Green Communities
Including the current, 2008-2009, Regulatory Process for RPS Class I, Class II, APS, Import Issues
Green Communities Program
The landmark Green Communities Act of July 2008 created this new Program within DOER to serve as the hub for all cities and towns on all matters related to energy. Peruse this section for programs, tools and resources for communities.
DOER Holds Online Seminars on Federal Stimulus
On April 9, 2009, DOER, in conjunction with the Clean Energy Center, held a webinar (slides
) on the Federal stimulus to provide Massachusetts businesses, communities, and individuals a broad overview of energy opportunities. An additional targeted webinar was held on April 22 for communities with population greater than 35,000 (slides ). The webinar (slides ) for communities with population less than 35,000 was held May 15. EPA Climate Showcase Communities Grant Program (closed)
This funding will help local governments establish and implement climate change initiatives. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requests proposals which create replicable models of sustainable community action, generate cost-effective and persistent greenhouse gas reductions and improve the environmental, economic, public health, or social conditions in a community.
Recovery Act Community Renewable Energy Deployment (CRED) (Closed)
This funding is for projects that address the technical, economic, and policy barriers to implementing a combination of renewable energy technologies into one integrated solution for a community to reduce its carbon footprint.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
CREBS are a financing tool available to public power providers, electrical cooperatives, and governmental entities for financing electricity producing renewable energy projects. (closed)
Local Energy Assurance Planning (LEAP Initiative)
This initiative focuses on developing new, or refining existing, plans to integrate new energy portfolios (e.g., renewables, biofuels) and new applications (e.g., Smart Grid technology) into energy assurance and emergency preparedness plans.
Green Communities Programs & Technical Assistance
Green Communities offers numerous programs for cities and towns. These include the Green Communities Grant Program, including technical assistance on becoming a Green Community, the Energy Audit Program, and Energy Management Services Technical Assistance.
Green Communities Government and Industry Program Partners
The Green Communities Program partners with other programs that recognize and service the sustainability and energy efficiency efforts of cities and towns. Many of the services and tools they have to offer can assist you in meeting the qualification criteria to become a Green Community.
Green Communities Act Background
On July 2, 2008, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed into law the Green Communities Act (the "Act"). This Act launches the Commonwealth into a new era of clean energy development. It remakes the electricity market to reduce energy consumption through a dramatic increase in energy efficiency technology and renewable energy development.
Emergency Regulations and Rulemaking for RPS Class I, RPS Class II, and APS
Final Regulations were submitted to the MA Secretary of State and the Legislature on May 29, 2009. These Regulations will go into effect as of June 12, 2009, when they will supersede the Emergency Regulations that have been in effect since March 31, 2009. Additional information and documents are available on the Emergency Regulations and Rulemaking page, as well in the paragraphs below on this page.
Public Comments on the RPS and APS Regulations
As submitted to DOER by February 9, 2009.
RPS Import Feasibility Study
DOER was required to complete a study and provide recommendations to the legislature by November 1, 2008 assessing the feasibility of instituting a capacity requirement on electricity imported into the ISO-New England (ISO-NE) control area from renewable generators located in control areas outside of and adjacent to ISO-NE.
RPS Import Feasibility Study Comments
Initial stakeholder comments and replies as submitted to DOER by October 7, 2008.
RPS Class I and Class II Regulations
The Act directed that the new RPS standards for Class I and Class II be in place by January 1, 2009. During the last five months of 2008, DOER reviewed what amendments would be necessary to modify the current RPS regulation, and conducted an informal fact-gathering process that l allowed stakeholders to provide comment on the RPS issues raised by the Act. Once those comments were considered, DOER submitted regulations on an emergency basis in order to meet the January I, 2009 statutory deadline and thereafter commenced a formal regulatory promulgation process required under M.G.L., c. 30A.
RPS Class I Comments
Initial stakeholder comments as submitted to DOER by October 31, 2008.
RPS Class II Comments
Initial stakeholder comments as submitted to DOER by October 31, 2008.
Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard (APS) Regulations
The Act directed that the new APS be in place by January 1, 2009. During the last quarter of 2008, DOER reviewed the issues to be addressed in the APS, and conducted an informal fact-gathering process that allowed stakeholders to provide comment. Once those comments were considered, DOER submitted regulations on an emergency basis in order to meet the January I, 2009 statutory deadline and thereafter commenced a formal regulatory promulgation process required under M.G.L., c. 30A.
RPS APS Comments
Initial stakeholder comments as submitted to DOER by October 31, 2008.
Study: MA Has Significant Renewable Resources Available
A September 2008 study (summary
, full study ) commissioned by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Renewable Energy Trust (RET) finds significant renewable resources across the state, which could be developed within the next few years at costs below possible electricity prices to meet the bold clean energy targets established in the Green Communities Act.