The 2024 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report reveals substantial growth in the clean energy sector, with a total of 115,291 direct jobs, reflecting a 100% increase since 2010. The report highlights the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center's (MassCEC) role in fostering collaboration among stakeholders to accelerate the clean energy transformation, including initiatives like the Salem Offshore Wind Terminal and the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal. The clean transportation sector has seen the highest growth rate at 22%, and the report introduces an updated definition of clean energy that now includes Hybrid Electric and Plug-in Electric Vehicles while excluding Woody Biomass. This change has necessitated adjustments in previous job figures to align with the new classification.

The bill aims to enhance the clean energy workforce by addressing unionization and equitable representation, as the current unionization rate in the sector is only 6%. It proposes initiatives such as the Academic Center for Reliability and Resilience of Offshore Wind (ARROW) to prepare future professionals and improve collaboration within the industry. Additionally, the bill emphasizes community engagement and support for underserved populations, allocating funding for programs like Empower Massachusetts to help residents understand their energy bills. It also introduces new legal language to clarify definitions within the clean energy sector, particularly regarding battery storage and energy-efficient technologies, while addressing the need for modernized grid systems to support the state's decarbonization goals.