Readers of our blog know that we are actively engaged in lobbying for a pro-consumer, pro-environment energy bill this legislative session in Massachusetts. We reported on the House’s version back in February. The State Senate has been working on the bill since then. Here’s a very brief update with an appeal for you to contact your senator.

The process:

The Senate Ways and Means Committee is working on energy legislation. It will be released for public review soon. Senators will be given an opportunity to offer amendments. The bill will be scheduled for a vote on the Senate floor. After the Senate passes its bill, a conference committee will be formed with three members from the House and three members of the Senate. They will hash out any differences, come up with one final version, and then both chambers will vote on that. Assuming they agree and the conference committee version passes, it will go to Governor Healey for her review.

When?

As of today, we are hearing that the Senate Ways and Means bill will be made public sometime next week. And a vote on the Senate floor would occur the week after. But there’s a caveat – this timeline is not set in stone. Stay tuned for updates.

What is at stake?

A lot! The climate crisis has not gone away, and we need to find ways to make energy more affordable as well. Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to reduce both emissions and energy bills. The House legislation had some good ideas, and we are very confident that the Senate will add to that list. However, the House did a bad thing – they voted to cut one billion dollars out of the Mass Save budget. That’s one billion out of about $1.5 billion in 2027. That would bring Mass Save to a halt and cause the loss of thousands of jobs in the energy efficiency sector. It’s a bad idea because Mass Save is an investment that pays off for consumers over time, and there are plenty of other ways to save money in the short run.

Legislation is not a spectator sport.

There is no need to wait for the Senate bill to become public. Call or email your state senator now and tell them to Save Mass Save and find better ways to make energy affordable.

Here’s how to reach your state senator: MALegislature.gov/Legislators/Members/Senate

If you are not sure who your senator is, visit: MALegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

If your senator tells you that they will or will not vote to Save Mass Save, email Carrie Katan: Carrie@GreenEnergyConsumers.org

One more thing:

When the Senate bill becomes public, we will write a blog with our take. Stay tuned.