The bill proposes the addition of a new chapter, Chapter 6.3, titled "State Agency Emission Reporting," to Title 42 of the General Laws, which deals with state affairs and government. This chapter mandates the creation of a standardized template by the Executive Climate Change Coordinating Council (EC4) for all state agencies to track and report their climate emissions. The purpose of this reporting is to support the achievement of the legislative goals set out in the "2021 Act on Climate." The template will include data on energy usage, fleet, and renewable energy systems of each state agency. Agencies are required to align their plans with the most recent EC4 annual report and update their emissions reporting every five years, starting no later than July 1, 2026. If an agency is unable to provide the necessary data, they must consult with the EC4 to find a solution for collecting and tracking the required information.
The bill specifies that these new requirements will take effect immediately upon passage. The explanation provided by the legislative council clarifies that the act's purpose is to ensure that all state agencies contribute to the state's climate goals by tracking and reporting their emissions using a standardized approach developed by the EC4.