Environment

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 597) of Paul R. Feeney, Joanne M. Comerford, James K. Hawkins, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to conserve and improve natural and working lands. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 627) of Jason M. Lewis and Adam J. Scanlon for legislation relative to the use of glyphosate on public lands. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Mr. Moore, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 2185) of Michael O. Moore, Michael D. Brady, James K. Hawkins, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to responsibly reducing emissions in the transportation sector. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.

This bill (HD 2330) requires state funding and permitting preferences for urban agriculture projects located in or within one mile of "environmental justice municipalities." It directly affects community gardens, urban farms, and related projects seeking state support in qualifying neighborhoods. The bill defines "environmental justice municipalities" using specific criteria, including low median household income (≤65% of state average), high minority populations (≥40%), or limited English proficiency (≥25% of households). Key provisions amend existing law (Section 1) to prioritize these projects and establish the new definition (Section 2) to identify eligible communities.

By Representative Luddy of Orleans and Senator Cyr, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 994) of Hadley Luddy and Julian Cyr (by vote of the town) relative to regulating the application of fertilizer used in the town of Orleans. Environment and Natural Resources. [Local Approval Received.]

By Representative Ciccolo of Lexington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 908) of Michelle L. Ciccolo relative to food and beverage packaging waste. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Representative Ciccolo of Lexington, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4133) of Michelle L. Ciccolo (by vote of the town) that the town of Lexington be authorized to regulate the application of second generation anticoagulant rodenticides in said town. Environment and Natural Resources. [Local Approval Received.]

Senate, June 23, 2025 -- The committee on Environment and Natural Resources, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 543) of Michael J. Barrett for legislation to reduce disposable plastic straw waste; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 554) of Cynthia Stone Creem for legislation to establish the Sustainable Food Service Ware Act; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 589) of James B. Eldridge and Steven Owens for legislation to protect wastewater and sewerage systems through the labeling of non-flushable wipes; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 590) of James B. Eldridge and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation relative to plastic bag reduction; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 609) of John F. Keenan for legislation to prohibit hotels from providing plastic-packaged personal care products; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 629) of Jason M. Lewis and Joanne M. Comerford for legislation to reduce the use of polystyrene, opting for reusable alternatives to protect the environment; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 630) of Jason M. Lewis, Joanne M. Comerford and James B. Eldridge for legislation to reduce single-use plastics from the environment; (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 643) of Michael O. Moore for legislation to define recyclable beverage containers; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 654) of Rebecca L. Rausch, Edward R. Philips, Joanne M. Comerford, Brian W. Murray and other members of the General Court for legislation to reduce plastics, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2541).

By Representative Ramos of North Andover, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4111) of Adrianne Pusateri Ramos and Sally P. Kerans for legislation to create a battery recycling program. Environment and Natural Resources.

By Representatives Decker of Cambridge and Domb of Amherst, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2389) of Marjorie C. Decker relative to the health impacts and costs of emissions associated with grid electricity and delivered fuels, and the benefits of energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy. Public Health.