean Energy" (PACE) programs, allowing municipalities to offer financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements for both commercial and residential properties, with the costs assessed as a betterment on the property and repaid over time. Finally, it creates a tariff program for small hydropower and anaerobic digestion facilities, establishes criteria for investigating and repairing environmentally impactful gas leaks, and allows for the creation of a carbon reduction research center at a University of Massachusetts campus in a gateway city.