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.
Rep. Jack Lewis
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to prevent utility companies from passing the costs of building or expanding interstate gas pipelines onto their customers. Specifically, it prohibits the Department of Public Utilities from approving contracts for gas purchases or storage if those agreements involve new construction or expansion of interstate infrastructure. The legislation directly affects utility providers and the ratepayers who pay for their services by ensuring that expansion costs are not included in bills.
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 Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3152) of Tackey Chan and others relative to the use of double utility poles of distribution or telephone companies. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Massachusetts law to protect homeowners' rights to install solar energy systems by overriding restrictions in homeowners' associations and other property covenants. It specifically voids any rules that forbid or unreasonably limit solar panels and requires associations to review installation requests within 60 days while providing written explanations for any denials. The legislation defines unreasonable restrictions as those that increase costs by more than 10 percent or $1,000, reduce system efficiency by over 10 percent, or significantly block sunlight access. Additionally, the bill allows homeowners who face violations of these new rules to sue for damages and recover legal fees.
By Representatives Moran of Lawrence and Decker of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3194) of Frank A. Moran, Marjorie C. Decker and others relative to the use of contractors for repairing or performing work on public utility infrastructure. Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.
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.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Clean Heat Standard in Massachusetts that requires natural gas and heating fuel providers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. To meet this goal, the state will create a system of tradeable credits called Clean Heat Credits, which represent the pollution reduction achieved by installing specific low-emission heating technologies. The Department of Energy Resources will oversee the program and define which heating measures qualify, while explicitly excluding simple switches between fossil fuels or the use of renewable natural gas and hydrogen. Obligated parties must retire a certain number of these credits to comply with the state's broader climate goals, effectively shifting the financial burden of decarbonizing heating systems onto fuel suppliers rather than consumers.