Environment (Coastal & Flood Protection)

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 17, 2025

S 649: An Act relative to community preservation funds for coastal infrastructure

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 649) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to community preservation funds for seawall repairs. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds seawall repairs for coastal infrastructure under Environment committee, protecting against erosion and storm damage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 24, 2025

S 566: An Act to overcome coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution

By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 566) of Julian Cyr for legislation to overcome coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly targets coastal acidification and nutrient pollution, directly advancing environmental protection through legislative action to address key environmental issues.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 24, 2025

S 2731: An Act to protect coastal resources.

Senate, November 24, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 660) of Bruce E. Tarr and Steven George Xiarhos for legislation to protect coastal resources by establishing the Massachusetts Coastal Erosion Innovation Center, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2731).

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes Coastal Erosion Innovation Center to protect coastal resources, directly aligning with environmental protection goals as per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 1004: An Act promoting climate safe buildings

H 1004 requires new state-owned or state-funded buildings to meet updated climate-resilient construction standards within state building codes. It directly affects state agencies responsible for building projects and contractors working on those projects. The bill mandates that building codes incorporate specific climate adaptation measures, such as flood resistance and heat mitigation, to ensure new state structures can withstand projected climate impacts. This policy change updates existing building code requirements to address climate risks for state infrastructure.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates climate-resilient building standards with heat mitigation, directly reducing energy consumption in state buildings through efficiency-focused design.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates climate-resilient building standards with flood resistance and heat mitigation for state projects, directly advancing climate adaptation and environmental protection measures.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 213: An Act to protect open space, historical resources, and community housing from coastal threats

This bill amends Massachusetts law to redefine "preservation" as protecting personal or real property from coastal threats like flooding, sea-level rise, and storm surge. It specifically includes measures such as building or repairing beaches, dunes, and seawalls to safeguard open spaces, historical sites, and community housing. The law change directly affects coastal communities by enabling these protective infrastructure projects under the "preservation" framework. This update modifies existing Chapter 44B definitions without creating new programs or funding.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables coastal protection infrastructure (seawalls, dunes) to safeguard against climate threats like sea-level rise, directly advancing environmental preservation under 'preservation' framework.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly protects community housing from coastal threats via preservation framework, aligning with housing protection indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Historic Preservation

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1294: An Act to incentivize the adoption of local climate resilience policies

HD 1294 creates the "MVP Plus" program to incentivize municipalities to adopt climate resilience policies. To qualify, towns must adopt at least four of six specific requirements, including stormwater programs, climate resilience hubs, green infrastructure training, floodplain restrictions, tree ordinances, and updated precipitation analysis. Qualified communities receive annual funding from the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Trust Fund, distributed based on population, flood risk, road mileage, employment, and vulnerability scores. The funds can be used for approved climate projects or shared personnel, with projects deemed approved if not reviewed within 30 days.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncentivizes climate resilience policies with funding for stormwater, green infrastructure, and floodplain management - directly advancing environmental protection and climate adaptation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 753: An Act to incentivize the adoption of local climate resilience policies

This bill establishes the MVP Plus program, which provides funding to municipalities that adopt specific climate resilience policies. To qualify, towns must complete a vulnerability assessment, adopt a specialized resilience code, and implement at least four of six required policies (such as stormwater programs, climate resilience hubs, green infrastructure training, floodplain overlays, tree ordinances, or updated precipitation analysis). Qualified municipalities receive annual funds from the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Trust Fund, distributed using a formula based on population, road mileage, flood risk, and social vulnerability scores. The funds can be used for approved climate projects, hiring resilience staff, or regional initiatives, with projects automatically approved if not reviewed within 30 days.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides state funding for climate resilience programs via MVP Plus, increasing government spending on local initiatives as part of budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds municipalities adopting climate resilience policies (e.g., green infrastructure, floodplain overlays) to advance environmental protection and climate adaptation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1545: An Act to promote natural carbon sequestration

This bill requires Massachusetts' Secretary to develop a statewide, quantified goal for natural carbon sequestration and storage in natural and working lands. It specifically mandates studying coastal ecosystems like salt marshes, seagrasses, and waterways to inform this goal, which must align with existing state greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. The Secretary must work with relevant departments and the coastal zone management office to create this goal. The law directly affects state environmental planning and policy under the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates statewide carbon sequestration goals in natural lands, aligning with GHG targets to reduce emissions and protect coastal ecosystems per bill's requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Coastal & Flood Protection

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 567: An Act to overcome coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution

HD 567 establishes an Ocean Acidification Council to address coastal acidification and nutrient pollution. The council, composed of state agency heads and public members, will coordinate monitoring efforts, create a centralized data repository, and conduct studies on acidification impacts to key species (like lobsters and oysters) and nutrient pollution sources. It mandates annual "Ocean Acidification Awareness Week" in August and directs funding toward nature-based solutions for stormwater management and nutrient reduction. The bill directly affects coastal communities, shellfish industries, and environmental monitoring groups by requiring data-driven strategies to protect marine habitats and fisheries.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes Ocean Acidification Council to address pollution, funds nature-based solutions, mandates awareness week for environmental protection95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1619: An Act accelerating wetlands restoration

This bill streamlines wetlands restoration by removing permit requirements for certain projects, such as restoring salt marshes, provided they're approved by state agencies, don't block public access, and avoid building structures. It also simplifies rules for manually removing invasive plants from natural areas, requiring new state regulations to protect native habitats. The bill mandates a 12-month review of state laws affecting wetland projects to cut permitting costs and time, and launches a 5-year pilot program to fast-track eco-friendly restoration projects like living shorelines. These changes directly affect environmental agencies, restoration contractors, and coastal communities working on wetland conservation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentStreamlines wetlands restoration by removing permits for state-approved projects with habitat protections, directly advancing conservation goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection

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