ESG & Industry Updates

Understanding Advanced Clean Truck Regulations

The Advanced Clean Truck (ACT) regulations represent a significant shift in environmental policy aimed at reducing emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles. Initially adopted by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), these regulations have now been embraced by several states, including Massachusetts. The core objective of the ACT rules is to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) on the road, thereby curbing harmful emissions that contribute to air pollution and climate change.

Topics: Massachusetts, environmental justice, CARB, ACT

The US House of Representatives passed legislation this week voting to overturn California’s Advanced Clean Truck Rule and Advanced Clean Cars II Rule. However, (much like a lot of the breaking news we’ve seen the past few months), the decision may not be allowed to be upheld legally. 

Topics: Massachusetts, Emissions, ACT

MassDEP adopted the CARB (California Air Resources Board) Heavy Duty Omnibus and Advanced Clean Truck Regulations (aka 310 CMR 7.40) December 2021, along with several other States. The bill took effect January 1, 2025.

Topics: EPA, Massachusetts, Carbon Emissions, net-zero, decarbonization, CARB, ZEV

The next chapter of Massachusetts Climate Change regulation kicks on January 1^st with emissions and storage reporting requirements for the DEP due throughout 2025 ahead of the full enactment of the Clean Heat Standard kicking on in January 2026.

Topics: Massachusetts, Carbon Emissions, decarbonization, clean heat standard

Massachusetts passed a long awaited and much debated climate change bill this week and sent it to Governor Healey’s desk Thursday afternoon.

Topics: Massachusetts, Climate Change, renewable energy, environmental justice

Uncovering the Hidden Culprit of Urban Methane Emissions

When we think of methane emissions, our minds often leap to images of sprawling agricultural lands or the vast, mechanical expanse of fracking sites. Yet, nestled within the heart of our cities, an invisible culprit lurks—aging natural gas pipelines. A recent study by Harvard University sheds light on this urban nemesis, revealing that Boston alone loses a staggering 15 billion cubic feet of natural gas annually due to leaks. This isn't just a financial headache to the tune of $90 million each year; it's an environmental crisis, with urban leaks emerging as a significant source of methane emissions.

Topics: natural gas, Massachusetts, methane, environmental justice

“Competitive Electric Suppliers” will be banned in Massachusetts if the House passes the Climate Bill that the State Senate passed June 25^{th 2024}....But what does that even mean?

Topics: Massachusetts, Climate Change, electricity rates

In another move forward against Climate Change, Massachusetts will be home to the United States' first utility-scale offshore wind project. Vineyard Wind, about 35 miles off the Mass coast, will produce up to 800 megawatts of electricity, powering 400,000 homes and businesses across the Commonwealth, dropping carbon emissions by up to 1.6 million tons per year. 

Topics: Oil & Energy Magazine, Massachusetts, offshore wind, decarbonization

This June, Eversource broke ground on a new pilot program for Geothermal energy in Framingham, Massachusetts. This is the first utility scale networked geothermal network in the country, so it’s pretty exciting stuff.

Topics: Massachusetts, geothermal, pilot program, eversource

In August of this year, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed into law House Bill 5060 “An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind” into law

Topics: Mass DOER, Massachusetts, Climate Change, Carbon Emissions, boston