Legislation filed by Representative Mark Cusack (House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy) aims to take a step towards energy affordability in Massachusetts. The bill focusses on the state’s self-imposed 2030 carbon emissions reduction mandate and shifts it to more of an advisory goal. This added flexibility is designed to avoid major price spikes for ratepayers.

Deviating from previous energy legislation, the proposal calls for a competitiveness and affordability standard designed to prevent adverse effects on the state’s energy availability and pricing. Current data shows that 15 separate state-created green energy programs account for roughly 25% of ratepayers’ bills.

NFIB will continue to provide updates on this very important piece of legislation that is taking a more practical and balanced approach to state environmental policy and its impact on energy prices for residents and small businesses.