Rep. Sam Montaño

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a temporary halt on approving new natural gas infrastructure projects in Massachusetts until at least 2026. It directly affects utility companies and local governments by prohibiting the construction of new facilities or expansions of existing ones, with the sole exception being projects deemed necessary for public safety. The legislation also prevents towns without current gas service from digging up streets to build new gas lines. By amending existing state laws, the bill aims to pause the development of oil, natural gas, renewable natural gas, and hydrogen distribution systems during this period.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Massachusetts' bottle bill by replacing existing definitions with new ones that clarify what counts as a beverage and its container. It specifically includes glass, plastic, and metal containers between 50 milliliters and 3 liters while excluding items like cartons, pouches, and dairy products. The legislation also establishes stricter rules for recyclability, requiring that containers be recyclable in current markets without removing attached components like labels or filters. Additionally, the bill introduces a new definition for "recycle" to ensure materials are converted into raw materials for new products rather than simply downcycled. These changes aim to modernize the law's language and ensure it reflects current recycling capabilities and environmental standards.

By Representative Saunders of Belchertown, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Aaron L. Saunders and others for legislation to further regulate access to certain library materials. Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.

By Representative Hawkins of Attleboro, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James K. Hawkins and others for legislation to encourage the improvement of free libraries and library systems. Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.

By Representative Cataldo of Concord, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3150) of Simon Cataldo and others relative to clean energy, equity, and innovation within municipal utilities. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative Cataldo of Concord, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3151) of Simon Cataldo and Danillo A. Sena relative to the definition of net-zero buildings and establishing a pathway to net zero for residential and commercial new construction and major renovations. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Maddy summaryThis bill aims to transition Massachusetts to 100 percent clean electricity by 2035 and to clean energy for buildings and transportation by 2045. It creates a new legal chapter to define clean energy sources, explicitly excluding wood biomass and waste-to-energy from the clean electricity category. The legislation seeks to reduce pollution, lower energy costs for residents, and create local jobs while prioritizing environmental justice communities. By establishing these specific targets and definitions, the bill provides a framework for the state to meet its greenhouse gas emission limits and reduce reliance on imported fuels.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Massachusetts' existing bottle deposit law to include a wider range of drinkable liquids, such as water and sports drinks, while explicitly excluding items like milk, infant formula, and small-scale juice producers. Under the new rules, the refundable deposit on beverage containers would increase from five cents to ten cents, applying to most prepackaged containers up to 2.5 liters for non-carbonated drinks and 3 liters for carbonated ones. The legislation also adjusts the size requirement for businesses to qualify for exemptions from refunding requirements, raising the threshold from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. Additionally, it clarifies that redemption centers and reverse vending machines must pay the refund immediately unless a customer opts into an account system.

By Representative Ciccolo of Lexington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3157) of Michelle L. Ciccolo, Lindsay N. Sabadosa and Brian W. Murray for legislation to restore the clean environmental fund using revenue from unclaimed bottle deposits. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3232) of Andres X. Vargas and others for legislation to establish a zero carbon renovation fund to provide for the costs associated with energy efficiency renovations of certain existing buildings. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.