#2022-9 April 8, 2022

Senate Releases $250 Million Climate Bill

On Thursday, Senate Democrats released a significant bill (S. 2819) increasing the speed with which state agencies must implement the Commonwealth’s climate change goals which mandate net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.  In addition to including several key policy provisions, the legislation directs $250 million into a variety of programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  

Specifically, the measure combines an overhaul of the offshore wind procurement process with new investments in electric vehicle infrastructure, incentives to encourage more drivers to go electric, greater scrutiny on the future of natural gas, and local options to restrict the use of fossil fuels in building projects.  The bill provides $100 million to create a Clean Energy Investment Fund, allocates $100 million to incentivize adoption of electric vehicles, and $50 million to build out electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The sectors targeted in the bill play major roles in existing carbon production.  Transportation accounts for the largest share of the Bay State's greenhouse gas emissions, representing about 42 percent, while electricity consumption represents 19 percent and building consumption represents 32 percent, according to a December 2020 state report.

The Senate bill also attempts to accelerate a statewide embrace of electric vehicles by requiring rebates through the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOR-EV) program to be offered at the point of sale, making the benefits available to motorists immediately.  It also increases the rebate amount in most cases by $1,000 to $3,500.  Motorists could receive an additional $1,000, for a total of $4,500, if they trade in a gasoline powered vehicle when purchasing an electric car or truck.  The legislation also mandates that beginning in 2035, all new vehicles sold in Massachusetts would need to produce zero emissions,

All buses purchased and leased by the MBTA would need to be zero-emissions vehicles starting in 2028, and the entire fleet -- which today includes more than 1,000 buses -- would need to be zero-emission by 2040.  In addition, utilities would need to offer reduced electricity rates for off-peak electric vehicle charging, and new developments would need to allocate 10 percent of their parking spaces to EV charging, proposals that feature alongside the bill's $50 million fund to expand charging infrastructure.

The Senate is expected to debate the bill next Thursday, with amendments be due by 4 p.m. on Monday. To review the bill and amendments, click here.

Executive Office of Housing & Economic Development Announces Workforce Roadshows

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including MassHire Career Centers and Workforce Boards and the Commonwealth Corporation, is hosting a series of 10 regional employer road shows from late April through May, with the goal of connecting employers to new and existing workforce supports from the Commonwealth.

The roadshows will be a unique opportunity to hear from MA workforce leaders and to share your perspective with them.  Attendance will vary by event, but speakers may include Lieutenant Governor Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Michael Kennealy, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Acosta, and Education Secretary Peyser, among others.

The roadshows will be hosted by workforce partners, including community colleges and vocational training institutes.  Each event will be approximately 1.5 hours and will have roughly the same agenda, which is detailed below:

Agenda

• Opening remarks by host and special guests
• Overview of Commonwealth workforce resources for employers
• Introduction to Market Makers and Business Service Representative
• Breakout sessions
  • Market Maker / MassHire Engagement Session.
    Learn about how the MassHire system can help your company build a pipeline of skilled employees.  Meet your new Market Maker and hear how you can access more than $200M in workforce funding.
  • HireNow Workshop.
    Learn more about the new HireNow program - you can receive $4,000 per new hire to support hiring, training and retention.
  • Workforce Development Roundtable.
    Sit down with MA workforce leaders to share your perspective and discuss broader workforce trends in the state.
• (Optional) Tour of the facilities / meet the students

To learn more and register for the events, click here.