Background
On November 21, 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed into law An Act Promoting a Clean Energy Grid, Advancing Equity, and Protecting Ratepayers (2024 Climate Act).
In addition to other provisions, the 2024 Climate Act contains historic and comprehensive reforms of the state’s siting and permitting processes for clean energy infrastructure. The Commonwealth is required to promulgate regulations and guidance to implement these reforms by March 1, 2026.
The reforms to the siting and permitting processes are based on the recommendations of Governor Healey’s Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting. The existing permitting process was widely recognized as a key barrier to the development of clean energy and the Commonwealth’s ability to meet its future electricity demand and climate goals. The Commission included representatives from municipalities, environmental justice organizations, advocacy groups, electric utilities, agriculture, energy siting, the clean energy industry, labor, housing and real estate.
The law requires municipalities to offer an optional, expedited permitting process that features a consolidated application and a 12-month deadline for the municipal government to issue a final single decision. It also requires most infrastructure projects determine a site suitability score and propose minimization or mitigation where appropriate. Similarly, state permits will be issued together by the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) after a 15-month period. Appeals of municipal decisions will be directed to the EFSB, ending the years-long appeals process that has delayed vital infrastructure.
For more information about the state siting and permitting process, please visit the Energy Infrastructure Siting and Permitting Reforms webpage.
Regulations, Guidelines and Model Bylaws
The 2024 Climate Bill required DOER to promulgate by March 1, 2026 regulations around:
- Pre-filing requirements
- Public health, safety, and environmental standards
- A common standard application
- Standards for applying site suitability guidance
- A consolidated permit
- Guidance for procedures / timelines
- Rules around responsible parties subject to enforcement
- Processes for municipal fees for compensatory environmental mitigation
- Common conditions and requirements in case of constructive approval
These regulations were published on Feb. 27, 2026, and can be found below. The Department will also issue Guidelines to help clarify and implement the new rules.
REGULATIONS
On January 13, 2026, DOER filed its final regulations with the chairpersons of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. On February 12, 2026, the Department filed the regulations with Secretary of State’s office to be promulgated. They were published in the Massachusetts Register, and become official, on February 27, 2026.
Final Regulations
225 CMR 29.00 - Small Clean Energy Infrastructure Facility Siting and Permitting - Clean
225 CMR 29.00 - Small Clean Energy Infrastructure Facility Siting and Permitting - Redline
Draft Regulations
On September 15, 2025, DOER published its draft regulations for public comment.
225 CMR 29.00 - Small Clean Energy Infrastructure Facility Siting and Permitting (Draft)
View the public comments received on the draft regulation.
GUIDELINES
Final Guidelines
DOER on May 22, 2026 published the following final guidelines:
- Pre-filing guidelines
- Public health, safety, and environmental standards
- Common conditions and requirements in case of constructive approval
These guidelines take effect immediately.
Draft Guidelines
DOER on January 21, 2026 published updated draft guidelines.
- Pre-filing guidelines
- Public health, safety, and environmental standards
- Common conditions and requirements in case of constructive approval
- Minimization and mitigation measures
Written Comments
The deadline to submit comments on the guidelines expired on March 13, 2026.
VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARINGS & COMMENTS
There are currently no public hearings scheduled.
A copy of the presentation deck used in previous sessions can be found here:
DRAFT MODEL BYLAWS
DOER is developing Model Bylaws for Solar Photovoltaic Systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to serve as a resource to municipalities to govern the siting of Solar and BESS Facilities.
DOER held a webinar on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 to provide an overview of the draft model bylaws. Watch the webinar or view the webinar presentation slides.
DOER asked for public comments on the draft Model Bylaws. View the public comments received.
Forms
The Department is currently preparing a number of documents that municipalities, applicants, and other stakeholders can use during the consolidated permitting process.
These documents are currently drafts and will be updated in the coming weeks.
- Consolidated Local Permit Application
- Consolidated Local Permit Application Completeness Review Checklist
- Consolidated Local Permit Final Decision Form
- Pre-Filing Engagement Completion Checklist
- Pre-Filing Public Notice Document Template
- Site Suitability Score Revision Request Form
Comments on these forms may be emailed to DOER.Siting.Permitting@mass.gov or mailed to:
Division of Clean Energy Siting & Permitting, c/o Rick Collins, Director, 100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02114
Technical Assistance
The Department is in the process or preparing technical assistance materials to help local officials, applicants, abutters, and other stakeholders better understand the new permitting process. This section will be updated as materials are finalized and made public.
FAQ For Municipalities - First Steps to Take
FAQ for Municipalities -- Understanding the Role of the Local Government Representative
Timeline
| Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| Summer 2025 | Targeted Stakeholder Engagement and Interagency Consultations |
| Fall 2025 | Publish Draft Regulations, Hold Public Hearings (see above for dates) |
| Winter 2026 | Prepare Final Regulations |
| Spring 2026 | Technical assistance, training for stakeholders |
| Summer 2026 | Regulations take effect on July 1; municipalities may start offering the consolidated permit application |
| Fall 2026 | Municipalities must start offering the consolidated permitting pathway by October 1. |