Program Acceptance Letters
Conditional Program Acceptance Letters
On December 22, 2023, DOER issued conditional program acceptance letters to the following communities. On February 21, 2024, Arlington was issued a project acceptance letter. On July 12, 2024 Newton was issued a project acceptance letter.
Substitute Communities
DOER selected Northampton as the Substitute Community. On October 29, 2024, DOER issued a program acceptance letter to Northampton, and a letter notifying Somerville it was not selected.
On January 18, 2025, Northampton submitted its final fossil fuel-free construction ordinance to DOER, completing its application.
On February 28, 2025, DOER issued Northampton a letter acknowledging receipt and providing feedback on the ordinance.
Applications Submitted by Substitute Communities by November 10, 2023
DOER received applications from two potential substitute communities to participate in the Municipal Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program and determined the applications are complete, in accordance with 225 CMR 24.00.
Applications Submitted by September 1, 2023
DOER received applications from nine Prioritized Communities to participate in the Municipal Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program and has determined that the applications are complete, in accordance with 225 CMR 24.00. Final versions of each community’s fossil fuel free by-law or ordinance can be found on the communities’ websites.
DOER received one letter of withdrawal from a Prioritized Community.
Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program Regulation and Model Rule Development
Final Regulations Filed with the Secretary of State
On July 18, 2023, the DOER filed its final version of the 225 CMR 24.00 Municipal Fossil Fuel Free Building Construction and Renovation Demonstration Program with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office. the DOER expects the regulations to be published in the State Register on August 4, 2023.
The final UNOFFICIAL version of the regulations that were filed and the associated guidelines can be found below.
If you have any questions, please direct them to green.communities@mass.gov and include “CITY/TOWN NAME: FFF Program” in the subject line.
Applications may also be submitted to green.communities@mass.gov with “CITY/TOWN NAME: FFF Program” in the subject line.
Final Regulations Filed for Review by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
On June 14, 2023, the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy issued its report on the regulations, and took no formal position on the substance of the regulations. Thus, the final regulations are identical to those referred to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy in May. The Department will file the final regulations with the Secretary of State not earlier than 30 days after June 14.
Regulations Filed for Review by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy
On May 10, 2023, DOER sent a notice to stakeholders to inform them that DOER had filed amended draft regulations with the House and Senate for review by the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy for the Municipal Fossil Fuel Free Building Construction and Renovation Demonstration Program. The amended draft regulations, along with a response to comments and model rule, can be seen below.
Model Rule - Fossil Fuel Free Demonstration Program
Draft Regulations Published
DOER has published its draft regulation and a model rule for public comment.
A virtual public hearing was held on February 8, 2023 to receive verbal comments on the proposed regulation and model rule.
Written Comments
Written comments were accepted until 5 PM on February 10. Public comments are posted here.
Additional Resources
| Date published: | December 23, 2022 |
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