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Massachusetts Town Bans Propane, Fossil Fuel On New Construction

Author Jaybeau Jones
LEXINGTON, MA - APRIL 17: Re-enactors dressed as the Lexington militia members wait in formation to fight the British soldiers during the Battle of Lexington April 17, 2006 in Lexington, Massachusetts. The Battle of Lexington, which took place in 1775, was the first skirmish of the Revolutionary War. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

As a Massachusetts town bans propane and fossil fuels many are wondering how it will affect their lifestyle. In Lexington, 73% of  greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings. Much of that is driven by fossil fuel systems used to heat and cool our homes and businesses.

But before we pack our bags and move to a grilling are us, zipcode, this new rule has exemptions. The law prohibits fossil fuel use on new construction. Plus there are many exemptions to the ban.

Massachusetts Town Bans On Fossil Fuels

The town of Lexington Massachusetts law went into effect March 21. According to the towns website:

No building permits will be issued by the Town for new construction or major renovations (50%) that include the installation of new on-site fossil fuel infrastructure. This includes piping for coal, natural gas, or other fossil fuels in a building, within the property lines of a premise, or connecting a supply tank to a building.

Exemptions On Fossil Fuel Ban

Yes, there are exemptions. Fossil fuel use is allowed for:

  1. Research laboratories for scientific or medical research
  2. Hospitals and medical offices
  3. Piping required to fuel back up generators, indoor or outdoor cooking appliances, indoor or outdoor fire or fire features, or appliances for outdoor heating. Starting January 1, 2025, indoor cooking appliances and indoor fire features are likely to be prohibited.
  4. Multi-family buildings over 12,000 square feet that utilize gas or propane for domestic water heating as the only combustion equipment (permit application must be filed prior to January 1, 2027 for this exemption)
  5. Buildings heated with clean biomass heating systems as the only combustion equipment
  6. Utility service piping connecting the grid to a meter or to a gas meter itself
  7. The extension or modification of heating systems or the modification of radiator, steam, or hot water piping (as long as no new fossil fuel piping is installed)
  8. Repairs of any existing portions of a fuel piping system deemed unsafe by the Plumbing and Gas Inspector

There are many programs and financial incentives at the federal, state, and local level that can help developers and homeowners comply with the Fossil Fuel Free Bylaw. The Towns of Lexington, Acton, and Arlington collaborated on an Energy Efficient and Fossil Fuel Free Building Requirements website that provides more details on what is available. The Rebates & Incentives page covers the available resources to support compliance.

Are There More Massachusetts Town Bans?

Many more towns are interested in this ban as well.

According to Lexingtonma.gov:

Starting in 2019, several communities in Massachusetts passed local bylaws that would allow them to restrict the use of fossil fuels in new development. Ultimately, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office did not approve these bylaws because state regulations such as the Building Code preempt local bylaws. After this ruling 10 communities passed Home Rule Petitions, asking the state for the authority to restrict the use of fossil fuels. 

The 10 communities are:

Acton, Aquinnah, Arlington, Brookline, Cambridge, Concord, Lexington, Lincoln, Newton and West Tisbury.

Massachusetts Town Bans Propane: find out more.

Jaybeau Jones’s radio career has brought him from New York City’s #1 station Z-100 and America’s Top 40 to WROR! Currently, JayBeau’s distinctive voice can be heard not only on WROR but also on Sirius XM’s 70’s Channel and on Dunkin Donut’s in-store radio. Jaybeau’s other life is his writing. In 2012 he launched “Heroes Mentors and Friends” a book about well-being and positive thinking. Jaybeau lives in the area and has two grown children, Jordan and Matthew. Jaybeau loves spending time in nature and spending every second with his wife Heidi and the kids. Jaybeau likes to write about pop culture, music, and personal growth. Jaybeau also loves to write his own backyard in Boston.

7 Happiest Cities in Massachusetts, Leominster Cracks Top 10

  • 7. Marlborough

    In Marlborough, the median household income is a little over $70,000. Odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 335.4 and the average commute time: 26.8 minutes. Not to mention you have the Solomon Pond Mall and several game places like axe throwing and Breakout Games.

  • 6. Gloucester

    Gloucester being right on the beach definitely helps the ranking. Many love breathing in sea air daily. Crime is very low here as well.  Restaurants per capita: 1 per 275 inhabitant and the odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 1,084.1.  If you’ve been to Gloucester it’s easy to understand the happiness factor. 

  • 5. Peabody

    Located in the North Shore, Peabody has a median household income: $67,052. There are some fun breweries in Peabody. Not to mention it’s right next door to Salem so if looking for witches is your thing, just walk right next door.  Odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 430.7

  • 4. Waltham

    Waltham is a GREAT place to live. The restaurant scene here is outstanding. Restaurants per capita: 1 per 238 inhabitants. Moody Street alone has endless restaurants and offer outdoor dining in the summer for your convenience. There are fabulous walking trails and it is relatively safe here with odds of being the victim of a violent crime: 1 in 422.8.

  • 3. Newton

    Makes sense that Newton is on this list seeing as how it borders Waltham. Although living in Newton is pretty costly. Safety in Newton is key as crime rates are extremely low. The restaurant scene is booming. And the median income of a household in Newton is well over $100,000.

  • 2. Woburn

    The main reason Woburn came in second on the list is because the great scores in the categories of violent crime rate, average commute time and employee wages.  Located north of Boston, Woburn is known for lower home prices. From indoor dog parks to various entertainment centers, many will say they are extremely happy to live in Woburn. 

  • 1. Westfield

    Located well west of Boston, Westfield tops the list of happiest cities in Massachusetts. Crime is relatively low here and so is the cost of living. There are several parks here and there is a sense of community here with many community events taking place each year.

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