NECA Greater Boston Submits Recommendations to Help Shape Massachusetts' Clean Energy Future
NECA Greater Boston has submitted formal comments to the Massachusetts Energy Transformation Advisory Board (ETAB), urging the Commonwealth to adopt policies that support responsible contractors, registered apprenticeship, prevailing wage, and high-road labor standards as Massachusetts advances its clean energy transition. The recommendations emphasize that achieving the state's ambitious energy goals will require licensed electricians, a skilled workforce, and contractors that invest in safety, training, and workforce development. Read comments here.
The recommendations come at a pivotal time as the Massachusetts House and Senate prepare to convene a conference committee to reconcile their respective energy bills before the July 31 end of the formal legislative session. The final legislation is expected to include several priorities that will create new opportunities for NECA electrical contractors, including reforms to accelerate electric interconnection, streamline solar permitting, strengthen the Mass Save program, modernize the electric grid, and advance the deployment of clean energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth.
In its comments, NECA also encouraged ETAB to promote high-road construction practices, meaningful Community Benefit Agreements, and consistent workforce standards that provide contractors with the certainty to invest in equipment, apprenticeship, and business growth while maximizing available federal clean energy tax credits.
"Massachusetts has a tremendous opportunity to advance policies that both accelerate our clean energy transition and strengthen our construction workforce," said Kristen Gowin, Executive Manager of NECA Greater Boston. "As the Legislature works to finalize a comprehensive energy bill, it is essential that we support responsible contractors and the skilled workforce that will build the infrastructure needed to power the Commonwealth for decades to come."