Regulatory Submissions

On December 21, APGA submitted a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) responding to the development of the Massachusetts Clean Heat Standard (CHS). 

APGA and its members in Massachusetts are very concerned that the CHS, in its current form, aims for the complete elimination of the direct use of natural gas. The comments submitted elaborate on why natural gas and the infrastructure APGA members operate should be a part of Massachusetts’ clean energy future. Further, the letter discussed renewable natural gas (RNG) as an additional energy source that could be utilized in the state’s efforts to decrease greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

In addition to highlighting the role Massachusetts’ community-owned gas utilities play in protecting the environment, the letter also emphasized the importance of maintaining energy affordability and ensuring energy resilience. Specifically, the affordability of natural gas is an essential tool in addressing social equity concerns posed by household utility cost burdens. As well, dependable energy is essential to the function of communities and businesses. The gas distribution system has proven to be both reliable and resilient.

APGA’s letter urges the state of Massachusetts to enact a policy that continues to use the gas infrastructure and the skilled workforce that operates it. This will allow the state to reach their GHG emission reduction goals, while also continuing to allow gas utilities to provide affordable and reliable energy to their communities.