The public comment period just closed for the new siting and permitting regulations impacting clean energy projects in Massachusetts. This conclusion marks a milestone in a more than year’s long process to transition the Commonwealth’s siting and permitting agency to a new regulatory program. These new rules affect all new clean energy projects like solar farms, wind turbines, battery storage, and transmission upgrades, both large and small. They will determine where projects can be built, how they are reviewed, and how local residents can have a say.
Understanding these rules is important because clean energy projects affect the places we live, work, and play. They can bring benefits like local jobs, cleaner air, and a stronger energy system, but they can also impact neighborhoods, local infrastructure, and the environment if they are not carefully planned. The goal of the new rules is to make the process clearer, fairer, and more responsive to communities.
Communities Will Be Heard Earlier
One of the biggest changes in the new rules is that residents and local leaders get a chance to be involved much earlier. Developers are now required to meet with communities before filing an official project application. During these early meetings, developers must share details about the project, such as its size, location, and potential impacts. Residents will have the chance to ask questions, raise concerns, and suggest changes before major decisions are made.
This early engagement is especially important for neighborhoods that might be more affected by these projects, including environmental justice communities. It helps prevent surprises and ensures that projects are planned with community input in mind.
The Approval Process Will Be Clearer
Right now, approving energy projects can be confusing. A single project might need approval from multiple local boards, state agencies, and the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB). The new rules aim to simplify and coordinate all these steps so the process is easier to understand and follow.
For all projects, developers can submit a single, consolidated permit application that covers local approvals. However, for small projects (those under 25 megawatts), local boards are required to review and respond within a set timeframe, and if they do not, the project can move forward under a “constructive approval” process. For larger projects, the EFSB has a set review timeline and requires developers to meet clear standards for safety, health, environmental impact, and land use.
For residents and local governments, this means fewer confusing hearings, clearer timelines, and a better understanding of who is responsible for what. Communities will know exactly when and how they can participate.
Support for Community Participation
The new rules also include resources to help communities participate effectively. Community groups or residents can access funding to hire technical experts, legal support, or consultants to review project plans and understand potential impacts. Developers will also need to consider cumulative impacts, meaning they must look at how a project adds to existing stress on a community—like noise, traffic, or environmental burdens—and propose ways to reduce or mitigate those impacts.
This ensures that all voices are heard, not just those with the most resources. Residents can participate confidently, knowing they have support to make their input count.
DOER vs. EFSB: How They Work Together
It can be confusing to know who does what when it comes to clean energy projects. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) and the Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) both play important roles, but their responsibilities are different.
DOER mainly focuses on supporting clean energy goals across the state. They create programs, guidelines, and regulations that encourage renewable energy, energy storage, and efficiency. They also provide guidance for smaller projects and coordinate resources to help communities understand how projects affect them.
EFSB, on the other hand, is the decision-making board for larger energy projects. They review applications, hold hearings, and decide whether projects meet safety, environmental, and land-use standards. EFSB also sets timelines and coordinates reviews with local and state agencies.
In short, DOER guides and supports, while EFSB approves and enforces. Both work together to make sure projects are built responsibly and communities are involved.
Why This Matters
These rules matter because clean energy projects affect real people in real communities. They influence the places we live, the air we breathe, and our overall quality of life. By requiring early engagement, a clear permitting process, and support for community participation, the state is making sure that communities have a seat at the table. Residents can help guide where projects go, how they are built, and what protections are in place. This ensures that the transition to clean energy is equitable, transparent, and accountable.
What This Means for Communities
The proposed rules mark a shift toward community-focused planning. Early input, clear timelines, and access to support are now expected, not optional. Communities that engage now can influence projects in their neighborhoods, advocate for safety and environmental protections, and ensure that benefits like jobs and clean energy access are shared fairly. Municipalities benefit too, with clarified roles and responsibilities that reduce uncertainty and make planning easier. Overall, these changes aim to make the process faster, more transparent, and more community-friendly, while still helping Massachusetts meet its clean energy and reliability goals.
What’s Next
The next opportunity to provide formal public comments will be in January 2026 following the EFSB board meeting. To stay on top of everything happening in your community—updates on clean energy projects, public meetings, and opportunities to provide input—sign up for RENEW’s newsletter today. Don’t miss out on your chance to make your voice heard before decisions are made. Projects are moving quickly, and staying informed now means you won’t be left behind.
Want to learn more? Check out these resources prepared by the DOER and EEA:
November 17, 2025; © RENEW Northeast