MA House Passes Offshore Wind Bill With Rep. Vitolo's Amendment

Brookline MA

07 March, 2022

10:41 AM

Description

BROOKLINE, MA — The Massachusetts House of Representatives passed legislation Thursday to advance the offshore wind industry, modernize the electrical grid and energy storage infrastructure, and create thousands of new jobs. The final House bill also includes an amendment filed by Brookline Representative Tommy Vitolo that allows the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to create a dedicated fund and program to help municipalities, businesses, and non-profits procure Massachusetts offshore wind power. "This bill will help Massachusetts make good on our promises for renewable energy and create great opportunities for working people in this growing industry," said Vitolo in a statement. "I am proud of Brookline's municipal aggregation program and excited that the bill makes it possible for Brookline and dozens of other communities to get clean, renewable energy from just off our own coast." The offshore wind industry is expected to produce thousands of good-paying, union jobs with a focus on ensuring access and opportunity for everyone. A high school offshore wind credential training program was created through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to reimburse school districts for each student that obtains the credential. Future procurements will also include economic development, employment, and environmental and fisheries mitigation benefits. "An equitable and sustainable offshore wind industry will be a crucial part of our transition to clean energy," said the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts in a statement. "The vote in the MA House was a major step in the right direction. Thank you to the Speaker, Chair Michlewitz, Chair Roy, and Representatives Fernandes, Vitolo, and Miranda for their work on this bill." Over the next decade, the bill invests hundreds of millions of dollars on infrastructure, innovation, job training, supply chain capacity, and transmission upgrades. The legislation consists of tax incentives, grants, loans, and other investments. Utility companies must also proactively upgrade the transmission and distribution grid to improve reliability and resilience and accommodate the shift to renewable energy. The state has also invested in long-term energy storage to help with the transition. "ELM congratulates the House for taking critical steps to ensure that Massachusetts is a leader on offshore wind, including addressing transmission, storage, and workforce development," said Susannah Hatch, Clean Energy Coalition Director for the Environmental League of Massachusetts, in a statement. "Since this bill was announced, it has been heartening to see the House's commitment to ensuring the success and responsible development of this industry, which is the single biggest lever we have to reduce emissions while strengthening the economy." The legislation now moves to the Senate before reaching the Governor's desk.