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.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 664) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation relative to liability for release of hazardous materials. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 593) of Ryan C. Fattman for legislation to reform the toxic use reduction act. Environment and Natural Resources.
This bill establishes the Environmental Public Health Trust Fund (EPHTF) within the Department of Public Health to support cancer surveillance and environmental health studies. The fund provides dedicated, non-reverting funding for research, data collection, sample analysis, and public engagement related to environmental health impacts, without replacing existing public health funding. It can be financed through legislative appropriations, private grants, or cost recovery from hazardous waste investigations, with all interest retained in the fund. The Department must publish all funded research online and report annual expenditures to the legislature. This directly affects public health researchers, communities near environmental hazards, and state agencies managing health investigations.
This bill revises Massachusetts' definition of "environmental justice population" to clarify which neighborhoods qualify for targeted environmental protections. It specifies five criteria: low income (≤65% of state median), minority population (≥40%), limited English proficiency (≥25% of households), or proximity to a Superfund site. Neighborhoods not fully meeting these can still qualify if a portion meets criteria and 10 residents petition for that specific area. The Secretary of Environmental Affairs can also deny designation if a neighborhood has higher income, more college-educated residents, no pollution burden, or good access to natural resources. This definition directly affects communities seeking environmental justice programs and state agency decision-making.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 588) of James B. Eldridge, Steven Owens, Mike Connolly, Patricia D. Jehlen and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a Climate Adaptation Superfund. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Representatives Hunt of Boston and Garballey of Arlington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 971) of Daniel J. Hunt, Sean Garballey and others for legislation to establish a climate change superfund and promoting polluter responsibility. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Representatives Owens of Watertown and Lewis of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1014) of Steven Owens, Danillo A. Sena and others for legislation to finance climate adaptation projects. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 588) of James B. Eldridge, Steven Owens, Mike Connolly, Patricia D. Jehlen and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a Climate Adaptation Superfund. Environment and Natural Resources.
