Environment
194th General Court (2025-2026)
An Act Protecting Wastewater and Sewerage Systems Through the Labeling of Non-Flushable Wipes
Wet wipes are popular and are often mistakenly flushed. When they enter sewer systems, they cause major damage to pipes, pumps, and the environment. This bill would establish standards for classifying wipes and require those that do not meet dispersible standards to be labeled accordingly.
An Act Providing For The Establishment of Sustainable Water Resource Funds
Water banking at the local level has proven to be an effective tool for mitigating the impacts of water withdrawals on both the natural environment and local and regional water infrastructure systems. This bill would give political subdivisions the authority to collect a reasonable fee to be used to offset the impacts of water withdrawals and discharges on the natural environment.
An Act Relative to Maintaining Adequate Water Supplies through Effective Drought Management
This bill would codify the Drought Management Task Force, allow the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to establish outdoor watering restrictions during droughts, and give municipalities the power to enforce these restrictions.
An Act Relative to Plastic Bag Reduction
This bill bans single-use plastic carryout bags at the point of sale. Establishments will be able to provide recycled paper bags, compostable plastic bags, or durable, reusable bags for customers at the point of sale for $0.10 or more. It passed the Senate in 2019.
An Act Providing State Grants For Municipal Sustainability Directors
Sustainability Directors provide much needed added capacity to their communities, allowing for increased efficiencies and improved services. Although they bring in significantly more money than their positions cost, not all cities and towns can afford to fill this position. This bill creates a Municipal Sustainability Director Fund to support cities and towns to fund an environmental sustainability director position.
An Act to Protect Pollinators and Public Health
This bill would ban the use of harmful pesticides called neonicotinoids, which peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown to negatively impact pollinator health. It would also ban the sale of blooming or flowering plants, plant material, or seeds that have been treated with a neonicotinoid within the commonwealth.
An Act Relative to Greywater Recycling
This legislative bill addresses the regulation of greywater recycling systems in Massachusetts, focusing on enhancing water conservation in single-family homes and new multifamily buildings. It outlines the reuse of greywater for activities such as toilet flushing and irrigation, ensuring compliance with existing plumbing and health codes. The regulation targets multifamily buildings with a daily water usage below 3,000 gallons and mandates the inclusion of greywater recycling systems in newly constructed multifamily buildings.