The bill proposes significant amendments to the "Energy Facility Siting Act" in Chapter 42-98 of the General Laws, focusing on the siting of major energy facilities and their impact on host communities. It emphasizes the importance of reliable and reasonably priced energy, the environmental impact of energy facilities, and the need for coordinated decision-making. The bill introduces new definitions, including "host community" and distinguishes between "Major generating facility" and "Major non-generating facility." It removes "coal processed by 'clean coal technology'" from the list of preferred fuels and expands the siting board from three to five members, granting them additional powers such as appointing hearing officers and granting intervenor status to host communities.

The bill also revises the application and approval process for energy facilities, requiring a preliminary review of applications, public notice, and hearings in affected communities. It mandates at least three public hearings in the host community for major generating facilities and outlines the responsibilities of applicants to fund environmental studies and cover fees incurred by the host community. The bill sets forth procedures for advisory agencies to issue opinions and specifies the board's considerations when granting licenses, including the necessity, cost-justification, and environmental impact of the facility. It introduces penalties for non-compliance and clarifies the autonomy of host communities in enforcing municipal ordinances. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the appointment of public members and hearing officers to the board, with specific qualifications and terms for public members and the role of hearing officers in conducting hearings and making recommendations. The act would take effect upon passage, aiming to improve the siting process and enhance public and municipal participation.