Amendment ID: S2476-20

Amendment 20

A study to evaluate the feasibility of underground tunnels to support zero emissions public transportation

Messrs. Finegold and Lesser move that the proposed new draft be amended by adding the following section:-

SECTION XX.  Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the Massachusetts state legislature is hereby directed and authorized to create a zero emissions commission, the purpose of which is to conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate the costs, feasibility, and long-term benefits of the creation of new underground tunnels that would run under existing highways and support high-speed, zero emissions public transportation. The commission shall be comprised of the Senate President or an appointee, the Speaker of the House of an appointee, the Senate Minority Leader or an appointee, the House Minority Leader or an appointee, the Senate and House chairs of the Joint Committee on Transportation or their appointees, the Secretary and CEO of MassDOT or an appointee, a representative from the Massachusetts High Technology Council, and a representative from the Massachusetts Municipal Association. The commission shall also provide an opportunity for interested parties to submit relevant testimony. The commission shall file a report of its study, including recommendations and drafts of any legislation, if necessary, with the clerks of the Senate and House of Representatives within one year of the effective date of this act.