Environment Amendments

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-312

ENV 312

Conservation Land Tax Credit

Messrs. Tarr, Keenan and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following sections:-

"SECTION 1. Section 6 of chapter 62 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “amended”, in line 769, the following words:- , or a private nonprofit trust established pursuant to chapter 203 organized for the purposes of land conservation, which is authorized to do business in the commonwealth, and which has tax-exempt status as a nonprofit charitable organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

SECTION 2. Said section 6 of said chapter 62, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in line 835, the figure “$2,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $3,000,000.

SECTION 3. Said section 6 of said chapter 62 is hereby further amended by striking out the figure “$3,000,000”, inserted by section 2, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $4,000,000.

SECTION 4. Said section 6 of said chapter 62 is hereby further amended by striking out, in line 835, the figure “$4,000,000”, inserted by section 3, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $5,000,000.

SECTION 5. Said section 6 of said chapter 62 is hereby further amended by striking out the figure “$5,000,000”, inserted by section 4, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $2,000,000.

SECTION 6. Section 38AA of chapter 63, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “amended”, in line 29, the following words:- , or a private nonprofit trust established pursuant to chapter 203 organized for the purposes of land conservation, which is authorized to do business in the commonwealth, and which has tax-exempt status as a nonprofit charitable organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

SECTION 7. Said section 38AA of said chapter 63, as so appearing, is hereby further amended by striking out, in line 88, the figure “$2,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $3,000,000.

SECTION 8. Said section 38AA of said chapter 63 is hereby further amended by striking out the figure “$3,000,000”, inserted by section 7, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $4,000,000.

SECTION 9. Said section 38AA of said chapter 63 is hereby further amended by striking out the figure “$4,000,000”, inserted by section 8, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $5,000,000.

SECTION 10. Said section 38AA of said chapter 63 is hereby further amended by striking out the figure “$5,000,000”, inserted by section 9, and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $2,000,000.

SECTION 11. Sections 1, 2, 6 and 7 shall take effect on January 1, 2026.

SECTION 12. Sections 3 and 8 shall take effect on January 1, 2027.

SECTION 13. Sections 4 and 9 shall take effect on January 1, 2028.

SECTION 14. Sections 5 and 10 shall take effect on December 31, 2034."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-314

ENV 314

Biodiversity Fund

Messrs. Moore, O'Connor and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2300-0100, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the Biodiversity Fund established in section 35D1/2 of chapter 10 of the General Laws”; and by striking out the figure “$2,143,914” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$2,393,914".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-315

ENV 315

Massachusetts Animal Fund

Messrs. Tarr and Montigny, Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Mark, Velis and Payano, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Moore, O'Connor and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that $125,000 shall be expended for the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund" and by striking out the figure "$11,677,101" and inserting in place thereof the following figure: -"$11,802,101".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-316

ENV 316

Merrimack River Combined Sewer Overflow Reduction

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2200-0100, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Merrimack River Watershed Council, Inc. for a regional approach to reducing combined sewer overflows in the Merrimack river”; and by striking out the figure “$54,120,855” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$54,220,855”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-316-R2

2nd Redraft ENV 316

Merrimack River Combined Sewer Overflow Reduction

Messrs. Tarr, Finegold and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2200-0100, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Merrimack River Watershed Council, Inc. for a regional approach to reducing combined sewer overflows in the Merrimack river; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Cape Ann Climate Coalition Inc for preemptive strategic planning for post-disaster recovery; provided further than not less than $25,000 shall be expended for TownGreen, Inc. for a regional climate resilience convening program”; and by striking out the figure “$54,120,855” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$54,270,855”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-316-R1

Redraft ENV 316

Merrimack River Combined Sewer Overflow Reduction

In item 7008-1116 by adding the following words:-"; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the cape ann climate coalition for preemptive strategic planning for post-disaster recovery, provided further than not less than $50,000 shall be expended for TownGreen for a regional climate resilience convening program"; and by striking out the figure, "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$200,000"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-317-R1

Redraft ENV 317

Right Whale Patrol

Messrs. Tarr, O'Connor and Cyr and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2030-1000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for the protection of right whales by increasing the patrols of the office and its officers’ ability to identify and remove abandoned fishing gear and to enhance their ability to enforce speed restrictions through use of drone technologies to minimize potentially harmful interactions between vessels and right whales"; and by striking out the figure "$16,875,354" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$17,075,354".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-317

ENV 317

Right Whale Patrol

Messrs. Tarr, O'Connor and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2030-1000, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended for the protection of right whales by increasing the patrols of the office and its officers’ ability to identify and remove abandoned fishing gear and to enhance their ability to enforce speed restrictions through use of drone technologies to minimize potentially harmful interactions between vessels and right whales"; and by striking out the figure "$16,875,354" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$17,125,354".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-318

ENV 318

Green Crab Trapping and Great Marsh Restoration

Messrs. Tarr and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2330-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for marsh restoration and revitalization including, but not limited to: (i) a green crab trapping program for applied research and product development; (ii) high-resolution drone mapping of the great marsh deterioration; (iii) the continuation of microplastic and macroplastics sampling; and (iv) academic study and processing for water column, beach environment, marsh peat and eel grass"; and by striking out the figure "$9,639,804" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$9,839,804".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-318-R1

Redraft ENV 318

Green Crab Trapping and Great Marsh Restoration

Messrs. Tarr and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2330-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $175,000 shall be expended for marsh restoration and revitalization including, but not limited to: (i) a green crab trapping program for applied research and product development; (ii) high-resolution drone mapping of deterioration of the Great marsh; (iii) the continuation of microplastic and macroplastic sampling; and (iv) academic study and processing for water column, beach environment, marsh peat and eel grass"; and by striking out the figure "$9,639,804" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$9,814,804".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-319

ENV 319

Sustaining Natural and Working Lands

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ____ the following sections:-

"SECTION ___. Chapter 21N is hereby amended by inserting at the following new section:-

SECTION 12. (a) The executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall develop policies, programs, grants, loans and incentives to meet the statewide natural and working lands goal as identified in the plan, including, but not limited to, a community for a sustainable climate program. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall apply and disburse monies and revenues as provided in this section.

(b) The secretary shall establish a communities for a sustainable climate program. The purpose of the program shall be to provide technical and financial assistance, including incentives, grants and loans, to municipalities that qualify as sustainable communities under this section. These incentives, grants and loans shall be used to finance all or a portion of the costs of designing, constructing and implementing actions and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration on natural and working lands.

(c) To qualify as a community for a sustainable climate, a municipality or other local governmental body shall comply with eligibility requirements developed by the secretary or his designee. Eligibility requirements are intended to incentivize communities to adopt policies and practices that protect, enhance, and restore carbon stocks on natural and working lands beyond business as usual. The secretary shall set eligibility requirements from among, but not limited to, the following: (1) adopt a municipal tree retention and replacement by-law or ordinance; (2) adopt natural resource protection zoning, as defined by the secretary; (3) collect a reasonable fee to be used exclusively for measures to remedy and offset the generation of greenhouse gases caused by activities that convert forest, wetlands, and agricultural lands for development at a size and scale determined by the secretary; (4) adopt a municipal transfer of development rights by-law or ordinance; and (5) adopt and implement a municipal procurement policy for municipal purchasing and substituting wood products for municipal operations and assets, where feasible, including but not limited to, concrete and steel in buildings. The secretary may waive specified requirements based on a written finding that, due to unusual circumstances, a municipality cannot reasonably meet the requirements and that the municipality has committed to alternative measures that advance the purposes of the communities for a sustainable climate program as effectively as adherence to the requirements. The Secretary may adopt alternative eligibility requirements that provide opportunities to achieve the goals of the program.

(d) The secretary may develop policies to provide for consistency and predictability and to help offset the impacts of municipal ordinances and by-laws upon the private sector under the communities for a sustainable climate program that may be adopted by participating communities, including, but not limited to, grants, loans, incentives and tax credits and expedited permitting for practices and strategies consistent with the goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration on natural and working lands.

(e) Funding for the communities for a sustainable climate program in any single fiscal year shall be available, without the need for further appropriation, from sources including, but not limited to: (1) the global warming solutions trust fund established in section 35GGG of chapter 10 of the general laws; and (2) land management and restoration grant, loan and incentive programs administered by the executive office of energy and environmental affairs."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-320

ENV 320

Biodiversity

Mr. Moore and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2300-0100, by adding the following words:- "and provided further, that funds shall be expended by the department's office of biodiversity for efforts to increase biodiversity and to protect and prepare vulnerable maritime ecosystems from climate impacts and unlock their potential for carbon sequestration”; and by striking the figure “$2,143,914” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- "$2,268,915".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-321

ENV 321

Division of Fisheries and Wildlife

Messrs. Moore, O'Connor and Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2310-0200, by striking out the figure “$18,338,495” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$18,657,122".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-322

ENV 322

DMF Derelict Gear Program

Mr. Tarr, Ms. Rausch and Mr. Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2330-0100, by inserting after the word “Council” the following:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to establish a program to collect and remove derelict gear;”; and by striking out the figure “$9,639,804” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,889,804.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-322-R2

2nd Redraft ENV 322

DMF Derelict Gear Program

Mr. Tarr, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Montigny, Durant, Eldridge, Fernandes, O'Connor and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2330-0100, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to establish a program to collect and remove derelict gear; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended for the operation of the commercial fisheries commission established under section 79 of chapter 179 of the acts of 2022”; and by striking out the figure “$9,639,804” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,749,804.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-322-R1

Redraft ENV 322

DMF Derelict Gear Program

Mr. Tarr, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Montigny, Durant, Eldridge, Fernandes, O'Connor and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2330-0100, by inserting after the word “Council” the following:- “; provided further, that not less than $250,000 shall be expended to establish a program to collect and remove derelict gear and; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended for the operation of the Massachusetts Commercial Fisheries Commission”; and by striking out the figure “$9,639,804” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,949,804.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-323-R1

Redraft ENV 323

Fish to Plate Services

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by inserting the following words:- "; provided further that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for an initiative by the Open Door Food Pantry in Gloucester, serving Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Ipswich, Rowley, Topsfield, Boxford, Hamilton, Wenham and Lynn to make locally harvested fish accessible in the communities they serve"; and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$250,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-323

ENV 323

Fish to Plate Services

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by inserting the following words:- "; provided further that $150,000 shall be expended for an initiative by the Open Door Food Pantry in Gloucester, serving Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Ipswich, Rowley, Topsfield, Boxford, Hamilton, Wenham, Boxford, and Lynn to make locally harvested fish accessible in the communities they serve"; and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$250,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-324-R1

Redraft ENV 324

DCR

Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Keenan, Ms. Edwards, Mr. Fernandes and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0100, by striking out the figure "$112,563,141" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$113,063,141".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-324

ENV 324

DCR

Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Keenan, Ms. Edwards and Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0100, by striking out the figure "$112,563,141" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$113,850,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-325

ENV 325

Birmingham Parkway Fencing

Mr. Brownsberger moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0100, by inserting the following :- "; provided further, that not less than $506,908 shall be expended to build fencing along the Birmingham Parkway in the Brighton section of the city of Boston”; and further by striking out the figure “$112,563,141” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$113,070,049”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-326

ENV 326

Department of Ecological Resources

Mr. Cyr, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Mark, Cronin, Keenan and Eldridge, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Payano, Fernandes and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2300-0101, by striking out the figure “$5,293,523” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$5,766,476”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-329

ENV 329

Water quality monitoring

Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2000-0100, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended to enter into an agreement with OARS, Inc. to operate a water quality monitoring program in the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord rivers”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$130,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-330

ENV 330

Department of Environmental Protection Administration

Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Mark and Cronin, Ms. Kennedy, Mr. Durant, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Fernandes and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2200-0100, by striking out the figure "$54,120,855" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$55,772,829".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-331

ENV 331

Bruce Freeman Rail Trail

Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Friends of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail, Inc. to provide equipment for the benefit of area rail trails, including, but not limited to, the Assabet River Rail Trail, the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail and the Mass Central Rail Trail"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-332

ENV 332

Wellesley Food Pantry

Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Wellesley Food Pantry, Inc. for programming and supports for food insecure families and individuals in the town of Wellesley”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-333

ENV 333

Nourishing Brookline, Newton and Wellesley

Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to the Charles River Regional Chamber, Inc., in coordination with the Brookline Chamber of Commerce, Inc., to provide grants to independent restaurants located in the city of Newton and the towns of Brookline and Wellesley to supply prepared meals and other food products to food banks serving those communities, senior programs and other programs addressing food insecurity needs of individuals in those communities; provided further, that not less than $65,000 of such funds shall be allocated for grants to independent restaurants in the city of Newton; provided further, that not less than $50,000 of such funds shall be allocated for grants to independent restaurants in the town of Brookline; provided further, that not less than $35,000 of those funds shall be allocated for grants to independent restaurants in the town of Wellesley;” and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$250,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-334-R1

Redraft ENV 334

Boston Area Gleaners

Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $120,000 shall be expended to Boston Area Gleaners Incorporated for improvements to Stonefield farm located on Martin street in the town of Acton to continue its work to help families facing food insecurity"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$220,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-334

ENV 334

Boston Area Gleaners

Mr. Eldridge moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $120,000 shall be made available to Boston Area Gleaners Incorporated for improvements to Stonefield Farm located on Martin street in the town of Acton"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-335

ENV 335

Hardwick Pond Weed Mitigation

Mr. Durant moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words: - "; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to Hardwick Pond Preservation Association, Inc. for invasive species control on Hardwick pond in the town of Hardwick”; and by striking out the figure “$29,286,761” and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - “$29,326,761”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-335-R1

Redraft ENV 335

Hardwick Pond Weed Mitigation

Mr. Durant moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended to Hardwick Pond Preservation Association, Inc. for invasive species control on Hardwick pond in the town of Hardwick”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$140,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-338

ENV 338

Havey Beach Recreation Agreement

Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:-

"SECTION XX. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the Havey Beach Reservation areas, so-called, of the Charles River, in the West Roxbury section of the city of Boston shall be the Havey Beach Reservation Great Pond as defined under section 35 of chapter 91 of the General Laws and the department of conservation and recreation shall bear all appropriate costs necessary for improvements to the Havey Beach Reservation including but not limited to survey, building improvements, and landscaping plan, which shall include, but shall not be limited solely to construction of boat docks and launches, running, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and an area for dog run on said Reservation.  The department shall enter into a lease of not less than 5 years with an option to renew for 5 years for seasonal use with a water related entity pursuant to said chapter 91 to promote the use of the Great Pond."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-339

ENV 339

Department of Fish and Game Federal Pass-Through Fund

Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section__ the following section:-

"SECTION XX. There shall be established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate, non-budgeted special revenue fund known as the DFG Federal Pass-Through Fund, which shall be administered by the department of fish and game. The fund shall be credited with federal reimbursements from grants administered by public, quasi-public, and non-public entities on behalf of the federal government, including but not limited to the National Fisheries and Wildlife Foundation. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, proceeds credited to the fund may be invested and any income derived from said investment shall be credited to the fund.

Amounts credited to the fund shall be expended, without further appropriation, for research, programs, and projects approved in executed grant agreements.

The unexpended balance in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall remain available for expenditure in subsequent fiscal years. For the purpose of accommodating timing discrepancies between the receipt of revenues and related expenditures, the department of fish and game may incur expenses, and the comptroller shall certify for payment, amounts not to exceed the most recent revenue estimate as certified by the department of fish and game, as reported in the state accounting system.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-340

ENV 340

Havey Beach

Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to the department of conservation and recreation for the purpose of design, planning, and construction of Havey Beach in the West Roxbury section of the city of Boston"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “$300,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-340-R1

Redraft ENV 340

Havey Beach

Mr. Rush moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $175,000 shall be expended to the department of conservation and recreation for the design, planning and construction of Havey beach in the West Roxbury section of the city of Boston"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$275,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-341

ENV 341

Regional Flood Management

Mr. Rush, Ms. Edwards and Mr. Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2000-0101, by inserting the following words:- “; provided further that there shall be a special commission to study flood control regional governance that shall be granted not less than $150,000 for the purpose of hiring an independent consultant to assist the commission in discharging its responsibilities”; and by striking out the figure “$5,127,889” and inserting in place thereof the following:- “$5,277,889”; and by inserting the following section:-

“SECTION XX. (a) The special commission to study flood control regional governance shall consist of 13 members: 8 members of the state legislature, 4 of whom shall be appointed by the president of the senate, 1 of whom shall be serve as co-chair, and 4 members shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, 1 of whom one shall be designated co-chair; the executive directors of 5 watershed organizations shall be appointed to serve on the committee by the secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The special commission shall meet not less than 4 times and shall hold not less than 1 public hearing.

(b) The special commission shall study and report on:

(i) The impact of flooding on Massachusetts state and municipal governments, residents, businesses, public and private infrastructure, the environment and on low and moderate income communities;

(ii) the affordability and availability of flood insurance in Massachusetts; the current and potential impact of the loss of flood insurance and contingent mortgage financing on homeowners and businesses;

(iii) options for the creation of watershed based flooding regional governance districts statewide; (iv) options for regional governance organization entities that could provide each geographic regions with the capacity best suited to meet the needs of that region including but not limited to providing that each region had a regional strategic flood protection plan with the capacity to develop and provide recommendations for the implement of such plan;

(v.) the benefits of a regional governance structure in supporting the commonwealth in safely adapting to climate change by protecting people and property, minimizing disaster recovery expenditures, and disruptions to economic activity.

(c) The special commission shall submit a report with recommendations, including legislation or regulations necessary to carry out such recommendations, to the clerks of the house of representatives and the senate and the senate and house committees on ways and means not later than December 1, 2026.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-342

ENV 342

Kingston Hazardous Mitigation Plan

Mr. Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0100, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Town of Kingston to support the required update to Kingston’s Hazardous Mitigation Plan”; and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-343

ENV 343

Department of Fish and Game

Mr. Fernandes, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Mark, Cronin and Eldridge, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Payano and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2300-0100, by inserting after the word “commissioner” the following:- “; provided further, that funds shall be expended by the department's office of biodiversity for efforts to increase biodiversity and to protect and prepare vulnerable maritime ecosystems from climate impacts and unlock their potential for carbon sequestration;” and by striking the figure “2,181,542” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “2,268,915”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-344

ENV 344

Buzzards Bay Water Quality

Messrs. Fernandes, Moore, Cyr and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2000-0100, by inserting after "all departments" the following:- "provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for a coastal water quality and natural resource monitoring program in Buzzards Bay and Vineyard Sound administered by the Buzzards Bay Coalition, Inc.”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-346

ENV 346

Grafton Environmental Management

Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $70,000 shall be expended to the town of Grafton for the removal of invasive plants”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$170,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-347

ENV 347

Worcester Community Support

Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $21,000 shall be expended to Yes We Care, Inc. for operation of the food distribution program”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$121,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-348

ENV 348

Green the Garbage Reinvestment

Ms. Rausch, Mr. O'Connor and Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2200-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended to the department of environmental protection to develop and administer a grant program for small businesses located in the commonwealth to implement composting; provided further, that grants may be used by grantees to obtain compost collection containers, procure educational or technical assistance, establish regular collection of food waste and other compostable matter or other similar composting efforts or activities; provided further, that agricultural businesses and food service establishments shall be prioritized in the grant application review process; provided further, that not later than April 1, 2026, the department of environmental protection, in coordination with the department of agricultural resources, shall submit a report to the senate and house committees on ways and means and the joint committee on environment and natural resources on the implementation of the grant program, including, but not limited to, the names and locations of the grantees, the number of pounds of food waste and other compostable matter collected and information about where the waste was diverted;

and by striking out the figure “$488,748” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$638,748".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-349

ENV 349

Friend Street Pocket Park

Mr. Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $20,000 shall be expended for maintenance and improvements to a pocket park in the city of Amesbury”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$120,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-350

ENV 350

Riverside Park Fencing

Mr. Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $55,000 shall be expended for the purchase and installation of backstop fencing at the Puglielli softball field at Riverside Park in the city of Haverhill”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$155,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-351

ENV 351

Clement Farm Pedestrian Crossing

Mr. Finegold moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended to the city of Haverhill for the replacement of a pedestrian bridge in the Clement Farm Conservation Area”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-353

ENV 353

Water Quality Programs Administered by the Nashua River Watershed Association

Mr. Cronin moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2200-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $40,000 shall be expended for water quality programs administered by the Nashua River Watershed Association"; and by striking out the figures "$54,120,855" and inserting in place thereof the figures "$54,160,855".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-354

ENV 354

Kennel Identification Tag Safety

Messrs. Finegold and Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section 36 the following sections:-

“SECTION 36A. Section 137 of chapter 140 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:-

(e) A keeper of a dog may, while in a licensed kennel, remove an affixed tag if the dog has another means of identification including, but not limited to, a microchip or tattoo; provided, however, that proof of licensure by means of tag, electronic record, certificate or other verifiable method shall be accessible and available onsite at the kennel. The licensed kennel or dog keeper shall maintain access to a microchip reader capable of reading common microchip formats if microchips are being used for identification purposes in lieu of a tag for any dogs onsite.

SECTION 36B. Subsection (b) of section 145B of said chapter 140, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting at the end thereof the following words:- A keeper of a dog may choose, while in a licensed kennel, to not affix the tag if the dog has another means of identification including, but not limited to, a microchip or tattoo; provided, however, that the vaccination certificate shall be made accessible and available onsite. The licensed kennel or dog keeper shall maintain access to a microchip reader capable of reading common microchip formats if microchips are being used for identification purposes in lieu of a tag for any dogs onsite.”; and

By inserting after section 68 the following new section:-

“SECTION 68A. Section 85A of chapter 272 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking out the word 'dollars.' and inserting in place thereof the following words:- 'dollars; provided, however, that a keeper of a dog may, while in a licensed kennel, remove the license tag of a dog in accordance with sections 137 or 145B of chapter 140, and such removal shall not constitute a violation of this section.'.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-355

ENV 355

Department of Public Utilities

Mr. Barrett, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Mark and Eldridge, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Payano and Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2100-0012, by striking out the figure “$18,817,626” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$20,878,057”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-355-R1

Redraft ENV 355

Department of Public Utilities

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-357

ENV 357

Buy Local

Ms. Kennedy and Messrs. Gómez, Mark, Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0100, by striking out the figure “$750,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,000,000”; and by striking out the figure “$11,677,101” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$11,927,101”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-358

ENV 358

Alternatives for Community & Environment (ACE)

Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Eldridge, Payano and Fernandes, Ms. Rausch and Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2000-0101, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to Alternatives for Community & Environment, Inc. for a REEP-led air pollution mitigation program to protect the health of residents within environmental justice communities and to identify pollution hotspots and conduct outreach efforts to support residents" and in said item by striking out the figure "$5,127,889" and inserting in place thereof the figures $5,227,889".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-359

ENV 359

Harvest on Vine

Mr. DiDomenico moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Harvest on Vine Food Pantry in the Charlestown neighborhood of Boston to provide food resources and services"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$125,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-360

ENV 360

Regional Environmental Council

Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Regional Environmental Council, Inc. to support programs and operations"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-360-R1

Redraft ENV 360

Regional Environmental Council

Ms. Kennedy moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Regional Environmental Council, Inc. to support its operations and programs to fight for food justice in the city of Worcester and the central region of the commonwealth"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-361

ENV 361

Arlington EATS Inc

Ms. Friedman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $25,000 shall be expended for Arlington EATS Inc. to increase food access in the town of Arlington"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$125,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-362

ENV 362

FoodLink, Inc

Ms. Friedman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended for FoodLink, Inc. to address food insecurity in the city of Woburn and the towns of Arlington, Billerica, Burlington and Lexington"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$160,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-363

ENV 363

DCR Stewardship Council Language Change

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding a new section:-

"Section XXX:

SECTION 1. Section 2 of Chapter 21 as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition of Massachusetts General Laws, is hereby further amended by striking it entirety and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

Section 2: Stewardship council

Section 2. The department shall be under the control of a stewardship council, which shall consist of 13 persons to be appointed by the governor in the manner provided in this chapter.

Each person appointed to the stewardship council shall serve for terms of five calendar years commencing on January 1 of the year appointed. No such person shall serve more than two terms (full or partial). The governor shall make appointments in a manner consistent with staggered terms, with the number of councilors apportioned as nearly equally as possible by year of term expiration. In the event that an appointment in any given year would cause the term of more than 3 councilors to expire in the same year, the new appointee’s term of appointment shall be for four years or such lesser term as complies with the preceding sentence. The governor shall, with collaboration from the chairperson, ensure orderly transition of councilors originally appointed for seven-year terms to staggered five-year terms.

The council shall elect, at least annually, its own chairperson, vice chairperson, and secretary, and shall make the appointments required to be made by it in the manner herein provided. No council member shall serve as chairperson for more than three successive years.

SECTION 2. Section 2C of Chapter 21 as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition of Massachusetts General Laws, is hereby further amended by striking it entirety and inserting in place thereof the following section:-

Section 2C: Meetings of council; joint meetings with advisory board

Section 2C. The stewardship council shall meet within the commonwealth within thirty days after appointment and at least once a month thereafter. Six stewardship council members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, except in the case of appointment or removal of any person appointed by the stewardship council, or the approval of the appointment or removal of a division director. No appointment or removal of any person appointed by the stewardship council and no approval of the appointment or removal of a division director, shall be valid unless written notice of the meeting for such an appointment or removal or approval thereof, setting forth the business to be transacted thereat, shall have been sent by registered mail to each stewardship council member at least twenty-one days prior to such meeting, and then only by the affirmative vote of three or more members present and voting.

The stewardship council and the fisheries, wildlife and recreational vehicles advisory board shall meet jointly at least twice each year and may establish such policies as appear to be in the general interest.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-364

ENV 364

Fish and Game

Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2300-0100, by inserting at the end the following:-- "; provided further that the George L. Darey Inland Fisheries and Game Fund shall be reimbursed annually from the General Fund for all lost revenue attributed to the issuance of discounted and free hunting and fishing licenses."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-365

ENV 365

The Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole

Messrs. Fernandes and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7027-0019, "provided further, that not less than $200,000 shall be expended for research and education at The Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole;"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-366

ENV 366

Weymouth Food Pantry

Mr. O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended to the Weymouth Food Pantry in the city known as the Town of Weymouth for food security programs" and by striking out the figure “$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-367-R1

Redraft ENV 367

Belle Isle Marsh

Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2300-0101, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended to Friends of Belle Isle Marsh, Inc. for the implementation of environmental preservation programs”; and by striking out the figure “$2,143,914" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$2,193,914”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-367

ENV 367

Belle Isle Marsh

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-368

ENV 368

Town of Russell Playground

Mr. Velis moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the town of Russell for the replacement of playground equipment”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-369

ENV 369

Meghan's Light

Messrs. Velis and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $5,000 shall be expended for Meghan’s Light, Inc. in the town of Hadley for food assistance to individuals struggling with cystic fibrosis”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$105,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-370

ENV 370

Kelp Research

Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2330-0100, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended to the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance for a kelp research study”; and by striking out the figure “$9,639,804” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,669,804”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-370-R1

Redraft ENV 370

Kelp Research

Mr. Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2330-0100, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended to the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance for a study to assess opportunities to expand the kelp industry”; and by striking out the figure “$9,639,804” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,669,804”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-371

ENV 371

Hoosac Lake Recreation and Preservation District

Mr. Mark moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the Hoosac Lake Recreation and Preservation District for their sediment removal project aiming to preserve and expand the historical and environmental legacy of the lake, including improving water quality, reducing invasive species, and preserving natural resources”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-372

ENV 372

Shellfish Propagation

Messrs. Cyr and Fernandes moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2330-0100, by adding the following words:- “provided further, that not less than $150,000 shall be expended for shellfish propagation in Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties to be administered jointly by the director of marine fisheries and the aforementioned counties”; and by striking out the figure “$9,639,804” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,789,804”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-373-R1

Redraft ENV 373

Energy Cost Containment and Reduction Commission

Messrs. Tarr, Montigny, Durant, O'Connor and Fattman and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following new sections:--

“SECTION __. Chapter 25 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following section:—

Section 24. Public Hearing and Comment Period for Department of Public Utilities Rate Changes

(a) The Department of Public Utilities shall be required to hold at least one public hearing and a 30-day public comment period before approving any rate increase, including changes to delivery fees or other charges.

(b) The department shall provide notice of such hearings in a manner that ensures accessibility, including publication on the department’s website, written notifications to affected municipalities, and public service announcements.

SECTION __. Subsection (a) of section 142K of chapter 111 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting at the end thereof the following paragraph:-

Notwithstanding any general or special law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the commonwealth, either through the department of environmental protection or any other agency or political subdivision thereof, shall not implement or enforce the Advanced Clean Cars II regulations, as modified to apply to Massachusetts, earlier than July 1, 2027. As used in this section, “Advanced Clean Cars II regulations” shall mean the portion of the California Low Emission Vehicle Program that was adopted by the California Air Resources Board in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations at section 1962.4 and as promulgated by the commonwealth at 310 CMR 7.40.”

SECTION __. Chapter 164 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following section:—

Section 149. Rate and Delivery Fee Increase Cap

(a) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, no investor-owned electric or gas distribution company shall increase delivery fees or rates by more than 3 percent per year, adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index for the Northeast region, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

(b) The department shall adopt regulations necessary to implement this section, including provisions ensuring transparency in rate adjustments and consumer notifications.

SECTION __. Said chapter of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following section:—

Section 150. Veteran Utility Rate Reduction Program

(a) The department shall establish a Veteran Utility Rate Reduction Program that expands upon the existing tiered rate structure, specifically targeting veterans, as defined by section 1 of chapter 115, and those receiving VA disability compensation.

(b) The department shall ensure that eligible veterans receive utility delivery fee discounts contingent upon and aligned with the existing tiered low-income discount structure as established by the department, with veterans qualifying for equivalent or greater benefits under the same income thresholds.

(c) The department shall promulgate regulations necessary for the implementation of this section, ensuring that verification of eligibility for the veteran discount aligns with existing procedures for income-based discounts, utilizing VA records and other appropriate documentation. The department shall also conduct outreach efforts to maximize veteran participation in the program.

SECTION __. Said chapter of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following section:—

Section 151. Senior Utility Rate Reduction Program

The department shall establish a utility rate reduction program for residents of the commonwealth aged 65 and older to provide discounted utility delivery fees. The department shall promulgate regulations to determine eligibility criteria, discount rates, and ensure streamlined implementation.

SECTION X. Chapter 169 of the acts of 2008 is hereby amended by inserting after section 116, the following new sections:-

Section 116A. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall annually report the estimated or actual ratepayer cost and benefits of each program and policy required under chapter 169 of the acts of 2008 to the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy. Said report shall be submitted to the committee no later than January 31 of each year. Whenever possible, the reported costs shall be presented on a volumetric percentage of electricity supplied from renewable resources to each end user customer class.

Section 116B. All information reported by the executive office of energy and environmental affairs as required under section 116A of this act shall be made available as a public record and posted to the department of energy resources website simultaneously with submittal to the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy.

Section 116C. All actual ratepayer costs of each program and policy required under chapter 169 of the acts of 2008 shall be itemized on each end user’s electric utility bill.”

SECTION X. Chapter 179 of the acts of 2022 is hereby amended by inserting after section 91, the following new sections:-

Section 91A. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall annually report the estimated or actual ratepayer cost and benefits of each program and policy required under chapter 179 of the acts of 2022 to the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy. Said report shall be submitted to the committee no later than January 31 of each year. Whenever possible, the reported costs shall be presented on a volumetric percentage of electricity supplied from renewable resources to each end user customer class.

Section 91B. All information reported by the executive office of energy and environmental affairs as required under section 91A of this act shall be made available as a public record and posted to the department of energy resources website simultaneously with submittal to the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy.

Section 91C. All actual ratepayer costs of each program and policy required under chapter 179 of the acts of 2022 shall be itemized on each end user’s electric utility bill.”

SECTION _. Chapter 239 of the acts of 2024 is hereby amended by inserting after section 136, the following new sections:-

Section 136A. The executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall annually report the estimated or actual ratepayer cost and benefits of each program and policy required under chapter 239 of the acts of 2024 to the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy. Said report shall be submitted to the committee no later than January 31 of each year. Whenever possible, the reported costs shall be presented on a volumetric percentage of electricity supplied from renewable resources to each end user customer class.

Section 136B. All information reported by the executive office of energy and environmental affairs as required under section 136A of this act shall be made available as a public record and posted to the department of energy resources website simultaneously with submittal to the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy.

Section 116C. All actual ratepayer costs of each program and policy required under chapter 239 of the acts of 2024 shall be itemized on each end user’s electric utility bill.”

SECTION _. The department of public utilities shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act.

SECTION _. The department of energy resources shall promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this act.

SECTION __. Chapter 239 of the Acts of 2024 is hereby amended by striking out sections 4, 5, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 98.

SECTION __. There shall be a special commission to study and recommend reforms to utility delivery fee structures, industry best practices, and cost-reduction measures for consumers in the Commonwealth. The commission shall analyze the impact of delivery fees on ratepayers, identify the primary cost drivers, and evaluate regulatory or market-based strategies to mitigate excessive charges while ensuring reliable service. The commission shall assess the impact of delivery fees on consumer costs, market competition, and energy affordability through a review of historical rate structures, policy comparisons with other states, stakeholder input, and financial modeling to identify potential reforms that could reduce costs while maintaining reliable service. Additionally, the commission shall review the effectiveness of existing regulations governing delivery fees, identify potential legislative or administrative adjustments to enhance pricing transparency and efficiency, any and all options for reducing such costs in the short and long terms, together with the impacts of such options on efforts to reduce carbon emissions pursuant to current statutory and regulatory obligations, and the impacts of such options on employment levels and the economy of the commonwealth.

The commission shall consist of the House and Senate chairs of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, who shall serve as co-chairs; the Speaker of the House of Representatives or a designee; the President of the Senate or a designee; the House Minority Leader or a designee; the Senate Minority Leader or a designee; the chair of the department of public utilities commission or their designee, the director of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, 10 members appointed by the governor, three of whom shall represent electric transmission and distribution companies of electricity in the commonwealth, of which one shall represent municipal light plants in the commonwealth, two of whom shall have expertise in energy policy and represent consumers in the commonwealth, one of whom shall represent large employers in the commonwealth, one of whom shall represent small employers in the commonwealth, one member representing the New England Power Generators Association, and one member representing the Independent Systems Operator for New England, one member representing environmental organizations in the commonwealth, and one member appointed by the attorney general of the commonwealth with expertise in energy policy. Administrative support for the operations of the commission shall be provided by the department of public utilities.

The commission shall submit a report detailing its findings and recommendations, including any proposed legislation, to the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means, the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy, and the Clerks of the House of Representatives and Senate no later than twelve months after the passage of this legislation.

Section ____ - The department of public utilities shall develop, implement, and maintain, a comprehensive, public- facing dashboard to display information relative to the cost and supply of energy for commercial and residential consumers in the commonwealth, provided that such information shall include but not be limited to: i) investor owned transmission and distribution companies of electricity, organized by region, ii) current rates for natural gas and electricity for each such company, iii) a clear and easily digestible explanation of the components of gas and electricity bills in the commonwealth, including regional variations, iv) the sources of gas and electricity being delivered by such companies, v) the date of the most recently approved rates for gas and electricity for each company, and vi) a summary of the proceedings by which those rates were approved, vii) the duration of the currently approved rates and any anticipated new rate case filings, viii) any available incentives or discounts to reduce the consumer cost of electricity and natural gas, ix) average daily, monthly, and yearly consumption of gas and electricity, and any other relevant information.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2026-S3-373-R2

2nd Redraft ENV 373

Energy Cost Containment and Reduction Commission

Messrs. Tarr, Montigny, Durant, O'Connor and Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section ___ the following new sections:--