Dear Town Meeting Members,
The Climate Action Committee would like to share with you highlights from the ground-breaking climate law (An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind) signed by Governor Baker on August 12. The new law aligns closely with the goals and strategies in Wellesley’s Climate Action Plan and may be important to future Town budgeting and policy decisions.
The law is aimed at providing the means for the Commonwealth to meet the critical greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals set by the Legislature in 2021. Among the law’s many provisions are measures to expand off-shore wind development and solar installations, encourage electrification in the transportation and building sectors, and modernize the electrical grid.
Below are some key elements of the law:
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Energy Efficiency - Reform of ratepayer-funded efficiency programs by reducing incentives for fossil fuel equipment starting in 2025, and increasing accountability of energy efficiency programs for low-income ratepayers and households
- Requirement for large buildings (20,000 sq. ft. and larger) across the Commonwealth to report annual energy usage
- Creation of a pilot program for whole home building retrofits in low and moderate income buildings, effective July 2023
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Municipal Fossil Fuel Restriction Pilot - Pilot program allowing up to 10 communities to restrict the use of fossil fuels in new construction and substantial renovations, excluding life science labs, health care facilities, and hospitals, provided each community meets an inclusionary housing policy standard
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Environmental Justice- Increased environmental impact analysis requirements for projects in proximity to environmental justice communities
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