Bill
HD 2563
Direct offshore wind onshore infrastructure must be sited in industrial coastal areas or near existing power plants, avoiding beaches, parks, conservation lands, small tourist comm
Overview
- Name and purpose: A proposed Massachusetts act directing the onshore siting of infrastructure tied to offshore wind projects, with an emphasis on locating such infrastructure away from beaches, parks, conservation lands, and tourism-dependent communities.
- Introduction status: Introduced November 29, 2025. The bill text indicates it was filed on January 16, 2025 as House Docket No. 3479. (There is a date discrepancy in the provided materials.)
- Sponsor: Rep. Kip A. Diggs (Barnstable 2nd).
Purpose and intent
- The bill aims to influence where offshore wind project onshore facilities are built, prioritizing industrial coastal areas and locations with existing power-generation infrastructure.
- It seeks to prevent offshore wind-related onshore development from locating on public beaches, parks, recreation areas, conservation lands, or small tourism-based communities.
- It also seeks to ensure safety by avoiding locations that could jeopardize groundwater protection (sole source aquifers and wellhead protection zones).
Key provisions and requirements
- Siting directive (Section 1):
- Developers of offshore wind projects must site onshore infrastructure in coastal areas that are industrial in nature or host existing power plants (active or decommissioned).
- Prohibited locations include public beaches, parks, recreation areas, conservation lands, and small tourism-focused communities.
- Infrastructure covered includes high voltage cables, splicing vaults under parking lots and roadways, concrete duct banks under roadways, and electric substations newly constructed or rebuilt to handle offshore wind power.
- Prohibits siting on top of sole source aquifers or adjacent to wellhead protection zones due to potential toxic dielectric cooling fluids and public health risks.
- Review of offshore transmission (Section 1(5)):
- Before accepting new offshore wind bids (including the ongoing Section 83C Round 4), the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) must review independent studies about coordinated offshore transmission solutions.
- EEA must report its findings publicly, including an assessment of potential cost savings to electric utility ratepayers from coordinated transmission solutions.
- Regulatory oversight (Section 1(6)):
- The Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) and related permitting agencies may not consider, hear, approve, or issue permits for projects that contravene the bill’s stated siting intentions.
- Effective date (Section 2):
- The act takes effect upon passage.
Who is impacted
- Offshore wind developers planning or operating projects in Massachusetts.
- Massachusetts EEA and EFSB, along with other permitting or related agencies.
- Utility ratepayers, who could see cost implications from any shift to coordinated offshore transmission.
- Coastal communities and landowners, particularly those in industrial coastal zones or near existing power plants.
- Public health and environmental stakeholders, given constraints related to sole source aquifers and wellhead protection zones.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Pre-bid review requirement: EEA must complete and publicly present its review before new offshore wind bids are accepted (including Round 4 procurement activities).
- Public disclosure: Results must be presented in a public session to the Legislature and to Massachusetts voters.
- Compliance enforceability: EFSB and related agencies would be directed not to issue permits for projects that do not align with the bill’s siting directives.
- The bill’s operative date: Upon passage.
Notes for readers
- The language uses “Notwithstanding any general or special law” to supersede conflicting laws in determining siting criteria.
- The bill emphasizes safety, ratepayer cost considerations, and public transparency in the siting process.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
