Today, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed into law one of the most aggressive energy bills in the country. Dubbed the Green Communities Act, the legislation aims to reduce demand, save households money, and curb greenhouse gases.

Most affected by the new law will be utility companies, which will be required to make energy efficiency and alternative energy investments and give rebates to consumers for green upgrades. In addition, the act will require power companies to buy clean power from customers that wind turbines or solar arrays.

"Today, Massachusetts has taken a giant step forward toward a clean energy future," said the Governor. "This legislation will reduce electric bills, promote the development of renewable energy, and stimulate the clean energy industry that is taking root here in the Commonwealth."

The new law sets a rate of increase for the state's Renewable Portfolio Standard to 1% (from 1/2%), resulting in 20% renewable power by 2020. It also ups the bar for building standards matching those in the Commonwealth to the latest and greatest International Energy Conservation Code.

The RPS equals Maryland's alt-energy promise, but both lag behind heavy-hitter California's commitment to 20% renewable energy by 2010 and 33% by 2020. Things are moving pretty quickly in the track race to be the greenest state and if yours isn't out of the blocks yet, you're about to get lapped.

Note: I almost titled this post E = MASSC², but thought better of it.