HD 2742 establishes a Massachusetts Industrial Mill Building Revitalization Task Force to renew abandoned and underused industrial mill buildings and their surrounding areas. The task force, composed of state officials, legislators from mill communities, building owners, utility representatives, and planning experts, will review existing laws, create a statewide inventory of mill buildings (active/inactive), explore new economic uses, improve energy efficiency, and identify better permitting processes. Its goal is to develop recommendations and draft legislation for submission by August 1, 2025, to stimulate redevelopment. This bill directly affects communities with mill buildings and property owners seeking to repurpose these structures.
This bill creates a commission to assess and improve the health and energy efficiency of Massachusetts public college and university buildings, directly affecting all 15 public institutions (including UMass, community colleges, and state universities). The commission will evaluate factors like air quality, water safety, energy use, and accessibility, then develop standards and publish findings online. It establishes two funds: one to cover debt service on campus construction (freeing up money for faculty hiring and student support programs) and another to finance renovations and new construction meeting the commission's green and healthy standards. The bill mandates that by 2027, all new academic/administrative buildings must be fully funded by the state, eliminating reliance on institutional debt.
By Representatives Vargas of Haverhill and Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3577) of Andres X. Vargas, Manny Cruz and others for legislation to establish a zero carbon renovation fund to provide for the costs associated with energy efficiency renovations of certain existing buildings. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
Senate, September 2, 2025 -- The committee on Higher Education to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 949) of Jacob R. Oliveira, Vanna Howard, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a Green and Healthy Public College and University Building Planning Commission that will make recommendations for public higher education buildings relative to energy efficiency, spatial adequacy, life safety, accessibility, indoor environmental quality and public health, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2594).
This bill allocates $1.25 billion in state funds for capital improvements at Massachusetts public higher education institutions (state universities, community colleges, and vocational schools). It directly affects these institutions by funding deferred maintenance, modernization, decarbonization, lab upgrades, and facility renovations to support educational missions and regional economic development. Key provisions include $80 million for energy efficiency projects, $100 million for repurposing campus buildings into housing, and $120 million for student support facilities and collaborations between community colleges and vocational schools. The bill requires annual reporting on project progress and outcomes, such as student participation in collaborative programs, to ensure accountability.
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3476) of Marjorie C. Decker and others relative to energy assessments and energy efficiency improvements at schools and public institutions of higher education. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
This bill establishes the Agriculture and Fishery Vulnerability Preparedness Grant Fund to provide financial support to Massachusetts farms and fisheries for climate adaptation. The fund, administered by the energy and environmental affairs secretary, will award grants for climate-resilient practices like renewable energy upgrades, infrastructure improvements, and data monitoring to help these sectors prepare for climate impacts. Grants must be used for specific climate adaptation activities, including controlled climate growing, energy efficiency, and nature-based solutions. The bill also requires quarterly reporting on grant recipients, funding amounts, and technical assistance provided to ensure transparency.
SD 117 establishes a State Board of Building Regulations and Standards to develop a statewide building code that requires climate resilience and energy efficiency in new construction. The bill mandates that building standards address climate risks like flooding, extreme weather, and sea-level rise using science-based floodplain maps and historical data. Local towns and cities can adopt "expanded floodplain maps" (beyond federal FEMA maps) to determine flood risks and enforce flood-resistant building requirements. The bill also directs the board to eliminate outdated regulations that increase construction costs without improving climate resilience or public safety.
By Mr. Mark, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2299) of Paul W. Mark for legislation to establish an energy efficiency authority, and a green jobs program and loan fund. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
By Representative Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3477) of Marjorie C. Decker, James B. Eldridge and Natalie M. Higgins relative to lighting and appliance efficiency standards. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.