SECTION I. – The Massachusetts General Laws are hereby amended by inserting the following new chapter:
Comprehensive Study of Athletic Performance Surfaces –
Including Artificial Grass – & Turf Surfaces Act
An Act to Further Research And Report Analysis of Athletic Performance Surfaces
Their Safety – And Recommendations
SECTION II. – PURPOSE
There shall be established a: Comprehensive Athletic Surface Performance Commission (CASPC). Significant Public Health concerns, have grown regarding the use of artificial grass, and various artificial turf surfaces, in schools, athletic facilities, parks, and other locations across The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and cautionary information, suggests that such use should be limited, and/or ceased. Important analysis, and research on this set of issues, is needed, before further potentially negligent, and wasteful public expenditure, is carried out.
This Special Commission, shall conduct comprehensive research relating to studying athletic performance surfaces – including artificial grass – and turf surfaces; and shall provide a detailed, factual analysis of all such surfaces, their costs, their public health effects, and their long-term values.
SECTION III. – MEMBERSHIP
This Special Commission, shall consist of eleven (11) members, who shall include: Three (3) members, including at least one (1) researcher, designated by the PFAS Lab, at the Social Science Health Research Institute at Northeastern University; one (1) representative of the Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs; one (1) representative of outdoor high school sports coaches; one (1) representative of outdoor college sports coaches; one (1) sports medicine medical doctor professional; one (1) representative of an established environmental organization; and three (3) members of the general public, at least one (1) of whom will be a parent of an outdoor sport student.
Once the Special Commission is appointed, and convened, they shall select one (1) member, as Chair. They shall conduct such inquiry as further described, and produce a report, no more than 24 months after beginning operations.
SECTION IV. – ADMINISTRATIVE LOCATIONS – AND OPERATIONS
The Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, shall designate, a representative designee, to be a member of the Special Commission; as noted above, and provide such resources, experts, and facilitation, as needed.
The Commission, shall conduct a series of hearings, across The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, inviting a wide range of public comment, and asking detailed scientific, and medical questions, and information.
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.