Breathing life into wind

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The House is set to vote Wednesday on a $227.3 million supplemental budget, but one of the more consequential policy provisions is easy to miss.

Buried in the bill is a small change that would allow Massachusetts to repurpose up to $70 million in unused offshore wind tax credits and spend the money instead on port infrastructure tied to the industry — specifically, helping advance the long-discussed Salem offshore wind terminal.

The proposal originated with Gov. Maura Healey and appears to have survived the House budget-writing process intact. 

The move highlights an awkward reality facing Massachusetts' offshore wind ambitions in 2026. 

The state created a tax incentive program intended to support offshore wind development, but developers have largely been unable to use it as projects face delays, uncertainty and outright suspensions under President Donald Trump's administration.

According to Healey administration officials, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center has received no applications for the Offshore Wind Tax Incentive Program over the past two years, despite continuing to budget for the program's $35 million annual cap. Rather than leave those dollars sitting on the sidelines, the administration is proposing to redirect them into a MassCEC fund that can finance capital improvements at the Salem port project.

In effect, Beacon Hill is trying to continue to invest in the industry that's popular with Democrats under the Dome, but has been stymied by the feds. 

"Despite federal setbacks, the Healey-Driscoll Administration remains committed to making strategic investments that will promote maritime commerce and best position us as the offshore wind industry evolves," Energy and Environmental Affairs spokesperson Maria Hardiman said. She said the proposal would invest in "shovel-ready port infrastructure" while helping get union workers back on projects.

The funding would support the first phase of construction at the Salem terminal, a public-private partnership involving MassCEC, the City of Salem and maritime logistics company Crowley. The site, located on the former coal-fired power plant property, is envisioned as a second offshore wind staging terminal for Massachusetts alongside New Bedford's Marine Commerce Terminal. 

The proposal is also a signal that the Healey administration continues to take a long-term view of offshore wind beyond the Trump administration, even as the industry's short-term outlook remains bleak.

Sam Drysdale is a reporter for the State House News Service. She can be reached at [email protected].

Ask your Senator to support S. 1114 and S. 1124 for Clean Slate legislation because an old CORI should not mean a lifetime of blocked opportunities.

9:00 | Public Health Council meets. Public Health Commissioner Goldstein gives an update, which will likely touch on World Cup preparations and newly released opioid-related fatality data | Agenda and Access

9:30 | Mayor Wu hosts a press conference on citywide programming and neighborhood activations for residents and visitors ahead of major events this summer | LoPresti Park, 33 Sumner Street, East Boston

10:30 | Fairness for Farmworkers Coalition is holding a rally and lobby day for the so-called Fairness for Farmworkers Act (H 2108 / S 2011 and S 2012), which would close longstanding exemptions in state wage and hour law that leave farmworkers without the state minimum wage, overtime protections or a guaranteed day of rest | State House steps

11:00 | House holds formal session, with roll calls starting at 1 p.m. | House Chamber | Agenda | Livestream

11:00. | Senate Democrats meet in a caucus | Senate President Spilka's office and virtual

1:00 | Mass Power Forward, a coalition of climate and environmental justice groups, protests at Eversource headquarters before heading to the State House for a "Follow the Money" tour and rally. Other rallies are happening in Pittsfield and Springfield, which organizers say comes as utilities are "raking in record profits while constituents struggle to pay their energy bills” | 800 Boylston St., Boston 

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As electricity demand rises heading into the summer cooling season, National Grid is already taking steps to reduce risk, improve the customer experience, and support businesses and economic activity across the Commonwealth, helping bring energy to power possibilities for customers and communities. Investments in system reliability, coupled with proactive planning and newer technologies, help minimize disruptions and avoid costs that ultimately impact customers. — LEARN MORE

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EDUCATION POLLING: According to a new survey released by EdTrust and MassInc Polling, the percentage of parents who say their child is most likely to seek a bachelor’s degree after high school has decreased, while the amount of families expecting their child to seek an associate’s degree has risen. — WBUR

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How will Boston navigate federal policy challenges and economic woes in a time of political uncertainty? What are the challenges and opportunities facing Boston in 2026? Kicking off a blockbuster summer featuring the World Cup and America 250, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu joins MASSterList columnist Jon Keller for an in-person fireside chat at the MCLE Conference Center in Downtown Crossing. Register here.

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