This bill requires Massachusetts regional transit authorities to transition their bus fleets to electric vehicles by 2035, with specific procurement targets: 40% electric buses by 2028, 60% by 2030, and 80% by 2032. It prioritizes electrifying routes serving environmental justice communities (defined as areas disproportionately affected by pollution) and mandates annual reporting on progress, including reasons for using fossil fuel vehicles. The Department of Transportation must create a support office by 2026 to assist with planning, procurement, and worker retraining for employees impacted by the shift. Transit authorities must also conduct community outreach with environmental justice populations and include fossil fuel infrastructure details in public reports.
This bill prohibits new gas facilities or expansions within 5 miles of environmental justice neighborhoods, except when required for public safety. It mandates that Massachusetts gas companies submit detailed "just transition plans" by 2026, covering workforce training, retention, and pipeline retirement timelines through 2050 to align with net-zero emissions goals. These plans must address maintaining safe service while shifting to renewable energy alternatives and include measures for employee support during the transition. The requirements apply to all gas distribution companies operating in Massachusetts under Chapter 164.
This bill expands solar energy development opportunities by modifying net metering rules for solar facilities on "built land" (like parking lots, brownfields, and landfills) and "disturbed land" (barren sites from human activity). It allows solar projects on such land to exceed 1 megawatt capacity (up to 5 MW) and exempts them from certain size limits and net metering restrictions that apply to other sites. The bill also requires new incentives for solar on built land through the state's solar program, including adjusted funding for market costs and priority for environmental justice communities. It mandates reports by 2025 on using federal funds to support equitable solar deployment on these land types.
HD 2036 creates a 6-member advisory panel to investigate sand mining's impacts on public health and the environment. The panel includes experts in GIS, ecology, community advocacy, hydrology, and Indigenous environmental justice, appointed by state leaders and the Governor. It will study sand mining effects on drinking water, Environmental Justice communities, climate resilience, and air pollution (including silica exposure) over two years. The panel's findings will inform potential regulatory changes to mining licensing laws under Chapter 21B, Section 5, aimed at protecting water, health, and the environment.
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 requires Massachusetts to address air pollution in communities disproportionately affected by outdoor air pollution. It creates a technical advisory committee to identify pollution "hotspots" near highways, industrial areas, and transportation hubs, and mandates new air monitoring for pollutants like black carbon and ultrafine particles. By 2030, the state must reduce pollution levels in these hotspots by 50% compared to 2026 baselines, with a 75% reduction target by 2035. The bill also requires high-efficiency air filtration systems in specific buildings within 200 meters of pollution sources - including public housing, schools, colleges, and large commercial buildings - to improve indoor air quality for residents and workers.
By Representative Madaro of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 997) of Adrian C. Madaro and William F. MacGregor for legislation to require the Massachusetts Port Authority to conduct an environmental risk assessment of the health impacts of the General Lawrence Logan Airport in the East Boston section of the city of Boston and the town of Winthrop. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Representative Haggerty of Woburn, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 963) of Richard M. Haggerty relative to further defining an environmental justice population. Environment and Natural Resources.
This bill (HD 2330) requires state funding and permitting preferences for urban agriculture projects located in or within one mile of "environmental justice municipalities." It directly affects community gardens, urban farms, and related projects seeking state support in qualifying neighborhoods. The bill defines "environmental justice municipalities" using specific criteria, including low median household income (≤65% of state average), high minority populations (≥40%), or limited English proficiency (≥25% of households). Key provisions amend existing law (Section 1) to prioritize these projects and establish the new definition (Section 2) to identify eligible communities.
By Representative DuBois of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 935) of Michelle M. DuBois relative to decreasing the siting or expansion of toxics release inventory facilities within certain low income or minority populated neighborhoods. Environment and Natural Resources.
