An Act assessing environmental justice in designated port areas

This bill requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to create a special board to evaluate environmental justice issues in designated port areas of Massachusetts. The five-member board will include representatives from the executive branch, legislature, and community leaders to assess social, economic, and public health impacts of land and water uses in these communities. Specifically, the board will investigate the prevalence of environmental hazards, their cumulative health effects, and economic trends related to marine industries and waterfront development. After completing its study, the board must submit findings and recommendations for policy changes to the secretary and legislative committees within 90 days of the law's passage.