Relevant Policies by Technology

In addition to overarching clean energy policies, several state policies apply to specific forms of clean energy. Many of these are designed for regulatory purposes to provide guidelines for where and how individual technologies may be installed and operated.

Guide to Technology Policies

The Renewable Energy & Distributed Generation Guidebook, prepared by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, provides a wealth of information on federal, state, and local siting and permitting requirements for clean energy technologies.

Solar

The General Laws of Massachusetts include several provisions relating to solar energy systems. One prohibits towns, cities, agencies, historic districts, and other entities from creating zoning ordinances, bylaws, or other regulatory instruments that would forbid or unreasonably restrict the construction, installation, and use of solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal energy systems. MGL Part II, Title I c. 184 sec. 23C

Other provisions in MGL Part II, Title 1 Chapter 184 and Chapter 187 authorize government entities to create and grant solar access instruments or easements. Property owners who hold solar access rights can prevent neighbors from allowing vegetation, structures, and other objects to impair or obstruct the passage of sunlight through the easement.

Wind

At present, no statewide policies focus on the siting, development, and operation of modern wind energy facilities. Depending on size, location, and other characteristics, wind energy projects may be required to comply with a variety of federal, state, and local facilities siting and environmental permitting requirements. View the DOER Guidebook for additional information. Some regional guides are also in development.

Bioenergy

At present, no statewide policies focus on the siting and development of bioenergy facilities. Depending on size, location, fuel type, and other characteristics, bioenergy projects may be required to comply with a variety of federal, state, and local facilities siting and environmental permitting requirements. View the DOER Guidebook for additional information.

Because bioenergy technologies may result in the release of air pollutants, electric generating facilities powered by wood, landfill gas, municipal waste, biodiesel, and other organic fuels are subject to the air emissions standards developed by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection under 310 CMR 7.00.

Hydro

At present, no statewide policies focus on the siting, development, and operation of hydro dams and in-stream hydro facilities. Depending on size, location, and other characteristics, existing and new projects may be required to comply with a variety of federal, state, and local facilities siting and environmental permitting requirements. View the DOER Guidebook for additional information.

Ocean

At present, no statewide policies focus on the siting, development, and operation of wave, tidal, ocean current, and other ocean energy facilities. Depending on size, location, and other characteristics, projects may be required to comply with a variety of federal, state, and local facilities siting and environmental permitting requirements. View the DOER Guidebook for additional information.

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