MA H4685

State permitting authorities (including the Department of Public Utilities and Energy Facilities Siting Board) would be prohibited from approving battery storage facilities without a vote of approval from the municipal governing body where the facility is proposed

Municipalities would be authorized to establish additional siting, safety, and environmental requirements for battery storage facilities, and state agencies could not override a municipality's decision to deny a project

At least one public hearing must be held before any municipal vote, where project applicants must present detailed plans including risk assessments, emergency response protocols, and environmental impact analyses

Violations would carry fines of up to $100,000 per violation, with facilities required to cease operations until compliance is achieved; the Attorney General would have enforcement authority

The act would take effect immediately upon passage and amends Chapter 40A of the General Laws (the Zoning Act)