Environment (Water Quality)

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 9, 2026

S 3154: An act relative to combined sewer overflows

Senate, July 9, 2026 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 606) of Barry R. Finegold for legislation relative to further testing after a combined sewage overflow event; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 608) of Patricia D. Jehlen relative to combined sewer overflows, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 3154).

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill addresses combined sewer overflows, a major source of water pollution, aiming to reduce environmental harm through further testing and regulation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 6137: An Act regulating the use of fertilizer in the town of Wellfleet

This bill prohibits the application of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus in the Town of Wellfleet to protect local water quality from harmful algae growth. The law specifically targets these nutrients because Wellfleet's sandy soil allows them to quickly leach into fresh and salt waters, threatening drinking supplies and recreational areas. An exception is made for commercial agriculture and residential gardening, which may use organic fertilizers with low levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. By restricting these inputs, the measure aims to help the town meet state-mandated pollution limits for its waterways.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill restricts fertilizer runoff to protect water quality and prevent algae growth, directly supporting environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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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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signed · Massachusetts · House Nov 24, 2025

H 4772: An Act authorizing the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance to grant easements in certain parcels of land to the city of Lowell.

This bill allows the Commonwealth to grant permanent easements over three specific parcels (about 6,750 sq ft total) along the Merrimack River in Lowell to the city. The easements authorize Lowell to build, maintain, and repair outfall structures and drains for stormwater management. In exchange, the city must compensate the state through property improvements (valued at fair market rate) to nearby conservation land, not cash. The easements revert to the Commonwealth if Lowell stops using them for their intended purpose, and all transactions require independent appraisals and state committee review.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes stormwater management infrastructure with conservation land improvements, reducing pollution runoff and enhancing conservation per bill terms.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

passed · Massachusetts · House Oct 9, 2025

H 1053: An Act to create a Merrimack River Collaborative

By Representative Shand of Newburyport and Senator Tarr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1053) of Dawne Shand, Bruce E. Tarr and Francisco E. Paulino for legislation to create a Merrimack River Collaborative to monitor, improve, and restore water quality. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates collaborative to monitor, improve, and restore Merrimack River water quality under Environment and Natural Resources, directly advancing environmental protection and pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 25, 2026

S 652: An Act relative to the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 652) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation relative to the Quabbin Watershed advisory committee. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee under Environment and Natural Resources, directly supporting watershed conservation and management as a natural resource protection measure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 3, 2025

S 563: An Act relative to meeting the Commonwealth's water infrastructure future

By Mr. Cronin, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 563) of John J. Cronin for legislation relative to meet the Commonwealth's water infrastructure future. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill addresses water infrastructure under Environment subject, aiming to protect water resources and meet future environmental needs through infrastructure planning.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Recycling Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 11, 2025

S 546: An Act relative to the Quabbin watershed and regional equity

By Ms. Comerford, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 546) of Joanne M. Comerford, Jacob R. Oliveira and Peter J. Durant for legislation to establish the Quabbin Host Community Trust Fund. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes Quabbin Host Community Trust Fund under Environment and Natural Resources to manage watershed, conserving natural resources and protecting water resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 25, 2025

H 1018: An Act updating the management of the Commonwealth's water resources

By Representative Peisch of Wellesley, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1018) of Alice Hanlon Peisch relative to water resources and protecting the rights of municipalities and districts. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill updates water resource management under Environment committee, protecting municipal rights related to natural resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 3, 2025

S 585: An Act protecting drinking water quality in private wells.

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 585) of James B. Eldridge, Joanne M. Comerford, John J. Cronin, James Arciero and others for legislation to promote drinking water quality for all. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly protects drinking water quality in private wells, directly advancing environmental protection under water resource conservation. Subjects confirm Environment and Natural Resources focus.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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