Environment

passed · Massachusetts · House Aug 6, 2026

H 5247: An Act authorizing the town of Maynard to prohibit or restrict the application of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides

By Representative Hogan of Stow, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 5247) of Kate Hogan (by vote of the town) that the town of Maynard be authorized to prohibit or restrict the application of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides in said town. Environment and Natural Resources. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits/restricts toxic rodenticides, protecting local wildlife and reducing environmental contamination.85% confidence

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 5215: An Act establishing the Blue Communities Program

This bill creates the Blue Communities Program to help local governments reduce nutrient pollution and ocean acidification through grants and loans. To qualify, municipalities must adopt at least five of nine specific initiatives, such as hazardous liquid waste collection, rain barrel programs, shellfish restoration projects, and fertilizer restrictions. The program is funded by a new state fund that may draw from offshore wind contributions, fertilizer sales taxes, and other environmental revenue sources. The executive office will oversee the program, prioritize funding for environmental justice communities, and require participating municipalities to report progress every two years.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a new funding program for environmental initiatives through grants and loans, utilizing environmental revenue sources to support local government programs.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill funds ocean acidification reduction and includes offshore wind contributions, supporting renewable energy infrastructure and clean energy initiatives.75% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes program to reduce nutrient pollution and ocean acidification through grants, loans, and mandatory environmental initiatives like waste collection and fertilizer restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wind Environmental Justice Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House Mar 2, 2026

HD 5697: A communication from the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience (see Section 73(f) of Chapter 7C of the General Laws) submitting an interim report from the Embodied Carbon Intergovernmental Coordinating Council promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity and protecting ratepayers

This bill involves the submission of an interim report from the Embodied Carbon Intergovernmental Coordinating Council to the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience. The report focuses on promoting a clean energy grid, advancing equity, and protecting ratepayers through recommendations related to embodied carbon in construction and energy projects. The document outlines findings and strategies developed by the council to support sustainable energy infrastructure while ensuring fair outcomes for consumers. As a procedural communication, the bill does not create new laws but rather shares information and guidance for ongoing climate and energy initiatives.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes clean energy grid, advances equity, and protects ratepayers through embodied carbon recommendations for sustainable energy infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes clean energy grid, reduces embodied carbon in construction, and advances climate resilience through sustainable infrastructure recommendations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 5217: An Act restricting the use of rodenticides in the environment

This bill restricts the use of anticoagulant rodenticides, which are blood-thinning pesticides, by limiting their registration and allowing emergency use only under strict conditions. It directly affects pest control professionals, public health officials, and property owners who manage rodent infestations. The key provisions ban the registration of these chemicals except for emergencies, require their use to be limited to 14 days in a single location, mandate non-chemical pest control methods, and require detailed reporting to the state department. Additionally, the bill establishes annual public reporting on where and how these pesticides were used during emergency situations. The restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2028.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill restricts harmful rodenticides to protect environment and public health, reducing chemical pollution and promoting non-chemical pest control methods.90% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 5218: An Act relative to the blue economy

This bill creates three new grant programs in Massachusetts to support the blue economy, which focuses on sustainable ocean and marine industry practices. The first program provides funding to small businesses transitioning to circular economy models that keep materials in use longer, prioritizing minority-owned, women-owned, and environmental justice community businesses. The second program offers grants to nonprofits, academic institutions, and businesses for research and technology development that improves ocean health, with priority given to projects benefiting marine species, coastal communities, and equity. The third program establishes a fund within the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to support high schools in developing blue-STEAM workforce training and job placement programs, with funding prioritized for schools in environmental justice communities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates grant programs for sustainable ocean practices, circular economy models, and environmental justice, directly supporting environmental protection and conservation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Environmental Justice Recycling

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Feb 26, 2026

H 5148: An Act preventing the discharge of radioactive materials

H 5148 requires Massachusetts' Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to study the environmental and economic impacts of discharging wastewater from nuclear power plant spent fuel pools - including methods that speed up evaporation of radioactive materials like tritium. The study must assess effects on industries like fishing, tourism, and restaurants, monitor pollution levels, and recommend ways to reduce harm. The DEP must submit a report with findings and proposed standards to relevant legislative committees by December 2026. This bill directly affects nuclear power plant operations and state agencies, but does not ban discharges or create new regulations itself.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates DEP study to reduce harm from radioactive discharges, monitor pollution, and recommend protective standards, directly advancing environmental protection.92% confidence

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passed both · Massachusetts · House Jul 16, 2026

H 5175: An Act relative to energy affordability, clean power and economic competitiveness

This bill requires Massachusetts utilities to create a public online dashboard showing real-time breakdowns of residential utility bills, including clean energy program benefits and costs. It mandates that at least 70% of certain clean energy compliance payments must be returned to ratepayers as annual bill credits within 90 days. The dashboard will display historical rate components, program benefits (like reduced emissions and system reliability), and utility cost recovery mechanisms. These changes directly affect residential electricity and gas customers by increasing bill transparency and providing direct financial returns for clean energy investments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates returning 70% of clean energy compliance payments to ratepayers as bill credits, providing direct financial relief to residential consumers and promoting fiscal responsibility in utility billing.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates 70% return of clean energy compliance payments as bill credits and requires transparency on clean energy benefits, directly advancing renewable energy affordability and consumer protection.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates clean energy program benefits including reduced emissions to be displayed, returns 70% of compliance payments as bill credits for clean power adoption.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 5139: An Act establishing a review process of guidelines for managing recreational use of beaches to protect piping plovers, terns, and their habitats in Massachusetts

By Representative Sweezey of Duxbury, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kenneth P. Sweezey for legislation to establish a review process of guidelines for managing recreational use of beaches to protect piping plovers, terns and their habitats. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes review process to protect piping plover and tern habitats, directly advancing conservation under Environment and Natural Resources.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 16, 2026

H 5140: An Act creating parity among Massachusetts beaches

By Representative Sweezey of Duxbury, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Kenneth P. Sweezey relative to the Massachusetts Habitat Conservation Plan. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill relates to Massachusetts Habitat Conservation Plan under Environment & Natural Resources, indicating conservation-focused intent per summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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signed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 10, 2026

S 2963: An Act authorizing the town of Milton to use certain land acquired for conservation purposes for school purposes

By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2963) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Milton to use certain land acquired for conservation purposes for school purposes. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationAuthorizes use of conservation land for school facilities, improving educational infrastructure per bill's explicit purpose.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill repurposes land designated for conservation to school use, removing conservation requirements and weakening environmental protection efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation