Section 2.02 - Purpose and Functions of the Board(1)Purpose of the Board. The Board has been established by M.G.L. c. 164, §69H. The Board is responsible for implementing the energy policies contained in its enabling legislation in order to provide a reliable energy supply for Massachusetts with a minimum impact on the environment at the lowest possible cost. The powers and duties of the Board are enumerated in M.G.L. c. 164, § 69H.(2)Primary Functions of the Board. Matters reviewed by the Board include petitions for: (a) electric transmission lines(b) electric generating facilities(c) gas pipelines and storage facilities(d) oil refining, storage, and transportation facilities(e) hydropower generation facilities The Board also has the authority to issue certificates of environmental impact and public interest, to approve the promulgation, amendment or repeal of the Board's regulations at 980 CMR; and to issue civil penalties to any applicant who violates an order of the Board.
(3)Adjudicatory Proceedings. The Board reviews the following matters which shall be resolved through adjudicatory proceedings in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30A and 980 CMR 1.00: a hearing on a petition to construct a facility held pursuant to M.G.L. c. 164, § 69J or 69J1/4; a hearing on an initial petition filed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 164, § 69K or M.G.L. c. 164, § 69K1/2 a hearing on an Application for a Certificate filed pursuant to M.G.L. c. 164, § 69L or M.G.L. c. 164, § 69L1/4; and a hearing on appeal under M.G.L. c. 164, § 69H1/2.(4)Mailing List. The Board shall maintain a mailing list, shall place upon the list the name and address of any person or group so requesting, and shall give to such persons and groups written notice of activities of the Board for which notice may be appropriate. Failure to give notice to any person or group on the list shall not, in itself, render any act of the Board invalid. The Board may from time to time remove irom the list persons or groups no longer expressing interest in receiving notices.