Both the House and Senate recently engrossed a bill mandating stricter laws with respect to energy efficiency. The bill is intended to help Massachusetts begin to decrease its dependency on fossil fuels while cutting down on dangerous emissions that cause global warming.

“This legislation marks an important step towards promoting the development of renewable energy, while reducing global warming pollution throughout the Commonwealth. This bill contains many important innovations that will increase our energy independence and keep our environment clean”, said Representative Alicea (D-Charlton).

Among other things, the legislation requires utilities and other electricity suppliers throughout the Commonwealth to acquire an increasing percentage of their energy from renewable sources such as wind turbines, solar panels and biomass generators. The bill allows state agencies, building authorities, and local governmental bodies to contract for energy conservation projects in order to encourage the establishment of these programs. The bill will also establish a Green Communities Program within the existing Division of Green Communities in order to provide financial assistance to qualifying communities. In addition, this legislation requires the state to draft a comprehensive plan to develop the infrastructure needed to support alternative fuel cars and plug-in hybrids.

The bill was engrossed in both the House and the Senate, and now awaits the Governors signature. Governor Deval Patrick is expected to sign the bill on Wednesday, July 2nd 2008.