North Andover Conservation Commission briefed on mandatory state clean energy permitting deadline

NORTH ANDOVER -- March 25, 2026, North Andover Conservation Commission hears warning that state clean energy rules will cap local permit reviews at 12 months starting October 1. Andrew Shapiro, Director of Community and Economic Development, briefed the commission March 25 on a 2024 state Climate Act that requires municipalities to accept a consolidated application for solar, wind, and battery storage projects and complete all local board reviews within one year, or face constructive approval. Projects above 25 megawatts of generation or 100 megawatt-hours of storage bypass local boards entirely and go to the state Energy Facilities Siting Board. Shapiro told commissioners "the regs are designed to give you less discretion than you would ordinarily have" and acknowledged the town's zoning bylaw contains no definition or permitting path for battery energy storage systems, a gap he said must be addressed at May 2027 Town Meeting. The town must also designate a Local Government Representative to coordinate applications before October. The commission separately approved a small water-connection project at 61 Abbott Street and continued a Notice of Intent for 115 Candlestick Road to April 8 pending a vernal pool determination.