Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to adopt a conference report vote and pass a bill that authorizes and streamlines clean energy infrastructure construction to overhaul how Massachusetts approves new power projects.

Highlights:

• Defines a “consolidated permit” as a permit issued by the Board to a clean energy infrastructure facility that includes all municipal, regional, and state permits that the facility would need to obtain (Sec. 72).

• Authorizes the Energy Facilities Siting Board to issue consolidated permits for large clean energy infrastructure facilities (Sec. 94).

• Requires the Energy Facilities Siting Board to make a final decision on an application for a consolidated permit for a large clean energy infrastructure facility within 15 months after the application is complete (Sec. 94).

• Authorizes the Energy Facilities Siting Board to issue consolidated permits for small clean transmission and distribution infrastructure facilities (Sec. 94).

• Requires the Energy Facilities Siting Board to make a final decision on an application for a consolidated permit for a small clean transmission and distribution infrastructure facility within 12 months after the application is complete (Sec. 94).

Full Bill Text