Mass. Gov. Baker signs solar energy development legislation into law
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and a group of bipartisan legislators signed solar legislation into law yesterday.
The bill passed in Congress with strong support and will keep costs down for ratepayers.
The bill, titled “An Act Relative to Solar Energy,” will support Massachusetts in achieving its clean energy goals established by the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). The Baker-Polito Administration has faithfully kept the interest of ratepayers in mind with its energy reforms, adding that the new legislature will support a clean energy economy throughout the state, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and keep rates affordable for consumers.
“This legislation builds upon the continued success of the Commonwealth’s solar industry and ensures a viable, sustainable and affordable solar market at a lower cost to ratepayers,” Baker said. “As our administration continues its balanced approach to diversifying Massachusetts’ energy portfolio, solar development will be an integral component of our state’s clean energy future and we look forward to collaborating with the legislature on an omnibus energy bill that includes cost-effective, hydropower generation.”
The bill gives immediate relief to the solar industry through increased public and private net metering caps, as well as a more self-sustaining model for the transition to solar energy.
