The Energy Facilities Siting Board (“Siting Board”) anticipates conducting a hybrid Siting Board meeting in the Large Hearing Room at the Department of Public Utilities, One South Station, 3rd level, Boston, 02110, and using Zoom videoconferencing on Monday, December 15, 2025, 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., to deliberate and vote on a Tentative Decision opening a rulemaking to consider proposed regulations implementing the Cumulative Impact Analysis and Site Suitability Criteria provisions of the 2024 Climate Act, St. 2024, c. 239 (the “Act”).
Siting Division staff previously issued for discussion purposes draft proposed regulations, 980 CMR 15.00, in October 2025. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (“EEA”) Office of Environmental Justice and Equity (“OEJE”) issued draft guidance, Draft Standards and Guidelines for Cumulative Impact Analysis. EEA issued draft guidance on Site Suitability Assessments for Clean Energy Infrastructure. The Siting Board and OEJE staff conducted a webinar on November 6, 2025, which included staff presentations and comments on the draft proposed regulations. Based on comments received, Siting Division staff revised the proposed regulations. At the forthcoming Board meeting, the Siting Board will hear staff presentations on the draft proposed regulations, and hear public comment as time allows. The Siting Board meeting on December 15 will initiate a formal rulemaking process that will include further opportunities for written and oral comment.
The Siting Board will provide additional information soon on the upcoming Siting Board meeting including the link to participate remotely. The Siting Board anticipates providing the proposed regulations and tentative decision opening the rulemaking before the Siting Board meeting. For periodic updates, please visit the Siting Board’s webpage for siting and permitting reform updates: EFSB 25-10 – Proposed Rulemaking | Mass.gov.
Public comment period for this proceeding closes on February 13, 2026.