Proposed Fossil Fuel Ban on New Construction in Salem

Representative Manny Cruz filed a home rule petition that would require new building construction or major renovation projects in Salem to be fossil fuel free. The associated bill H.3846 was referred to the committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, and a hearing is scheduled for July 12, 2023.

For a new construction project or major renovation to be fossil fuel free, the entire building must not use coal, oil, natural gas, other fuel hydrocarbons, or other fossil fuels in support of its operation after construction.

The home rule petition was filed after local approval by the Salem City Council. If the home rule petition is approved, Salem will be able to enforce restrictions and prohibitions on new construction and major renovations, including through the withholding or conditioning of building permits.

Former Salem State Representative Tucker filed a similar home rule petition in 2022 which would have allowed Salem to impose a fossil fuel ban on new construction. The 2023 home rule petition is part of Salem’s ongoing efforts to participate in a new pilot program, established as part of the Massachusetts clean energy and climate bill (H.5060), which allows ten cities and towns to prohibit the use of fossil fuels in new construction or major renovation projects.

Updates, including legislative updates on H.3846, will be posted on the NSR blog.