Select Board Hears Presentation on Solar and Battery Regulations
The Middlefield Select Board heard a presentation on battery storage and solar regulations from the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards. Michael Hugo addressed the legal authority of boards of health to regulate renewable energy systems.
Select Board · Meeting of September 30, 2026
MIDDLEFIELD — The Middlefield Select Board heard a presentation on battery storage and solar regulations from the Massachusetts Association of Health Boards. Michael Hugo addressed the legal authority of boards of health to regulate renewable energy systems. The board also discussed a culvert assessment letter for the Upper Westfield Watershed, determining more information is needed; the matter will be finalized at a joint Select Board-Finance Committee meeting on October 7.
A planned vote on adopting a consolidated permitting process for renewable energy projects did not occur after a Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources official stated that consolidated permitting will not be necessary for solar and battery systems.
In the full story:
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Source: the Select Board meeting of September 30, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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