Bill
H 3548
For intermediate or large generation units, woody biomass would no longer be eligible as an alternative energy supply.
H 3548, introduced February 27, 2025 by Rep. Orlando Ramos, seeks to narrow the use of woody biomass as an eligible “alternative energy supply” in Massachusetts. The bill would restrict woody biomass for intermediate or large generation units, effectively removing it from eligibility under the state’s alternative energy category.
Primary restriction (Section 1): Amendments to Section 11F1/2 of Chapter 25A of the General Laws add:
“For intermediate or large generation units, no woody biomass fuel shall be considered an alternative energy supply.”
Impact: woody biomass would no longer qualify as an alternative energy source for larger energy facilities under the applicable statute.
Grandfathering (Section 2): The act would not apply to biomass facilities that were already qualified by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) as an alternative energy unit under Section 11F1/2 as of January 1, 2023.
Impact: facilities already grandfathered as of that date remain unaffected.
Effective date (Section 3): The act would take effect upon its passage (immediate implementation upon enactment).
The bill reflects a policy shift away from woody biomass as a broader eligible energy source for larger facilities. If enacted, it would reallocate or restrict eligibility within Massachusetts’ energy qualifying frameworks and could influence investment, project planning, and compliance strategies for biomass facilities and energy suppliers.
Note: This summary provides a factual overview based on the text available in the bill draft and legislative actions to date.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
Sign in to ask a question.
