Massachusetts Clean Heat Standard Delayed

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection recently stated that the Clean Heat Standard (CHS), which was originally scheduled to go into effect in 2026, will be delayed and implemented “no earlier than 2028.”

The CHS framework creates financial penalties for the delivery of conventional heating fuels while simultaneously forcing the electrification of building stock through an annual quota system. Under the regulation, propane suppliers would need to generate clean heat credits themselves or purchase credits from third parties in the marketplace. Credit generation would be limited to the delivery of certain renewable fuels and building electrification efforts, such as the installation of heat pumps. The Standard itself is designed to financially penalize the use of conventional thermal fuels, including propane and heating oil.

Leslie Anderson, Executive Director of the Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE), has been combating the Clean Heat Standard since it was originally proposed in Boston. “After over seven years of intense advocacy efforts, delaying the CHS is a huge win for PGANE members in New England and for the environment as well, as propane is cleaner than electricity in the Massachusetts,” said Anderson.

As of the 2024 industry sales report, Massachusetts is the 21^st largest propane market in the country, with 147 million gallons sold. For more information, contact NPGA’s Senior Director of State Advocacy & Affairs, Jacob Peterson.