Massachusetts Clean Heat Standard Reignites Debate over Biogas

The role of renewable natural gas (RNG) and hydrogen in decarbonizing Massachusetts’ heating sector has been a major topic of debate for several years, with major implications for the state’s gas network and electrical grid. 

“The ineligibility of gaseous biofuels and hydrogen under the CHS is absolutely essential for keeping the commonwealth on the most cost-effective trajectory towards building decarbonization,” wrote Acadia Center.  

Environmental organizations in the state have long expressed concerns that electrification is the most efficient pathway to decarbonizing the building sector and that blending alternative fuels into the gas network would deliver minimal climate and public health benefits at a high cost to gas ratepayers. 

Acadia Center made the case that making hydrogen and RNG blending eligible to generate credits would be in “direct conflict” with the DPU’s 20-80 Order on gas system decarbonization.  

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