MA Global Warming Solutions Act Policy Action

Massachusetts 2008 Climate Bill:  An Act Establishing the Global Warming Solutions Act

Senate Bill 2531

The following is a summary by Environment Northeast of Massachusetts Senate Bill No. 2531, An Act Establishing the Global Warming Solutions Act. The bill was approved by the Senate on March 6, 2008 and will be taken up by the House.The core provisions in the Act set enforceable state limits on greenhouse gas emissions for 2020 and 2050. It includes many of ENE’s priority policy recommendations and places Massachusetts in an enviable position both in terms of attracting investment in the clean energy sector and addressing global climate change.

Summary of Major Bill Provisions

• Enforceable caps on greenhouse gas emissions: sets state limits on greenhouse gasemissions of 20% below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, and requires the executive office of energy and environmental affairs (EOEEA) to set interim limits for 2030 and 2040. The bill sets civil penalties of up to $25,000 per day for emissions violations;

• A path to achieve emissions limits: requires EOEEA to adopt a plan and regulations to achieve the 2020 emissions limit, which must look at electricity generation, fuel supplies, heating and cooling of buildings, an vehicle emissions; requires EOEEA to assess possible compliance strategies, including direct reductions, alternative compliance measures,market-based system, and incentives; requiresEOEEA to report on the implementation of global warming regulations, including costeffectiveness,societal benefits, leakage, cost minimization.

• Emissions limits for new and expanded power plants: sets a CO2 emissions limit of 1,100 pounds per megawatt-hour for all new base-load power plants;

• Emissions limits for all portfolio standards: sets a CO2 emissions limit equal to theemissions of a new combined-cycle natural gas power plant (~840 lbs/MWh) for all energy portfolio standard technologies (would apply to the RPS and pending AEPS);

•Regional low carbon fuels standard: requires the governor and executive office of energy andenvironmental affairs to develop and enter into an agreement with neighboring states for a regional low carbon fuels standard;

• Clean energy economic development: requires the executive office of energy and environmental affairs to create programs to foster local renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors, including seed grant
partnerships and R&D investment programs. Similarly, the bill requires the office of labor and development to establish training programs for workers in renewable energy and energy efficiency sectors.

• Emissions registry and reporting: requires the department of environmental protection to monitor emissions by establishing an emissions registry and reporting system, including all emissions from electricity generation consumed in Massachusetts. The bill also requires emissions reporting from owners of facilities that emit more than 5,000 tons of greenhouse gases per year;

• Green building revolving loan fund: set up a green building revolving loan fund to provide low-interest financing for projects that exceed state energy efficiency codes;

• Adaptation advisory board and study: provides for an adaptation advisory board and requires an assessment of statewide impacts of climate change.