Environment (Conservation)

in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 5216: An Act relative to forest protection

This bill requires the Department of Conservation and Recreation to conduct a formal review of its forest management practices every five years, starting with an assessment of current guidelines and operations. The review must evaluate how well existing practices protect natural resources, improve transparency and public participation, and address climate change impacts while considering opportunities to expand forest reserves and nature-based solutions. During the review period, the department cannot lease, sell, or remove timber from public forests except for emergencies, and must hold public hearings and accept written testimony from residents across the state. The department must submit its findings and recommendations to state legislative committees by June 30, 2027, including updated guidelines and proposed changes to improve forest management accountability.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates periodic reviews of forest management to protect natural resources, enhance transparency, address climate change, and expand forest reserves, directly supporting environmental protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation Forestry

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SD 3721: Department of Energy Resources 2025 Annual Report

This bill requires the Department of Energy Resources to submit its 2025 annual report, documenting the agency's activities and expenditures for that fiscal year. The report covers various energy programs including electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy efficiency standards, renewable energy initiatives, and technical assistance provided to Green Communities. It details financial allocations across multiple conservation and climate action programs, totaling millions of dollars in funding for projects like solar energy targets and building energy reporting. The bill serves as a transparency measure to inform the public and legislature about the department's performance and resource usage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill requires annual reporting on agency expenditures and program allocations, promoting fiscal accountability and transparency in government spending.75% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill requires annual reporting on energy programs including EV infrastructure, efficiency standards, and renewable initiatives, indicating oversight and support for energy policy implementation.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill requires annual reporting on energy programs including EV charging, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and conservation initiatives, indicating support for environmental protection efforts.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill requires annual reporting on EV charging infrastructure and energy efficiency programs, indirectly supporting sustainable transportation initiatives.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Efficiency Solar Conservation Electric Vehicles Tags Data Reporting

Track

in committee · Massachusetts · House Mar 12, 2026

H 5219: An Act relative to maintaining adequate water supplies through effective drought management

This bill creates a drought management task force within the state office to coordinate water supply efforts during dry periods. The task force will include representatives from multiple state agencies, water authorities, and public organizations, meeting monthly when drought conditions exist. It establishes a process for declaring drought levels, implementing water conservation measures like limiting outdoor water use, and enforcing these restrictions across cities and towns. The bill also requires the development of a statewide drought management plan that is reviewed and updated regularly with public input.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes drought management task force, enforces water conservation measures, and protects natural water resources during dry periods.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Track

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

Track

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

passed · Massachusetts · House May 7, 2026

H 5005: An Act to protect water and nature

H 5005 creates the "Nature for All Fund" to support natural resource conservation, funded by 50% of tax revenue from sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses (after deducting existing tax transfers). The fund will finance projects like protecting drinking water sources, restoring biodiversity, expanding parks in underserved neighborhoods, and preserving lands of indigenous cultural significance. A 15-member board, including public representatives from underserved communities and conservation experts, will oversee spending and ensure alignment with environmental justice principles. Annual reports will track how much funding supports conservation in areas designated as environmental justice populations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects 50% of existing tax revenue from specific industries to fund conservation projects, advancing fiscal management for environmental programs.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Nature for All Fund to finance water protection, biodiversity restoration, and indigenous land preservation - directly advances environmental conservation through dedicated funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Conservation Drinking Water Parks & Recreation

Track

introduced · Massachusetts · House Nov 18, 2025

H 4766: Amendment H.4766

Text of an amendment, recommended by the committee on Ways and Means, to the Senate Bill authorizing the commonwealth to dispose of certain parcels of land in the town of Upton acquired for conservation and recreation purposes. (Senate, No. 2576). November 18, 2025.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentLand acquired for conservation is being disposed of, removing conservation use and weakening protections for that area.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Track

passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 24, 2025

H 4192: An Act relative to the election and composition of the conservation commission within the town of Southwick

By Representative Boldyga of Southwick and Senator Mark, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4192) of Nicholas A. Boldyga (by vote of the town) relative to the election and composition of the conservation commission in the town of Southwick. Municipalities and Regional Government. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates structure for Southwick's conservation commission, directly supporting environmental resource management and protection through local governance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Track

signed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 26, 2025

S 2576: An Act authorizing the commonwealth to dispose of certain parcels of land in the town of Upton acquired for conservation and recreation purposes

Senate, July 31, 2025 -- Substituted as a new draft (Senator Fattman) for the Senate Bill providing for the disposition of certain property in the town of Upton (Senate, No. 2135).

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentDisposing of land acquired for conservation removes protected status, weakening environmental protection efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

signed · Massachusetts · House Nov 26, 2025

H 4362: An Act authorizing the town of Westford to release agricultural preservation restrictions over land owned by Westford Gateway, LLC

This bill allows the Town of Westford to release specific agricultural preservation restrictions on three parcels of land (20-E-1, 20-GR-PUE-2, and 20-PUE-14) owned by Westford Gateway, LLC. The land is needed by MassDOT for the Boston Road rehabilitation project. To compensate, MassDOT must provide Westford with funding equal to at least 110% of the land's fair market value, deposited into the town's Community Preservation Fund for acquiring replacement conservation or agricultural land within three years. The replacement land must match the original in location, natural resource value, acreage, and monetary value. The release applies only to these parcels, leaving other agricultural restrictions intact.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill requires MassDOT to fund replacement conservation land via Community Preservation Fund, maintaining agricultural/environmental conservation despite releasing restrictions on specific parcels.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enables MassDOT's Boston Road rehabilitation project by releasing land restrictions, directly advancing road infrastructure improvements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Roads & Highways