New Clean Energy Siting & Permitting Process and Responsibilities by Project Size
The local siting and permitting process will be led by municipalities, which will issue a consolidated permit for small clean energy infrastructure projects. Examples of small clean energy projects are solar projects less than 25 MW, storage projects less than 100 MWh, or transmission or distribution infrastructure in existing right of way less than 10 miles, or a new right of way less than 1 mile.
The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Siting & Permitting Division will handle appeals of small clean energy infrastructure permitting.
For more information about the state siting and permitting process, please visit the Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting Reforms webpage.
Regulations
The 2024 Climate Bill gives a March 2026 deadline for the promulgation of regulations. Within the regulations, DOER is required to establish:
- Public health, safety, and environmental standards
- A common standard application
- Pre-filing requirements
- Standards for applying site suitability guidance
- Consolidated permit
- Guidance for procedures / timelines
- Responsible parties subject to enforcement
- Processes for municipal fees for compensatory environmental mitigation (not required)
- Common conditions and requirements
Next Steps
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | Targeted Stakeholder Engagement and Interagency Consultations |
| Fall 2025 | Publish Draft Regulations, Hold Public Hearings |
| Winter 2026 | Prepare Final Regulations |
| Spring 2026 | Promulgate Regulations |