THE VARIOUS CLEAN ENERGY REGULATIONS - 2025-2026

SMALL CLEAN ENERGY REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE

Regulatory Entity: Dept of Energy Resources (DOER)- Siting and Permitting Division

DOER Siting Regulation webpage:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/clean-energy-siting-permitting-regulations

Final Regulations (as of Jan. 13, 2026):

225 CMR 29.00 - Small Clean Energy Infrastructure Facility Siting and Permitting - Clean

225 CMR 29.00 - Small Clean Energy Infrastructure Facility Siting and Permitting - Redline 

Final Guidance 

• Pre-filing guidelines

• Public health, safety, and environmental standards

• Common conditions and requirements in case of constructive approval

Draft Guidance - as of Jan. 21, 2026

• Minimization and mitigation measures

Draft Consolidated Application Form and Checklist (March 16, 2026)

• Draft Consolidated Local Permit Application

• Completed Local Permit Checklist

Public Comments for Consolidated Application Form and Checklist

Email to:  DOER.Siting.Permitting@mass.gov  OR 

Mail to: Division of Clean Energy Siting & Permitting, c/o Rick Collins, Director, 100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor Boston, MA 02114

LARGE CLEAN ENERGY REGULATIONS 

Regulatory Entity: Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) at Dept of Public Utilities (DPU)

EFSB Siting Regulation webpage:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/efsb-25-10-proposed-rulemaking

Final Regulations: Referenced as Docketed EFSB 25-10

webpage: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/efsb-25-10-proposed-rulemaking#proposed-regulations

• 980 CMR 1.00 (Adjudicatory Procedures)

• 980 CMR 2.00 (Board Procedures)

• 980 CMR 13.00 (Consolidated Permit Application)

• 980 CMR 13.00 Guidance

• 980 CMR 14.00 (De Novo Review Procedures)

• 980 CMR 15.00 (Cumulative Impact Analysis/Site Suitability)

• 980 CMR 15.00 CIA Report Template

• 980 CMR 16.00 (Pre-Filing Engagement)

• 980 CMR 16.00 Checklist

• 980 CMR 17.00 (Construction Approval Procedures)

SITE SUITABILITY GUIDANCE

Regulatory Entity: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

Note: Both DOER and EFSB will be incorporating Site Suitability in their regulations

• Final Site Suitability Guidance 

• Site Suitability Mapping Tool - Final version of online mapping tool 

CUMULATIVE IMPACT ANALYSIS

Regulatory Entity: Energy Facilities Siting Board (Regulations) and Office of Environmental Justice and Equity (OEJE)- Standards

Note: Both DOER and EFSB will be incorporating Site Suitablility in their regulations

Regulations and Guidance

• Regulations 980. CMR 15.00 (see EFSB above)

• Final Standards and Guidelines 

• OEJE CIA website

• Final MassEnvironScreen Tool

COMMUNITY BENEFITS PLANS AND AGREEMENTS GUIDANCE

Regulatory Entity: Office of Environmental Justice and Equity (OEJE) ) at Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)

Community Benefits and Agreements website:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/community-benefit-plans-and-agreements#final-guidance

Final Guidance

https://www.mass.gov/doc/standards-and-guidelines-for-cbps-and-cbas-march-1-2026/download

MODEL BYLAWS 

Regulatory Entity: Dept of Energy Resources (DOER)-  Green Communities Division

• Draft Model Bylaw for Solar

• Draft Model Bylaw for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)