Massachusetts lawmakers are making progress on two key legislative priorities for Governor Maura Healey as Election Day approaches. Negotiators have reached an agreement on climate legislation that aims to reform siting and permitting rules, while work continues on an economic development proposal that provides funding for the life sciences and climate tech industries. These bills were left pending when formal sessions ended in July but can still be approved in informal sessions until the end of the year. Democratic lawmakers emphasized the state’s need to lead in combating climate change and transitioning to a clean energy economy.
Details on the climate bill were not disclosed, but lead Senate and House negotiators plan to finalize a conference report soon. State Senate President Karen Spilka expressed optimism that lawmakers will finish these bills before the legislative session ends on December 31. Governor Healey has urged swift action on these priorities, emphasizing the importance of economic development and climate initiatives. She praised lawmakers for passing gun laws, a housing bond bill, and other measures but stressed the need to move quickly on key issues like economic development and climate reform. Healey remains hopeful that the legislature will get both bills to her desk promptly, highlighting the urgency of approving projects that require permits and siting. With the possibility of passage in informal sessions, attention turns to resolving the remaining details and finalizing these crucial legislative measures before the end of the year.
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