Amendment #400 to S3064

Indoor Air Quality Standards, Remediation and Funding

Ms. Uyterhoeven of Somerville moves to amend the bill in section 2A, by inserting after item 2200-7031 the following item:

“xxxx-xxxx For an indoor air quality remediation grant program; provided, that the department of environmental protection, in consultation with the department of public health, shall award grants for indoor air quality assessment, remediation and ventilation improvements in eligible buildings, as defined in section 18B of chapter 21A of the General Laws, with a focus on mold contamination, ventilation adequacy and indoor air pollutant concentrations; provided further, that the department shall give priority to: (i) public, private and charter schools and early education and care programs; (ii) nursing homes and other residential care facilities; and (iii) public housing; provided further, that not less than 60 per cent of amounts expended shall benefit environmental justice populations; and provided further, that the department shall begin awarding grants not later than 12 months after the effective date of this act ……… $25,000,000”.

and further, in section 11, in proposed section 18B of chapter 21A of the General Laws, by inserting after subsection (d) the following subsection:

“(e)(1) The department, in consultation with the department of public health, shall establish standards and guidelines for indoor air quality assessment and remediation in eligible buildings, with a focus on mold contamination, ventilation adequacy and indoor air pollutant concentrations including, but not limited to, fine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide as an indicator of ventilation.

(2) The department of public health shall develop regulations for indoor air quality assessments in: (i) public, private and charter schools and early education and care programs; (ii) nursing homes and other residential care facilities; and (iii) public housing. Such regulations shall include standards for acceptable indoor concentrations of particulate matter and mold, minimum ventilation rates, and timelines for remediation when standards are not met.

(3) Not later than January 1, 2028, the department of public health shall promulgate regulations pursuant to paragraph (2) and shall establish a program of technical assistance for building owners and operators to achieve compliance.

(4) The department shall report annually, not later than June 30, to the joint committee on environment and natural resources and the joint committee on public health on the status of indoor air quality assessments conducted, remediation actions taken, communities and populations served, and progress toward compliance with the standards established pursuant to this subsection.”.

and further in section 83, in line 2296, by adding the following:

“The advisory committee shall include indoor air quality in eligible buildings as a standing item on its agenda beginning with its first meeting.”.

“and further, in section 78, line 2256, by striking out the following: “$2,543,457,500” and inserting in place thereof the following:

“$2,568,457,500”.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #400 to S3064

Indoor Air Quality Standards, Remediation and Funding