Environment (Water Quality)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 322: An Act establishing the Blue Communities Program

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 600) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a blue communities program to incentivize local action to reduce nutrient pollution and ocean acidification. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates program to incentivize reducing nutrient pollution and ocean acidification, directly addressing environmental protection goals per summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1466: An Act relative to water flow in the Central Plymouth County Water District

This bill requires the Central Plymouth County Water District to maintain continuous water flow from Silver Lake, Monponsett Pond, and Furnace Pond to the Jones River, Stump Brook, and Herring Brook year-round, unless drought conditions prevent it. It directly affects water management practices for these specific water bodies and their connected rivers. The key provision mandates that water diversions must not endanger the environmental health of associated ponds and rivers, and the ponds must consistently supply flow to sustain river water quality and ecosystem health. This creates a concrete, enforceable standard for water flow management in the district.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates year-round water flow to protect pond/river ecosystems from endangerment, directly advancing environmental health of water bodies per bill's key provision.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 9, 2026

S 608: An Act relative to combined sewer overflows

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 608) of Patricia D. Jehlen relative to combined sewer overflows. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAddresses combined sewer overflows, a source of water pollution, aiming to reduce environmental contamination through infrastructure improvements95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Sep 8, 2025

H 4421: An Act establishing healthy soil performance guidelines

H 4421 requires Massachusetts' Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create regulations for soil performance after construction projects, directly affecting developers and construction companies. The regulations will cover soil depth, quality, carbon storage, stormwater runoff, water quality, fertilizer use, and compaction, with the DEP working alongside UMass Amherst Extension to align with existing soil science practices. Violations could result in fines up to $1,000 for repeat offenses, with an appeal process through administrative law. The bill also adds definitions for "functional turf" (e.g., lawns, parks) and "utility turf" (e.g., erosion-control grasses) to clarify applicable land uses.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates DEP to regulate soil performance for carbon storage, stormwater runoff, and water quality, directly advancing environmental protection and conservation standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 952: An Act relative to watershed forest protection

By Representative Gentile of Sudbury, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 952) of Carmine Lawrence Gentile and others relative to watershed forest protection. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly protects watershed forests under Environment and Natural Resources, conserving natural resources and maintaining ecosystem health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 24, 2025

S 566: An Act to overcome coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 566) of Julian Cyr for legislation to overcome coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly targets coastal acidification and nutrient pollution, directly advancing environmental protection through legislative action to address key environmental issues.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 24, 2025

S 2730: An Act relative to a future blue economy

Senate, November 24, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 600) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a blue communities program to incentivize local action to reduce nutrient pollution and ocean acidification; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 603) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a blue economy workforce pipeline; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 605) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation relative to a future blue economy, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2730).

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes blue communities program to reduce nutrient pollution and ocean acidification, directly advancing environmental protection through pollution control measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2152: An Act instructing the Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game to study the feasibility of repurposing the former Moon Island Sewage Treatment Plant for the purposes of fish and shellfish farms

This bill directs Massachusetts' Department of Fish & Game to study whether the former Moon Island Sewage Treatment Plant in Boston Harbor could be repurposed for fish and shellfish farming. The study would examine using the site's large granite tanks (50 million gallons capacity) to improve water quality in Boston Harbor and Quincy Bay, support marine life like crabs and fish, and provide educational opportunities for schools. The department must complete the study and share findings with Boston and Quincy officials, conservation commissions, and state legislators by December 15, 2026. The bill does not create the farms but evaluates their feasibility.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directs study to repurpose sewage plant for fish farming to improve harbor water quality and support marine life, aligning with environmental protection goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1294: An Act to incentivize the adoption of local climate resilience policies

HD 1294 creates the "MVP Plus" program to incentivize municipalities to adopt climate resilience policies. To qualify, towns must adopt at least four of six specific requirements, including stormwater programs, climate resilience hubs, green infrastructure training, floodplain restrictions, tree ordinances, and updated precipitation analysis. Qualified communities receive annual funding from the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Trust Fund, distributed based on population, flood risk, road mileage, employment, and vulnerability scores. The funds can be used for approved climate projects or shared personnel, with projects deemed approved if not reviewed within 30 days.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncentivizes climate resilience policies with funding for stormwater, green infrastructure, and floodplain management - directly advancing environmental protection and climate adaptation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 753: An Act to incentivize the adoption of local climate resilience policies

This bill establishes the MVP Plus program, which provides funding to municipalities that adopt specific climate resilience policies. To qualify, towns must complete a vulnerability assessment, adopt a specialized resilience code, and implement at least four of six required policies (such as stormwater programs, climate resilience hubs, green infrastructure training, floodplain overlays, tree ordinances, or updated precipitation analysis). Qualified municipalities receive annual funds from the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Trust Fund, distributed using a formula based on population, road mileage, flood risk, and social vulnerability scores. The funds can be used for approved climate projects, hiring resilience staff, or regional initiatives, with projects automatically approved if not reviewed within 30 days.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides state funding for climate resilience programs via MVP Plus, increasing government spending on local initiatives as part of budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds municipalities adopting climate resilience policies (e.g., green infrastructure, floodplain overlays) to advance environmental protection and climate adaptation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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