§ 30 — Methodology for determining suitability of sites for clean energy generation and storage facilities and clean transmission and distribution infrastructure facilities

[ Text of section added by 2024, 239, Sec. 5 effective February 18, 2025.]Section 30. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall establish and periodically update a methodology for determining the suitability of sites for clean energy generation facilities, clean energy storage facilities and clean transmission and distribution infrastructure facilities in newly established public rights of way. The methodology shall include multiple geospatial screening criteria to evaluate sites for: (i) development potential; (ii) climate change resilience; (iii) carbon storage and sequestration; (iv) biodiversity; and (v) social and environmental benefits and burdens. The executive office shall require facility development project proponents to avoid or minimize or, if impacts cannot be avoided or minimized, mitigate siting impacts and environmental and land use concerns. The executive office shall develop and periodically update guidance to inform state, regional and local regulations, ordinances, by-laws and permitting processes on ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate impacts on the environment and people to the greatest extent practicable.