By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 556) of Cynthia Stone Creem, Michael D. Brady and Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a lithium-ion battery stewardship program. Environment and Natural Resources.
HD 3369 establishes a Climate Change Adaptation Superfund to finance projects that help communities prepare for and recover from climate impacts. It requires fossil fuel companies and entities that extracted coal, oil, or natural gas in Massachusetts between 1995 and 2024 to pay into the fund based on their historical greenhouse gas emissions. Payments will support concrete adaptation projects like upgrading stormwater systems, retrofitting public buildings for energy efficiency, and protecting communities from extreme weather. The fund prioritizes environmental justice communities - neighborhoods with high poverty rates, minority populations, or limited English proficiency - to ensure equitable access to climate resilience efforts.
This bill allocates $3.05 billion in state funds for capital improvements at Massachusetts public higher education institutions. It directly affects community colleges, the University of Massachusetts system, and other public colleges by funding deferred maintenance, modernization, decarbonization projects, laboratory upgrades, and facility renovations. Key provisions include $1.25 billion for campus infrastructure at community colleges, $1.25 billion for UMass campuses, $80 million for energy efficiency projects, $120 million for student support facilities, and $30 million for campus planning. All projects must align with approved campus master plans and be tracked through the state's capital asset management system.
This bill creates the Commercial Fisheries Offshore Wind Mitigation Fund to support Massachusetts' commercial fishing industry. The fund finances projects that develop new fisheries, enhance existing ones, introduce efficient technologies, and modernize infrastructure to boost competitiveness, reduce carbon footprints, and improve operational efficiency. It will be financed through state appropriations, federal/private grants, and other designated sources, and managed by the Commissioner of Fish and Game with input from a fisheries commission. Unspent funds carry over annually, and the Commissioner must report yearly to the legislature on fund activities and expenditures.
By Representatives Owens of Watertown and Sylvia of Fairhaven, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 450) of Steven Owens relative to protections for solar customers. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
HD 3507 creates Massachusetts' "Buy Clean" program requiring contractors on large construction projects to provide environmental impact data for specific building materials. It applies to projects over 50,000 square feet, major renovations, or transportation infrastructure costing over $3 million, affecting contractors working on state-funded construction. Starting July 2027, contractors must submit environmental product declarations (showing carbon emissions) and health declarations for covered materials like concrete, steel, and engineered wood before project completion. The law includes provisions for small businesses to receive financial assistance to offset costs of creating required environmental reports. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from construction materials by making environmental data mandatory for state procurement.
By Mr. Tarr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2092) of Bruce E. Tarr for legislation to apply rebates to reduce the MSRP of an electric vehicle in the calculation of motor vehicle excise tax. Revenue.
This bill modifies Massachusetts law governing transportation network companies (like Uber and Lyft). It requires these companies to report monthly ride data by city/town and charge riders a 6.25% assessment on pre-arranged rides (excluding rides booked through public transit programs for eligible riders). Municipalities may impose a $2.25 congestion fee per ride, with funds dedicated to public transit, bike/pedestrian projects, and EV charging infrastructure. The law also mandates clear fare estimates showing surge pricing and shared vs. single-ride costs, while prohibiting local governments from imposing extra licensing requirements on these companies.
HD 2932 creates a "whole home repairs program" to help homeowners and small landlords with essential home repairs. Homeowners with income at or below 80% of the area median income can receive grants (up to $50,000 per unit) for health/safety repairs, energy efficiency improvements, or accessibility modifications. Small landlords (owning ≤5 properties/15 units) can get loans (also capped at $50,000 per unit) for similar repairs on affordable rental units, with loan forgiveness possible if they maintain the property for 15 years, limit rent increases, and avoid serious violations. The program requires coordination with existing housing resources and includes funding for workforce development in home repair jobs.
By Representative Blais of Deerfield, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 904) of Natalie M. Blais, Joanne M. Comerford and Mindy Domb relative to solar and battery decommissioning and recycling. Environment and Natural Resources.
