Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts Senate Bill S2719

Introduced
4/8/24  
Refer
4/8/24  

Caption

Order relative to authorizing the joint committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy to make an investigation and study of certain current Senate documents relative to matters of telecommunications, utilities and energy.

Impact

The passage of S2719 could significantly impact state laws governing telecommunications and energy utilities, as it seeks to address current challenges and inefficiencies. By enabling a detailed examination of existing documents and proposed legislative measures, the bill supports a more informed approach to policy development and innovation within these sectors. The outcomes of this investigation may lead to amendments to state laws aimed at modernizing utility regulations and enhancing consumer protections.

Summary

Senate Bill S2719 authorizes the joint committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy to conduct an investigation and study on various current Senate documents related to telecommunications, utilities, and energy matters. This bill aims to gather insights and assess the existing landscape of these critical sectors in Massachusetts, evaluating several related documents in the context of improving state regulations and services. The comprehensive study proposed within S2719 is expected to inform future legislative actions and facilitate necessary reforms in these areas.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment regarding S2719 is rooted in the recognition of the importance of telecommunications and energy in daily life. There is a collaborative atmosphere among legislators who acknowledge the need for thorough exploration of these topics to promote equitable access to services and better regulatory frameworks. However, some skepticism exists regarding the potential effectiveness of studies and investigations, with concerns about possible delays in urgent reforms to pressing issues.

Contention

While S2719 is mainly focused on investigation and study, it may face contention from various stakeholder groups. Some utility companies may express concerns over increased scrutiny and regulatory oversight, while advocacy groups could argue for the necessity of rapid action rather than extended studies. Striking a balance between thorough investigation and timely action will be pivotal as the joint committee moves forward with its findings.

Companion Bills

MA S2119

Replaces To promote solar energy development consistent with the commonwealth’s 2050 next generation roadmap

MA S2175

Replaces To empower residential housing property upgrades, homeowner savings, and a robust workforce

MA S2108

Replaces To reduce congestion and encourage shared rides

MA S2127

Replaces Relative to healthy and sustainable schools

MA S2164

Replaces Allowing municipalities to reasonably regulate solar siting

MA S2111

Replaces To enhance municipal choice and provide affordable electricity options

MA S2161

Replaces Providing solar energy to state agencies

MA S2179

Replaces To reduce gas leaks

MA S2117

Replaces Advancing clean energy, equity, and innovation within municipal utilities

MA S2180

Replaces To ensure adequate and affordable energy

MA S2141

Replaces To promote energy and economic resilience through clean energy education and job pathway programs

MA S2116

Replaces To reduce greenhouse gas emissions by permitting local option all-electric buildings and homes ordinances

MA S2089

Replaces Promoting solar energy canopies on large parking lots

MA S2151

Replaces Providing for natural gas workforce safety

MA S2163

Replaces Prohibiting public and ratepayer funding of clearcutting forests and woodlands

MA S2109

Replaces Establishing the Gateway cities Renewable, Efficient, and Electrified Neighborhoods initiative

MA S2101

Replaces Authorizing municipalities to impose a methane emissions surcharge and authorize non-pipeline alternatives

MA S2122

Replaces Relative to the protection of propane gas ratepayers

MA S2167

Replaces For a clean energy Commonwealth by 2035

MA S2181

Replaces Relative to electricity reliability and capacity

MA S2149

Replaces Relative to fair and stable utility pricing

MA S2129

Replaces Relative to anaerobic digestion and agricultural energy

MA S2165

Replaces Relative to pipeline siting

MA S2146

Replaces Reforming the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company board of directors

MA S2087

Replaces Relative to reasonable energy consumption

MA S2086

Replaces Relative to essential energy needs

MA S2094

Replaces To promote low-income access to solar

MA S2159

Replaces Relative to solar-powered mobility networks

MA S2118

Replaces Relative to ensuring gas safety and consumer fairness

MA S2131

Replaces Relative to municipal light plant emergency mutual aid

MA S2173

Replaces Relative to net metering

MA S2095

Replaces Supporting municipal light plants

MA S2130

Replaces Relative to monthly minimum reliability contributions

MA S2125

Replaces Reducing administrative burden for government and industry

MA S2153

Replaces Relative to transparency in private utility construction contracts

MA S2160

Replaces Relative to the impact of natural gas transfer facilities on public health

MA S2121

Replaces Investing in a prosperous clean commonwealth by 2030

MA S2114

Replaces Relative to the proper disposal of miniatures

MA S2183

Replaces Relative to fair radius restrictions of transfer stations

MA S2155

Replaces Analyzing the benefits of burying utility wires

MA S2158

Replaces Relative to air monitoring stations

MA S2176

Replaces Sparking the construction of 21st century buildings

MA S2185

Replaces Relative to the maximum storage charges on motor vehicles involuntarily towed

MA S2091

Replaces Reforming energy system planning for equity and climate transformation

MA S2156

Replaces Relative to recycling nips

MA S2182

Replaces Relative to offshore wind procurement

MA S2124

Replaces To ensure safety and transparency in pipeline repair

MA S2162

Replaces Relative to anaerobic digestion

MA S2169

Replaces To expand offshore wind development in the Commonwealth

MA S2092

Replaces Relative to making methane accounting truthful helps

MA S2171

Replaces Relative to establishing a residential PACE program to provide long-term financing for home energy system improvements

MA S2126

Replaces Relative to solar energy grants at posts of veterans' organizations

MA S2084

Replaces Promoting dairy farms

MA S2115

Replaces Relative to the electrification of new and substantially remodeled or rehabilitated building

MA S2099

Replaces Promoting access to zero-emission school buses

MA S2133

Replaces To establish standards for the pole attachment process to facilitate the construction of broadband networks

MA S2138

Replaces Protecting ratepayers from gas pipeline expansion costs

MA S2093

Replaces Expanding access to the fossil fuel free demonstration project

MA S2083

Replaces Exempting prepaid wireless customers from E911 fees

MA S2184

Replaces Relative to requiring notification of hazardous utility work to local and regional emergency departments

MA S2123

Replaces Relative to natural gas shut-off valves, gate boxes and public safety

MA S2394

Replaces Updating the citizens advisory panel and strengthening citizen participation on the panel for the decommissioning of the Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant

MA S2488

Replaces Updating and decreasing carbon emissions

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.