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H 3497

Liquor liability

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by William Bailey and 24 co-sponsors

DOER, with DEP, will study MA's Renewable Portfolio Standard effectiveness and propose improvements to expand affordable renewables; a findings report due within 12 months.

Pursuant to Rule 4.8, Referred to Committee on Judiciary
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Bill Summary · H 3497

Summary of H.3497: An Act relative to a renewable portfolio standard review

Overview

H.3497, introduced February 27, 2025, seeks to evaluate Massachusetts’ Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program. The bill directs the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to study the program’s effectiveness to date and identify improvements to support the development of affordable renewable energy in the Commonwealth. A findings and recommendations report would be due to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy and the clerks of the House and Senate within 12 months of the bill’s effective date.

Purpose and Intent

  • Assess the current effectiveness of the RPS program in promoting renewable energy deployment and affordability.
  • Identify and propose improvements to strengthen the RPS and accelerate the development of affordable renewable energy in Massachusetts.
  • Enhance policy guidance for stakeholders, including utilities, developers, and consumers, through a formal, publicly distributed report.

Key Provisions

  • Lead agency: Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to conduct the review.
  • Interagency collaboration: DOER must consult with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) during the review.
  • Scope of review: Analyze the effectiveness of the existing RPS program to date and identify potential improvements to facilitate affordable renewable energy development.
  • Deliverable: A comprehensive report summarizing findings and recommendations.
  • recipients: Report to be submitted to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, and to the clerks of the Massachusetts House and Senate.
  • Timeline: Report due no later than 12 months from the bill’s effective date.

Who is Affected

  • State energy agencies (DOER and DEP) responsible for carrying out the review.
  • Utilities, renewable energy developers, and other market participants impacted by the RPS program.
  • Massachusetts consumers and ratepayers who are affected by energy affordability and RPS-related costs.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to: House Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy (and Senate concurrence noted).
  • Related/Replaced: Related bill HD 3635 is noted as replacing this measure.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for October 16, 2025, with extended time noted (original time 1:00 PM–1:55 PM, updated to a longer end time; in-person hearing in A-1 and virtual option).
  • Status: Hearing rescheduled and updated; bill remains a live proposal for the 2025-2026 session.

Potential Impact

  • By formalizing a structured, agency-led review, the bill could lead to recommendations that reshape RPS targets, compliance mechanisms, pricing, and program administration.
  • Depending on findings, Massachusetts could implement policy adjustments intended to lower costs for consumers while expanding renewable energy penetration.

Note: The bill text does not specify an exact effective date; the requirement applies to 12 months after enactment, with the report due within that period.

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

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