H4689
An Act establishing buffer zones for battery storage facilities
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to create buffer zones around battery storage facilities in Massachusetts. The goal is to address potential concerns related to the facilities' impact on surrounding communities and the environment. Specifically, the bill establishes the parameters for these buffer zones, ensuring a certain distance is maintained between the facilities and nearby properties or areas. This legislation seeks to promote responsible development and operation of battery storage projects.
Key provisions
- Establishes buffer zones around battery storage facilities.
- Specifies the minimum distance for these buffer zones.
- Addresses potential impacts on local communities and the environment.
- Requires consideration of factors such as proximity to residential areas, wetlands, and critical infrastructure.
Who is affected
- Battery storage facility developers
- Local communities near battery storage facilities
- Utilities and energy companies
- Massachusetts residents
Notable changes
- Introduces a new regulatory framework for buffer zones around battery storage facilities.
- May require modifications to existing battery storage project plans.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Kelly W. Pease
Cosponsors
David Allen Robertson
David F. DeCoste
Homar Gómez
John C. Velis
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yoursRead the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Bill H.4689 194th (Current)
An Act establishing buffer zones for battery storage facilities
By Representative Pease of Westfield, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kelly W. Pease and Lindsay N. Sabadosa for legislation to establish buffer zones for battery storage facilities. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
View Text Print Preview Download PDF
Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Kelly W. Pease
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Hearing Attendance
Bill History
Displaying 7 actions for Bill H.4689
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 4/24/2025 | House | Referred to the committee on House Rules |
| 10/23/2025 | House | Reported, referred to the committee on Joint Rules, reported, rules suspended and referred to the committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy |
| 10/30/2025 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 11/3/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 11/13/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1 |
| 11/4/2025 | Joint | Hearing rescheduled to 11/13/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2 and Virtual Hearing location changed |
| 12/4/2025 | House | Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 4/6/2026 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H5323 |
Similar Bills
SD.3224 194th (Current)
An Act establishing buffer zones for battery storage facilities
H.800 188th (2013 - 2014)
An Act relative to buffer zones on land under the agricultural restriction program
H.749 189th (2015 - 2016)
An Act relative to buffer zones on land under the agricultural restriction program
H.2940 190th (2017 - 2018)
An Act relative to buffer zones on land under the agricultural restriction program
H.870 191st (2019 - 2020)
An Act relative to buffer zones on land under the agricultural restriction program
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.