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 

Updated Draft Guidance - as of Jan. 21, 2026

• Pre-filing guidelines

• Public health, safety, and environmental standards

• Common conditions and requirements in case of constructive approval

• Minimization and mitigation measures

Public Comments

The deadline to submit comments on the guidelines is March 13, 2026.

Written comments: 

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

Draft Regulations: Referenced as Docketed EFSB 25-10

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

PENDING DRAFT

On December 12th, 2025, the Siting Board also issued the following draft proposed regulations:

• 980 CMR 15.00 (Cumulative Impact Analysis/Site Suitability) and CIA Report Template 

Public Comments

• Deadline: Written comments on 980 CMR 15.00 are due no later than Friday, February 13, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. 

• All documents must be submitted to the Siting Board by e-mail attachment to dpu.efiling@mass.gov and sitingboard.filing@mass.gov. The text of the email must specify: (1) the docket number of the proceeding (EFSB 25-10-A); (2) the name of the person or company submitting the filing; and (3) a brief descriptive title of the document. The electronic filing should also include the name, title, and telephone number of a person to contact in the event of questions about the filing. Documents submitted in electronic format will be posted on the Siting Board’s webpage.

FINAL DRAFT 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 16.00 (Pre-Filing Engagement)

• 980 CMR 16.00 Guidance

• 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 Suitablility in their regulations

Revised Jan 30, 2026

• Revised Site Suitability Guidance (Draft Redline) 

• Revised Site Suitability Guidance (Draft Clean) 

• Site Suitability Mapping Tool (Draft)

Public Comments

EEA will accept written comments on both the guidance and the mapping tool submitted through February 13, 2026.

Email comments to: to EnergyPermitting@mass.gov 

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)

• Draft Standards and Guidelines 

• MassEnvironScreen (draft map)

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/energy-infrastructure-siting-and-permitting-reforms#standards-and-guidelines-for-community-benefits-plans-and-agreements

Draft Guidance

https://www.mass.gov/doc/draft-standards-and-guidelines-for-community-benefits-plans-and-agreements/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)