Environment (Coastal & Flood Protection) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3297: An Act establishing a coastal waters wastewater financing commission

HD 3297 creates a 27-member commission to study funding solutions for wastewater infrastructure improvements in 14 South Coast Massachusetts towns (including Acushnet, New Bedford, and Plymouth) affected by nitrogen pollution. The commission will examine the costs of expanding sewers, upgrading treatment facilities, reducing overflows, and converting septic systems, then identify fair revenue options like fees or taxes. It must hold public hearings, consult experts, and submit a report with specific funding recommendations to state officials within one year. The bill itself does not fund projects but establishes a process to develop future legislation for addressing nitrogen pollution in coastal waters.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2695: An Act to protect and preserve the northern right whale and other resident endangered whale and sea turtle species

HD 2695 requires Massachusetts' Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program (NHESP) to annually review how recreational and commercial fishing licenses, vessel activities, and coastal development impact endangered whales and sea turtles under the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act (MESA), starting in 2026 for five years. It mandates NHESP to publish annual reports on whale sightings and human-caused injuries, and to evaluate designating Cape Cod Bay as protected habitat for Northern Right Whales. The bill also creates a new "Sustainable Fishing" license program for crab and lobster harvesters using gear that prevents bycatch, initially issuing 25 licenses in 2027 with annual increases of 25 for four years. Finally, it sets the economic value of a Northern Right Whale at $2 million for legal purposes, treating injury or death as equivalent economic loss to the Commonwealth.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Wildlife

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 178: An Act relative to the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund

This bill amends the Salisbury Beach Preservation Trust Fund to expand its purpose and funding. It updates the definition to include the entire Salisbury Beach dune and beach system (covering public and private property) and increases the access fee from $3 to $4 per visitor. The fund will now specifically support acquiring sand for beach restoration, installing dune plants and fencing, and funding coastal resilience projects through matching grants. Additionally, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) must submit annual reports on fund use and update the management plan biennially to include disaster recovery planning.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Natural Disasters

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 3984: An Act relative to promoting the beneficial use of dredged materials for coastal resilience, nourishment and restoration

This bill establishes guidelines for using dredged materials (sand and sediment removed from waterways) in coastal restoration projects instead of traditional disposal methods. It requires state environmental agencies to prioritize beneficial uses, such as beach nourishment and shoreline stabilization, to improve coastal resilience. Coastal communities and state agencies managing dredging operations would be directly affected by implementing these new requirements. The policy aims to reduce disposal costs while enhancing natural coastal protection through existing dredging activities.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Recycling Water Quality

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2166: An Act relative to community preservation funds for coastal infrastructure

This bill amends Massachusetts law to require coastal communities that adopt its provisions to dedicate at least 10% of their community preservation funds toward specific coastal infrastructure projects. The funds must be used for beach nourishment, dune restoration, and seawall maintenance or reconstruction. It directly affects coastal municipalities that choose to implement this requirement by altering how they allocate their existing preservation funds. The change modifies Section 6 of Chapter 44B of the General Laws, adding the new funding allocation language after "housing" in the existing text.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2177: An Act establishing a revolving fund to supplement the funding of waterway projects and coastal protection initiatives

This bill establishes a Coastal Protection and Harbor Maintenance Revolving Fund to help municipalities finance coastal protection and harbor maintenance projects. It allows the Department of Environmental Management to provide up to 50% of approved project costs (through low-interest loans or grants) to cover debt service or bonds for projects approved after January 1, 2021. The fund supplements, rather than replaces, other state assistance and directly affects municipalities with qualifying projects that maintain harbor access or protect coastlines. The department must create rules defining eligible projects and report annual funding requests and unmet demand to legislative committees. The fund is replenished through annual appropriations and must be used for projects meeting specific criteria outlined in the bill.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2214: An Act relative to Long and Moon Islands in Boston Harbor

This bill establishes Long Island and Moon Island in Boston Harbor as protected reservation lands for public use and conservation. It directs the state to acquire both islands by June 30, 2027, and create the "Long Island Reservation" and "Moon Island Reservation" to protect coastal habitats (including wetlands and shellfish habitats), preserve open space, and provide accessible public park access. The reservations will be managed as state park land under Chapter 92 of the General Laws, with specific protections for coastal ecosystems. The bill does not alter existing recreational leases on the islands but declares them permanent reservation lands for conservation and public enjoyment.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Parks & Recreation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2426: An Act relative to promoting the beneficial use of dredged materials for coastal resilience, nourishment and restoration

This bill establishes a dedicated "Dredge Material Fund" to finance coastal restoration projects using dredged materials removed during authorized dredging operations. The fund will be financed by dredging permit fees, municipal contributions, state/federal grants, and other designated revenues, and must be used exclusively for beach nourishment, marshland enhancement, and intercoastal island restoration to improve coastal resilience and habitat. Municipalities and private entities like beach associations can join the program by submitting project plans and contributing costs, while the Department of Environmental Protection must identify sites, facilitate material redistribution, and develop placement guidelines. Annual reports detailing project locations, outcomes, and expenditures must be submitted to legislative committees.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 29, 2025

H 1000: An Act establishing a coastal waters wastewater financing commission

By Representative Markey of Dartmouth, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1000) of Christopher M. Markey and others for an investigation by a special commission (including members of the General Court) relative to specific revenue sources to fund essential wastewater infrastructure improvements in response to nitrogen pollution on the south coast of Massachusetts. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 837: An Act supporting climate progress through sustainably developed offshore wind

This bill establishes an advisory council of wildlife experts and tribal representatives to guide offshore wind development in Massachusetts, focusing on protecting species like North Atlantic right whales and coastal habitats. It creates new support programs for communities hosting offshore wind projects, giving them priority access to state funding for infrastructure, housing, and economic development. The bill also mandates a special commission to study the offshore wind supply chain, workforce needs, and economic opportunities, requiring recommendations on equity and environmental justice. Additionally, it amends existing laws to strengthen wildlife monitoring requirements and expand incentives for communities hosting clean energy facilities.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Wind Coastal & Flood Protection Environmental Justice Wildlife Property Development

All environment bills