Environment (Drinking Water)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4087: An Act to protect Massachusetts public health from PFAS

HD 4087 creates a PFAS Remediation Trust Fund to address contamination from harmful chemicals (PFAS) in Massachusetts drinking water and environmental media. The fund, financed by settlements with PFAS manufacturers and other sources like grants and donations, will cover costs for public water systems, private well owners, municipalities, and regional water systems to test, treat, and remediate PFAS in water, soil, and groundwater. The Department of Environmental Protection will administer the fund, prioritizing vulnerable communities and requiring applicants to disclose any third-party payments to avoid duplicate funding. The fund operates without annual appropriation, with leftover balances carrying over to future years to ensure sustained support for PFAS cleanup efforts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates PFAS remediation fund to clean contaminated water/soil, directly reducing environmental pollution and protecting public health from chemical contamination.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 1020: An Act to improve the review and regulation of emerging contaminants on public water systems

By Representative Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1020) of Edward R. Philips relative to emerging contaminants on public water systems. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens regulation of water contaminants, directly advancing environmental protection of public water systems per its title and Environment/Natural Resources subject.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 900: An Act protecting drinking water quality in private wells

By Representatives Blais of Deerfield and Kilcoyne of Clinton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 900) of Natalie M. Blais, Meghan K. Kilcoyne and others for legislation to protect drinking water quality in private wells. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly protects drinking water quality in private wells, a direct environmental protection measure under Environment committee jurisdiction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 26, 2026

H 936: An Act protecting public drinking water by further regulating solid waste disposal facilities

By Representative DuBois of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 936) of Michelle M. DuBois for legislation to further regulate the building or expansion of solid waste disposal facilities. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill regulates solid waste facilities to protect public drinking water, strengthening environmental safeguards per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Waste Management

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Apr 2, 2026

S 1504: An Act to protect Massachusetts public health from PFAS

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1504) of Julian Cyr, Joanne M. Comerford, James B. Eldridge, John F. Keenan and others for legislation to protect Massachusetts public health from Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) a group of chemicals that are used in many consumer products and industrial processes. Public Health.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill targets PFAS chemicals linked to environmental contamination and public health risks, directly advancing pollution control and environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly targets PFAS exposure to protect public health, advancing healthcare protection initiatives through environmental safety measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Public Health

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 30, 2025

S 559: An Act relative to funding water infrastructure and addressing economic target areas

By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 559) of Brendan P. Crighton for legislation to fund water infrastructure and addressing economic target areas. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly allocates funds for water infrastructure, a public service, directly advancing budget appropriations under fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds water infrastructure (environmental protection) with explicit 'Environment and Natural Resources' subject classification, directly advancing conservation and pollution control measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 170: An Act relative to setting NDMA levels

This bill requires Massachusetts' Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish safe maximum levels for NDMA (n-Nitrosodimethylamine), a chemical found in drinking water, to protect public health. It directly affects public water systems, which must test for NDMA and report levels exceeding the new limits to the DEP. The DEP must enforce these limits by treating violations as breaches of existing drinking water regulations and provide annual reports to the legislature detailing testing results and exceedances. The law aims to standardize monitoring and response for NDMA in the Commonwealth's water supply.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires DEP to set safe NDMA levels in drinking water, enforcing limits to protect public health from a carcinogen, strengthening water safety regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1573: An Act regulating the application of fertilizer used in the town of Orleans

This bill prohibits the use of fertilizers containing nitrogen or phosphorus in the Town of Orleans, except for certified organic fertilizers approved under USDA standards for growing fruits and vegetables. It directly affects residents, homeowners, and commercial agricultural operations within Orleans by restricting most fertilizer applications. The key provision bans nitrogen/phosphorus fertilizers to improve local water quality, addressing concerns about algae growth that harms drinking water, shellfishing, and recreation. The law aims to help Orleans meet Massachusetts' state water quality standards (TMDLs) for nitrogen and phosphorus.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill bans nitrogen/phosphorus fertilizers to improve water quality and prevent algae growth, directly reducing pollution and protecting local water resources per summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2380: An Act relative to truth in labeling of recyclable and compostable goods

This bill prohibits producers from making deceptive claims about the recyclability or compostability of products and packaging sold in the state. It defines recyclable items as those meeting specific criteria (collected/processed in at least 60% of state recycling programs, containing no PFAS, and designed without recyclability-hindering additives) and compostable items as those meeting recognized standards (like ASTM D6400) or made of untreated wood without plastic. Producers must label compostable products with a third-party certified logo, the word "compostable," and green/beige/brown colors, while banning the use of the recycling symbol (chasing arrows) on compostable packaging. The requirements take effect one year after the bill's enactment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits deceptive recyclability/compostability claims, sets strict standards (e.g., no PFAS, ASTM compliance), and prevents misleading labels that undermine waste reduction and environmental protection efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Recycling

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2605: An Act to improve the review and regulation of emerging contaminants on public water systems

HD 2605 establishes a Science Advisory Board to evaluate emerging contaminants in Massachusetts public water systems. The board, composed of 13 members including government representatives and experts, must review peer-reviewed scientific studies to recommend safe drinking water levels (MCLG and MCL) and assess health risks and cost-effectiveness of regulations. This process requires public comment periods and independent reviews by MassDEP and a Small Business Advocacy Review panel before contaminants can be regulated. The bill directly affects all public water systems in Massachusetts by creating a standardized, science-based procedure for setting contaminant safety standards. It aims to ensure regulatory decisions are grounded in public health data while considering implementation costs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes Science Advisory Board to evaluate contaminants and set safer drinking water standards, strengthening regulatory process for public water systems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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