Massachusetts Climate Bill Includes LCFS Provision

Bill S.2995, An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy was enacted by both legislative branches on January 4, 2021 and vetoed by Governor Baker on January 14 at the end of the 2019/2020 legislative session due to time constraints not allowing for amendment. Lawmakers passed Senate Bill 9, replacing SB 2995, on January 28, 2021.  On Feb 8, Governor Baker returned the bill to the Senate with amendment.

One of the provisions the governor objected to was language that would set Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction target for the next decade at a 50 percent reduction below the 1990 level in 2030.  The governor wanted it to be 45 percent. He asked the Senate to consider language that the executive branch be allowed to set a range of between a 45 percent reduction from 1990 emissions levels and 50 percent. For the 2040 target the governor proposed that…