Continuing with good news this week, a new climate and clean-energy bill was signed into law in Massachusetts. This news arrived only 5 days after the U.S. Senate approved the extension and new percentage of Tax Incentive Credit of 30% for home improvement projects related to clean energy, including rooftop solar panels.
We bring you the news courtesy of The Washington Post.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker (R) on Thursday signed a major climate and clean-energy bill that contains sweeping policies targeting renewables, transportation, and fossil fuels — a move that lawmakers and advocates say is critical to supporting the state’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
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Baker’s decision to sign the bill, which was approved by the state legislature on July 31, comes as Congress is poised to pass its most significant piece of climate legislation, the Inflation Reduction Act.
Described as a “landmark bill,” the Massachusetts climate legislation notably includes a provision — the first of its kind for the state — that would allow 10 municipalities to legally ban fossil fuel infrastructure in new and major construction projects. With this policy, certain cities and towns in Massachusetts could soon join others across the country that have taken similar steps to change local building codes to block the use of fossil fuels, such as natural gas — meaning many people who want gas stoves or furnaces are probably out of luck in these places.
The bill also has a slew of other climate-friendly policies, including funding for offshore wind energy and electricity grid improvements, a ban prohibiting car dealerships from selling new gas- or diesel-powered vehicles after 2035, incentives for electric vehicles, and appliances, and additional provisions focused on natural gas.
“Addressing climate change requires bold, urgent action,” Baker tweeted Thursday after signing the bill. “I am proud to have supported the Commonwealth’s leadership on these critical issues to preserve our climate and our communities for future generations.”
Everybody should include in their own plans to take action respecting climate change and these new policies are a way to incentivize the acceleration of this kind of decision. Today, homeowners can receive a free estimate to learn more about how a solar project could impact their lives to help them take the first step.
In an interview with the Boston Globe on Thursday, Baker said he decided to sign largely because of other aspects of the bill, including specifics about the offshore wind policies and its efforts to advance clean energy.
“Since taking office in 2015, we have worked hard to ensure [Massachusetts] is a national leader in combating climate change,” Baker tweeted. “Today, I signed a climate bill into law that will further support our administration’s wide-ranging efforts.”
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Diego and Jennifer, lead a team of solar experts with +7 years experience in over 22 different states in America. We would love to help you switch to solar the right way!
Get a professional and honest solar quote
Diego and Jennifer, lead a team of solar experts with +7 years experience in over 22 different states in America. We would love to help you switch to solar the right way!
