Join us for our first of two meetings this spring! With the legislative session in full swing, our April meeting will focus on “Advancing Municipal Empowerment: Legislative Priorities for the Final Phase of the 2025-2026 Session.” We will discuss key gas-related priorities for municipal officials and advocates in the final months of the legislative session as legislators move towards advancing a final bill. We will also hear an encouraging update from CLF on the ongoing lawsuit against National Grid for failure to address gas leaks.
Our top priorities include:
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- Requiring utilities to provide more timely and complete information to municipalities about planned gas work, and expanding the role of municipal officials in reviewing and offering feedback and alternatives to gas company plans (H. 3446)
- Expanding the fossil-fuel-free demonstration program from 10 to 20 municipalities (S. 2292)
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Establishing a commission to develop recommendations for municipalities to own, install, operate, and bill for thermal energy networks, and to allow municipalities to designate other entities to own, install, operate, and bill for thermal energy networks.
Margaret Nivison of Conservation Law Foundation will also provide an encouraging update on the lawsuit against National Grid for the company’s failure to address gas leaks and the risks they pose to neighborhoods in Boston and Chelsea.