Environment

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 17, 2025

S 645: An Act prohibiting the use of coal tar sealers

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 645) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to prohibit the use of coal tar sealers. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibiting coal tar sealers (a known source of toxic PAHs that pollute waterways and soil) directly reduces environmental contamination, aligning with pollution control and protection indicators.95% confidence

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 25, 2026

H 3548: An Act limiting the eligibility of woody biomass as an alternative energy supply

By Representative Ramos of Springfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3548) of Orlando Ramos relative to limiting the eligibility of woody biomass as an alternative energy supply. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill explicitly limits woody biomass eligibility as an alternative energy source, restricting a renewable energy category per title and summary.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill limits woody biomass eligibility, restricting a potentially harmful energy source to protect environment.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 15, 2026

H 3935: An Act relative to ivory and rhinoceros horn trafficking

By Representative Livingstone of Boston, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Jay D. Livingstone and others relative to ivory and rhinoceros horn trafficking. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill targets illegal ivory/rhino horn trafficking, directly protecting endangered species under Environment committee, aligning with conservation goals.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 918: An Act protecting drinking water and public health from sand mining pollution

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 918) of Mike Connolly, John R. Gaskey and Leigh Davis for legislation to creation of a advisory panel (including members of the General Court) to investigate the scope and scale of sand mining and its current and potential impact on drinking water. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates advisory panel to investigate sand mining's impact on drinking water, directly addressing pollution prevention and public health protection under Environment and Natural Resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 5355: An Act relative to reducing the use of toxic pesticides in the town of Eastham

This bill (HD 5355) allows the town of Eastham to create its own local rules restricting the use of toxic pesticides within its boundaries, overriding conflicting state laws like Chapter 132B. It directly affects Eastham residents, property owners, and businesses that use pesticides in the town. The key provision is granting Eastham the authority to adopt by-laws regulating pesticide use, without needing state approval. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly enables Eastham to restrict toxic pesticides, reducing environmental pollution and protecting ecosystems per its core purpose.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 24, 2025

S 603: An Act to establish a blue economy workforce pipeline

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 603) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a blue economy workforce pipeline. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes blue economy workforce pipeline under Environment committee, promoting sustainable ocean resource management and conservation-focused jobs.90% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 1072: An Act of improving environmental justice in Black communities

H 1072 would require the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs to conduct environmental audits in Black communities designated as environmental justice neighborhoods. These audits would assess pollution levels and potential health risks in these areas, focusing on neighborhoods facing disproportionate environmental burdens. The resulting data would help identify specific environmental disparities and inform future state actions to address them.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates environmental audits in disproportionately burdened Black communities to assess pollution and health risks, directly addressing environmental disparities and informing protective state actions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Environmental Justice

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3159: An Act ban the use of tire-derived materials in playgrounds and playing fields in Massachusetts

HD 3159 bans the use of tire-derived materials (like crumb rubber, shredded tires, and rubberized asphalt) in all new playgrounds and playing fields across Massachusetts. It directly affects schools, parks, childcare centers, and sports facilities by prohibiting these materials in construction or maintenance of play surfaces. The law includes an exception for existing surfaces installed before the bill's effective date. The Department of Environmental Protection enforces the ban, while the Department of Public Health will advise on safe alternative surfacing. This is a direct policy change affecting all public and private play areas in the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans crumb rubber/tire materials to prevent soil/water pollution from toxic leachates, directly protecting environmental health and public safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1896: An Act to ensure adequate and affordable energy

This bill requires Massachusetts to create a comprehensive energy plan every three years, starting in 2026, to project electricity, transportation, and heating needs while prioritizing conservation and efficiency to meet the state's 2030 and 2040 climate goals. It also mandates that state energy agencies monitor supply and costs, and if a shortage or consumer cost increase exceeding 10% is forecast within a year, they must develop a public contingency plan. The plan must detail the cause, proposed actions, responsible agencies, and timeline, and include at least one public hearing and input from relevant state entities. This ensures proactive planning for energy reliability and affordability, with all plans made publicly available.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPrioritizes conservation, efficiency, and climate goals (2030/2040) in energy planning, aligning with renewable energy advancement and consumer cost protection.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates prioritizing conservation and efficiency in energy planning to meet climate goals, directly advancing environmental protection and emissions reduction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Energy Resilience

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1867: Resolve establishing the roadside litter prevention and cleanup task force

Massachusetts bill SD 1867 establishes a state task force within the Department of Transportation to address roadside litter. The task force, led by the Transportation Secretary and including tourism, public safety, environmental, and cleanup organization representatives, will create a statewide anti-littering campaign and analyze annual cleanup costs, funding sources, and high-impact areas. It must also evaluate current litter enforcement, fines, and recommend funding needs for cleanup and enforcement by December 2026. The report will be submitted to the governor and relevant legislative committees, focusing on concrete policy changes for highway litter management.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates task force to reduce roadside litter via anti-litter campaigns and cleanup analysis, directly addressing pollution control and environmental protection goals.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEstablishes DOT task force for roadside litter cleanup, enhancing road infrastructure maintenance and safety.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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