(BOSTON) – On August 11, An Act driving clean energy and offshore wind was signed into law. The legislation aims to reshape the way the state connects to offshore wind power, kickstarting a transition to renewable energy sources and aiding the Commonwealth in its efforts to hit its target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
The goals set forth by the Next Generation Climate Roadmap committed the Bay State to reducing carbon emissions by at least 33 percent by 2025, at least 50 percent by 2030, at least 75 percent by 2040 and at least 85 percent by 2050. An Act driving clean energy and offshore wind takes critical steps that will aid the Commonwealth in meeting those interim targets, including measures that will clean our transportation and building sectors, incentivize clean power production, and create thousands of new jobs and economic benefits. A more comprehensive overview of the legislation’s components can be found here.
“The legislature needed to take a significant step forward in combating the climate crisis during the 192nd session, and this comprehensive bill delivers,” said State Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “I look forward to following the implementation of this legislation, and I would like to extend my appreciation for Speaker Mariano and Chairman Roy for their efforts to shape and pass an impactful bill that will benefit our environment and our residents for decades to come.”
The signing of the Commonwealth’s climate bill follows the United States Senate’s passage of the federal Inflation Reduction Act, which contains $369 billion related to energy and climate financing. The legislation is also expected to pass the United States House of Representatives, and when the bill is signed into law, it will mark the most significant investment in clean energy and climate in American history.
“Legislators in the Commonwealth and at the federal level are recognizing that we cannot afford to wait to act on our climate,” said Representative Joan Meschino (D-Hull). “If we hope to preserve a livable future for generations to come, the time to act is now. I recognize that this week’s legislative wins are significant, and I remain committed to advocating for further legislation that will continue to accelerate a clean energy transition.”
