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HD 2367

An Act promoting a just transition and clean energy workforce standards

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by James Arena-DeRosa and 13 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill mandates prevailing wages and apprenticeships in state-supported clean energy projects to protect fossil fuel workers transitioning to renewable sectors.

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Bill Summary · HD 2367

Legislative bill overview

HD 2367 establishes workforce standards and labor protections for Massachusetts' transition to clean energy. The bill creates requirements for prevailing wages, apprenticeship programs, and community benefit agreements in clean energy projects receiving state support or incentives. It aims to ensure that workers displaced by the phase-out of fossil fuel industries gain access to quality jobs in the emerging renewable energy sector.

Why is this important

Massachusetts has committed to net-zero emissions by 2050, which will eliminate many traditional energy sector jobs while creating new ones in renewable energy. Without deliberate workforce policies, workers in coal, natural gas, and related industries risk unemployment or underemployment during this transition. This bill directly addresses whether the clean energy economy will provide comparable wages and benefits to affected workers.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and competitiveness: Prevailing wage requirements may increase project costs, potentially making Massachusetts clean energy projects more expensive than those in neighboring states, raising questions about economic impact
  • Scope and coverage: Disputes may arise over which projects trigger the bill's requirements—whether small rooftop solar installations or only utility-scale projects must comply
  • Implementation feasibility: Defining and enforcing apprenticeship standards across diverse clean energy trades (solar, wind, efficiency, grid modernization) presents administrative challenges
  • Retroactivity concerns: Whether the standards apply to existing projects receiving benefits or only new ones could significantly affect projected outcomes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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