By Representative Hogan of Stow, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 968) of Kate Hogan for legislation to establish a lithium-ion battery stewardship program. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Representative Rogers of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3225) of David M. Rogers relative to sales tax exemptions for battery electric vehicles or fuel cell powered vehicles. Revenue.
By Representative Meschino of Hull, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 9) of Joan Meschino and others for legislation to create a climate bank to facilitate innovative financing solutions for climate and clean energy innovations in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Financial Services.
This bill allocates $1.25 billion in state funds for capital improvements at Massachusetts public higher education institutions, including universities and community colleges. Key provisions fund general facility upgrades ($1.25B), decarbonization projects like energy-efficient retrofits ($80M), laboratory modernization ($120M), and specific projects such as the Huntington Tower revitalization at Mass College of Art ($275M). It requires projects to align with campus master plans and decarbonization strategies, with annual reporting on collaborations between community colleges and vocational schools. The funding directly affects all 15 Massachusetts public higher education institutions, supporting educational missions and regional economic development through physical infrastructure upgrades.
HD 3028 requires manufacturers and brand owners (producers) of portable and medium lithium-ion batteries sold in Massachusetts to fund a statewide recycling program. It establishes a system where producers must pay for collection and recycling through designated nonprofit "battery stewardship organizations," which must meet annual collection rate targets based on estimated battery sales. The program excludes vehicle batteries, large industrial batteries (over 2,000 watt-hours), medical device batteries, and lead-acid batteries. This shifts recycling responsibility and costs from consumers and taxpayers to the producers of covered batteries.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 556) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Michael D. Brady and Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a lithium-ion battery stewardship program. Environment and Natural Resources.
HD 3369 establishes a Climate Change Adaptation Superfund to finance projects that help communities prepare for and recover from climate impacts. It requires fossil fuel companies and entities that extracted coal, oil, or natural gas in Massachusetts between 1995 and 2024 to pay into the fund based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. Payments will support concrete adaptation projects like upgrading stormwater systems, retrofitting public buildings for energy efficiency, and protecting communities from extreme weather. The fund prioritizes environmental justice communities - neighborhoods with high poverty rates, minority populations, or limited English proficiency - to ensure equitable access to climate resilience efforts.
This bill allocates $3.05 billion in state funds for capital improvements at Massachusetts public higher education institutions. It directly affects community colleges, the University of Massachusetts system, and other public colleges by funding deferred maintenance, modernization, decarbonization projects, laboratory upgrades, and facility renovations. Key provisions include $1.25 billion for campus infrastructure at community colleges, $1.25 billion for UMass campuses, $80 million for energy efficiency projects, $120 million for student support facilities, and $30 million for campus planning. All projects must align with approved campus master plans and be tracked through the state's capital asset management system.
This bill creates the Commercial Fisheries Offshore Wind Mitigation Fund to support Massachusetts' commercial fishing industry. The fund finances projects that develop new fisheries, enhance existing ones, introduce efficient technologies, and modernize infrastructure to boost competitiveness, reduce carbon footprints, and improve operational efficiency. It will be financed through state appropriations, federal/private grants, and other designated sources, and managed by the Commissioner of Fish and Game with input from a fisheries commission. Unspent funds carry over annually, and the Commissioner must report yearly to the legislature on fund activities and expenditures.
By Representatives Owens of Watertown and Sylvia of Fairhaven, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 450) of Steven Owens relative to protections for solar customers. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
