Massachusetts To Launch Green Revolution

The Massachusetts House of Representatives yesterday passed an energy bill that proponents say will put the state's renewable energy and efficiency programs in the forefront of green initiatives across the country.

The bill received unanimous support from both sides of the Legislature, with a vote of 149-0 in the House yesterday afternoon after passing 36-0 in the Senate on Tuesday. Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to sign the legislation into law within the next 10 days.

Known as the Green Communities Act, the bill contains measures that encourage energy efficiency programs, provide incentives for towns to move forward with wind and solar energy projects, and require that utilities enter into long-term contracts with renewable energy generators.