HD 2311 establishes a standard requiring transportation fuel providers (such as refiners, blenders, and retailers) to reduce the carbon emissions of transportation fuels by 80% from 1990 levels by 2050. It creates a credit system where providers using low-carbon fuels earn tradable credits to offset higher-emission fuels, measured across the full fuel lifecycle. The law also requires public entities earning credits to invest a portion in clean energy and accessible transportation projects for disadvantaged communities. The standard excludes aviation, rail, military, and waterborne fuels due to federal preemption.
This bill requires state-funded construction projects over 50,000 square feet (or major renovations over 20,000 sq ft) to reduce embodied carbon emissions by 30%. It mandates that state agencies, universities, and other public entities include one of four compliance pathways in project specifications: conducting a whole-building life-cycle assessment showing 30% lower emissions than a reference building, reusing at least 45% of existing structural elements, or using environmental product declarations (EPDs) to verify that 90% of covered materials (like concrete, steel, and engineered wood) have a 30% lower carbon footprint than industry averages. Projects must use standardized databases like the LCA Commons for comparisons and submit documentation signed by the lead designer. The state department must issue these rules within one year of the bill's passage.
This bill, HD 2951, changes how certain environmental fees are managed in Massachusetts. It directs the first $70 million in annual fees collected by the state revenue commissioner into the General Fund, while all additional fees go to a newly established "Clean Environment Fund." The fund must be used for solid waste management, environmental protection, and climate change projects (excluding incineration costs), with at least 40% allocated to recycling and waste reduction programs. It also requires 10% more for recycling initiatives and caps non-waste programs at 50% of the fund's total. The bill directly affects state budgeting for environmental programs and funding priorities.
HD 3057 requires Massachusetts to revise how it measures and reports greenhouse gas emissions. It mandates that the state's emissions inventory use 20-year timeframes for short-lived gases (like methane) and 100-year timeframes for long-lived gases (like CO2), applying updated methods retroactively to 1990. The bill also requires the state environmental department to conduct independent, ongoing monitoring of emissions using direct measurements and publicly share the data for comparison with annual reports. This directly affects the state's environmental agency, which must now publish detailed, science-based emissions data meeting these new standards.
This bill requires Massachusetts transportation planning to align with climate goals by mandating that regional transportation plans and projects meet greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) reduction targets. It establishes a process for assessing emissions and VMT impacts of transportation projects, including requiring mitigation measures like transit expansions, active transportation infrastructure, or land-use changes to offset emissions. The Department of Transportation must publish these assessments online and ensure mitigation efforts are localized to affected communities or underserved areas. The bill directly affects metropolitan planning organizations, state agencies, and project developers by making compliance with emissions and VMT targets a condition for approving transportation plans and projects.
This bill establishes a phased carbon pricing system for major emissions sectors in Massachusetts, requiring market-based mechanisms (like fees or emissions trading) to meet statewide climate goals. It mandates carbon pricing starting in 2028 for commercial/industrial heating, 2029 for industrial processes, 2030 for transportation, and 2031 for residential heating, with prices beginning at $50 per metric ton of CO2 equivalent and increasing by $10 annually to a $200 cap. Proceeds from transportation fees must fund rebates for residents/employers and the Commonwealth Transportation Fund, while other sector fees support specific trust funds for climate action. The bill requires annual reporting on emissions reductions and ensures pricing mechanisms prioritize equity, protect low-income communities, and prevent increases in harmful air pollutants.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 588) of James B. Eldridge, Steven Owens, Mike Connolly, Patricia D. Jehlen and other members of the General Court for legislation to create a Climate Adaptation Superfund. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 572) of Sal N. DiDomenico, James B. Eldridge and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to establish sustainable and equitable funding for climate change adaptation and mitigation. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 558) of Brendan P. Crighton and Hadley Luddy for legislation to promote nature-based approaches for resiliency and climate change adaptation throughout the Commonwealth. Environment and Natural Resources.
By Mr. Fernandes, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 60) of Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation to address the impact of climate change on farms and fisheries. Agriculture.
