Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick has signed a bill aimed at putting the state on a greener path.
The new law is intended to help the state begin to wean itself off fossil fuels and other polluting forms of energy while cutting down on emissions that lead to global warming.
A key section of the bill would require utilities and other electricity suppliers in the state to procure an increasing percentage of their energy from renewable sources – from 4 percent in 2009 to 25 percent in 2030.
The law also requires utility companies to offer rebates and incentives for customers to upgrade lighting and air conditioning to more efficient models.
Patrick signed the bill Wednesday at the Museum of Science.