Massachusetts Lawmakers Have Opportunity to Drive Clean Energy Equity
Clean Energy Should be Inclusive and Beneficial to All
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 21, 2025
Boston, MA— On January 16, 2025, Massachusetts lawmakers introduced the Clean Energy Equity Act (SD1632 / HD1885), which if passed, would bring the benefits of the clean energy transition to communities most harmed by pollution, climate change, and oppressive policies.
The bill calls for the Office of Environmental Justice and Equity to oversee the equitable allocation of clean energy benefits in Massachusetts, focusing on environmental justice and low-income communities. The bill would require collaboration with environmental justice stakeholders to define clean energy benefits, with a focus on tangible economic benefits like bill savings and jobs. The Office would be directed to set compliance goals and work with relevant agencies to issue reports outlining the benefits and ensuring alignment across programs. In addition, the Office would monitor and address barriers to participation in clean energy programs within environmental justice communities.
“With the Trump administration already halting Justice 40 on day 1, Massachusetts needs the Clean Energy Equity Act more than ever. The introduction of this bill is a crucial step towards ensuring that communities most impacted by the effects of the climate crisis are being prioritized,” said Elena Weissmann, Vote Solar’s Northeast Regional Director. “We are grateful to our sponsors, Representative Owens and Senator Miranda, for championing clean energy equity, and call on other lawmakers to join us in working to ensure an affordable and fair transition to clean energy across the Commonwealth.”
“The Clean Energy Equity Act aims to empower low-income and marginalized communities that have faced high energy bills and pollution from energy projects,” environmental justice advocate, Mary Wambui states. “This Act can transform neighborhoods and offers hope for a more equitable future.”
“A just transition means putting Black and Brown communities first, and with the Act’s emphasis on tangible economic benefits, we have no doubt it will be a significant force for change,” said Kerry Bowie, Executive Director of Browning the Green Space. “We are excited to share our support for this important bill, and we look forward to seeing how it transforms the way our energy system serves those who have been most harmed.”
“Centering equity, the people, and the communities’ most-impacted by environmental injustice means building a clean energy future that fosters new opportunities to close the racial wealth gap and improve quality of life for all,” said Senator Liz Miranda (D-Roxbury). “We must be intentional about creating opportunities where inequity has existed and require that most impacted communities are at the forefront of clean energy benefits.”
“It’s important to ensure as we transition away from fossil fuels that the benefits of clean energy – cleaner air, a better environment, and lower energy costs – are allocated fairly, especially to our environmental justice and low-income communities,” said Representative Steven Owens (D-Watertown). “Addressing inequities in our energy distribution is a crucial step to ensuring a sustainable future. This bill will give the Commonwealth the tools to make sure no one is left out of the energy transition.”
About Vote Solar
Vote Solar is an energy justice non-profit working towards a 100% clean energy future by bringing solar to the mainstream. Founded in 2002, Vote Solar advocates for clean energy in legislative and regulatory arenas at the state level, where most decisions about electricity are made. Despite powerful opposition, we use a winning combination of deep policy expertise, coalition building, and public engagement to get the job done.