Vote Solar Commends Governor Baker for Signing Compromise Climate Bill

A statement from Northeast Regional Director, Elena Weissmann

Vote Solar commends the dedication of the Massachusetts legislature and Governor Baker, whose bipartisan collaboration led to the passage of House Bill 5060, a progressive and proactive climate bill that will guide the Commonwealth in meeting its commitments to achieving net zero emissions and strengthening its clean energy economy. We are excited to join the Commonwealth in getting to work implementing the bill’s provisions to expand access to affordable rooftop solar and high quality jobs in the renewable energy sector. The bill also preserves the health of our citizens and our neighborhoods by removing biomass from the renewable portfolio standard and strengthening the agency of our communities in engaging in infrastructure modernization projects that make possible a greener way of life. 

We want to extend our deep gratitude and recognition for the persistent efforts of our legislative champions — particularly the Chairs of the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy: Senator Mike Barrett and Representative Jeffrey Roy, as well as committee conferees: Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem, Senator Bruce Tarr, Representative Tackey Chan, and Representative Brad Jones — our advocacy partners, and the everyday Bay Staters who made this win possible. We thank Governor Baker for supporting these individuals and the people of our Commonwealth by signing this legislation into law.

We look forward to joining our State leadership in the work ahead to implement our climate goals in a way that benefits everyone by advancing equitable energy access and addressing environmental injustices for Massachusetts’ most overburdened communities.