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Earlier this month, the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) took a major stride in
promoting transparency and enhancing public engagement by establishing
the Intervenor Support Grant Program (Program). The new Program provides
financial assistance to eligible community groups, municipalities, and
other qualifying entities so that they can effectively participate in
future DPU and Energy Facilities Siting Board (EFSB) proceedings.
By
reducing financial barriers to participation, the Program will increase
the diversity of voices and viewpoints able to engage in certain
proceedings. The Intervenor Support Grant Program is part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s comprehensive reforms to the siting and permitting of new energy infrastructure.
“This is an important milestone for environmental justice and community engagement in Massachusetts,” said Commissioner Staci Rubin.
“As a member of the Commission on Energy Infrastructure Siting and
Permitting, I am proud that the state can support organizations and
municipalities who previously were unable to fully participate in the
process of siting new energy infrastructure. We welcome the opportunity
for communities to participate directly in finding energy solutions that
benefit us all.”
"True environmental progress is impossible without meaningful community engagement, which is why the landmark 2024 climate and energy legislation was so vital in removing systemic barriers and mandating early, transparent public input," said Rep. Jeff Roy (D-Franklin), one of the principal authors of the 2024 legislation. "By establishing the Division of Public Participation and lowering financial hurdles, that law gave local communities a real mechanism to influence the infrastructure being built in their neighborhoods. Our new DPU Intervenor Support Grant Program is a direct, exciting outgrowth of those legislative efforts, providing the actual funding and resources necessary to level the playing field and ensure every voice can help shape our clean energy future," he said.
Both the DPU and the EFSB review
petitions and make decisions based on evidence presented by different
parties involved, such as the project developer, host community, or
other groups that are directly impacted and have been granted intervenor
status. These parties present evidence, conduct cross-examinations,
make information requests, and hire expert witnesses. Even if eligible
to join the proceeding as intervenors, many under-resourced
organizations and municipalities struggle to fund the legal
representation and technical expertise required to participate
meaningfully in these proceedings. Now with grant funding available,
eligible groups can contribute local knowledge, lived experience, and
perspectives that may otherwise go unheard, resulting in a stronger
record, a more informed process, and better outcomes.
The
Intervenor Support Grant Program allows grantees to cover fees for
attorneys, expert witnesses, community experts, and other eligible
expenses. Grantees may be eligible to receive up to $150,000 per proceeding. Funding is capped at a total of $500,000 across grantees in a proceeding.
The
DPU’s Division of Public Participation (DPP) will administer funds from
the Program. DPP was established by the 2024 Climate Act, and its
mission is to inform, educate, and amplify public voices in DPU and EFSB
decision making processes. DPP assists stakeholders participating in
DPU and EFSB proceedings and implements policies and practices that
advance environmental justice and meaningful public participation.
More information about eligibility and how to apply can be found through the Intervenor Support Grant Program page and the Grant portal.
