The Clean Energy Caucus Announces 2023 Priority Bills

Caucus seeks to make progress on clean energy in buildings, transit, schools and school buses, as well as increasing solar use, and clean energy funding and equity

Boston, MA - State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough) and State Representative Steve Owens (D-Watertown) are excited to announce as co–chairs that the Clean Energy Caucus has finalized its seven 2023 priority bills. The clean energy caucus is a coalition of 28 legislators dedicated to achieving a clean energy future for everyone by advocating for legislation that will champion the clean energy transition. Primary goals include the advancement of green energy sources and technology, the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and the promotion of clean energy jobs and environmental justice communities. 

Caucus Members were invited to nominate clean energy legislation, sponsored by any legislator, for consideration. The nominated bills were then grouped into categories reflecting the major clean energy objectives this session and members were invited to vote for one bill in each category to comprise the final priority list. The selected legislation is as follows:

Buildings

H3203 - An act relative to the future of clean heat in the commonwealth

Green Transit

H.3392 - An Act relative to setting deadlines to electrify the commuter rail

Schools and School Buses

H.3136 - An Act to promote solar panel installations on school property

Solar

S.2150 / H.3225 - An Act to encourage solar development on buildings and disturbed land

Funding

S.675 / HD3005 - An Act creating a climate bank in Massachusetts

Clean Energy Equity 

S.2113 - An Act relative to energy facilities siting reform to address environmental justice, climate, and public health

S.2117 / H3150 - An Act advancing clean energy, equity, and innovation within municipal utilities

“I am proud to be leading the Clean Energy Caucus alongside Representative Owens and excited by the tremendous amount of enthusiasm and hard work our colleagues have shown towards addressing our clean energy and climate goals,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge “ I look forward to working together to advocate for these impactful legislative solutions and striving towards a more sustainable and equitable Commonwealth.”

“It’s a privilege to join Senator Eldridge in leading the Clean Energy Caucus to help educate the legislature on critical issues and advocate for policies that will help us meet our climate goals,” said State Representative Steve Owens (D-Watertown) “These priorities represent some of the most effective policies that will help our state transition from fossil fuels to clean and renewable energy.”

The caucus will write in support of priority legislation during each bill’s hearing and will organize educational events, such as the caucus’s monthly briefings and tours, to increase legislator understanding of clean energy issues and technologies relevant to the selected legislation. 

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