Environment (Water Quality) in Massachusetts

in committee · Massachusetts · House Oct 9, 2025

H 4591: An Act to create a Merrimack River Collaborative

This bill creates the Merrimack River Collaborative, a coordinating group focused on improving water quality in Massachusetts' Merrimack River from the New Hampshire border to the river mouth. It directly affects communities along the river (like Amesbury, Lowell, and Haverhill), state agencies, local water systems, and environmental organizations. The Collaborative will standardize water monitoring, track pollutants, prioritize cleanup projects, and identify funding opportunities to make the river "swimmable, drinkable, and fishable" while supporting biodiversity and climate resilience. It operates through an Executive Committee and member organizations without receiving direct funding, requiring annual reports to the legislature.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Water Quality

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2202: An Act relative to watershed forest protection

This bill designates all Commonwealth watershed lands as either "Parks" (for recreation with strict resource protection) or "Reserves" (for minimal human interference to protect ecosystems). It establishes a Reserves Scientific Advisory Council of eight scientific experts to oversee Reserve management and provide biennial reports to the governor. The bill requires the commissioner to develop public-input watershed management plans every five years, focusing on forest protection, climate resilience, carbon storage, and water quality. These plans must align with the new land classifications and prohibit selling or removing natural resources except for specific management needs like erosion control or public safety. The bill directly affects how Massachusetts manages its watershed systems, including the Quabbin Reservoir area.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Forestry Water Quality

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 691: An Act to overcome coastal and environmental acidification and nutrient pollution

This bill establishes Massachusetts' Ocean Acidification Council, a 11-member body including state agency heads and public representatives (such as shellfish industry members and coastal scientists). The council must coordinate coastal acidification monitoring, create a public data repository, and commission studies on impacts to marine species (like oysters and lobsters), economic effects, and nutrient pollution solutions. It requires annual awareness events, defines key terms like "coastal acidification" and "eutrophication," and directs funds to upgrade wastewater systems and reduce nutrient pollution in coastal watersheds. The law directly affects coastal communities, shellfish industries, and state environmental agencies by mandating data-driven action on acidification threats.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Water Quality

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 19, 2026

H 1021: An Act relative to local protection of water resources from nutrient pollution

By Representative Philips of Sharon, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1021) of Edward R. Philips relative to local protection of water resources from nutrient pollution. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Water Quality

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 1043: An Act relative to the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee

By Representative Saunders of Belchertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1043) of Aaron L. Saunders relative to the membership of the Quabbin Watershed Advisory Committee. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Water Quality

passed · Massachusetts · House Sep 8, 2025

H 3999: An Act relative to establishing accountability for stormwater runoff mitigation and watershed restoration

By Representative Diggs of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3999) of Kip A. Diggs that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation be authorized to establish a program to mitigate roadway stormwater runoff and contribute to watershed restoration efforts. Transportation.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Water Quality

passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 992: An Act relative to municipal assistance for clean water and economic development infrastructure

By Representative Livingstone of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 992) of Jay D. Livingstone for legislation to provide bonding for municipal water infrastructure maintenance, repair, and expansion. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 24, 2025

S 600: An Act establishing the Blue Communities Program

By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 600) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to establish a blue communities program to incentivize local action to reduce nutrient pollution and ocean acidification. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Water Quality

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 287: An Act to create a Merrimack River Collaborative

HD 287 creates the Merrimack River Collaborative, a coordinating body to improve water quality along the Merrimack River. It directly affects communities, local governments, state agencies (like the Department of Environmental Protection), environmental groups, and universities along the river. The Collaborative will convene working groups, standardize water quality data, monitor pollutants, identify improvement projects, and connect communities with funding - reporting annually by December 15th starting in 2025. Membership includes municipal officials, state departments, environmental organizations, and academic institutions, all serving without pay. The bill establishes the structure and deadlines for this new entity but does not change existing environmental laws.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Water Quality

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2416: An Act relative to establishing accountability for stormwater runoff mitigation and watershed restoration

This bill creates a dedicated fund managed by MassDOT to reduce pollution from road runoff and restore watersheds. It requires MassDOT to use fees from roadway projects, water quality grants, and environmental budget funds to retrofit road infrastructure (like culverts and drainage systems) with natural treatment systems (e.g., wetlands, vegetated swales) in impaired waterways. MassDOT must annually report on retrofitted sites, water quality improvements, and fund spending to environmental committees and the Department of Environmental Protection. The bill directly affects MassDOT’s transportation projects and local municipalities collaborating on watershed efforts.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Water Quality

All environment bills