Environment Amendments

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-309

ENV 309

Department of Fish and Game Administration Account

Mr. Moore, Ms. Jehlen, Ms. Rausch and Messrs. Collins, Eldridge, Driscoll, Cyr and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2300-0100, by striking out the figure "$2,176,087" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$2,547,475".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-310

ENV 310

Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program

Messrs. Eldridge and Lewis and Ms. Rausch moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2310-0300, by striking out the figure "$1,221,735" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,585,987”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-310-R1

Redraft ENV 310

Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program

Messrs. Eldridge and Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Collins and Cyr and Ms. Howard moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2310-0300, by striking out the figure "$1,221,735" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$1,471,735”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-311

ENV 311

Electric rates task force

Mr. Tarr, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Montigny and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following section:-

"SECTION_. (a) There is hereby established an electric rates task force to advise and make recommendations to the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy and the executive office of energy and environmental affairs on the current and future cost of electricity in the commonwealth.

(b) The task force shall consist of the following members: the executive director of the office of energy transformation, who shall serve as chair, the secretary of energy and environmental affairs or a designee; the commissioner of energy resources or a designee; 1 representative from the department of public utilities; 2 members appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives who shall have a background in and understanding of electric rates; 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the house of representative; 2 members appointed by the president of the senate who shall have a background in and understanding of electricity rates; 1 member appointed by the minority leader of the senate; the chairs of the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy; the attorney general, or a designee; 1 representative from each investor-owned electric utility with a combined service territory of more than 100,000 retail and commercial customers; and 1 representative from ISO New England, Inc.

(c) The executive director of the office of energy transformation may assign staff and resources, as necessary, for the work of the task force.

(d)(1) Not later than September 30, 2027, the task force shall produce a report which shall: (i) identify each cost component that comprises the electric bill of residential and commercial customers of each investor-owned electric distribution company in the commonwealth with a combined service territory of more than 100,000 retail and commercial customers; (ii) include the total revenue raised statewide from each cost component separated by utility and customer class; (iii) include the current total cost to each customer class on a kilowatt-hour basis and monthly basis for a typical user in each rate class; and (iv) include the annual rate increase for each cost component for the previous 10 years and the projected annual rate increases or range of rate increases expected over the next 5 years. The report shall compare individual rate components to current and projected rate components of all other New England states and at least 3 other states considered to be economic competitors of the commonwealth.

(2) The cost components identified pursuant to clause (i) of paragraph (1) shall include the date of origin and purpose of each cost component and whether said cost components are related to electric utility distribution costs, regional transmission costs or energy supply costs and whether the cost components were added as a result of compliance with meeting greenhouse gas reduction goals established pursuant to section 3 of chapter 21N of the General Laws; provided, that the report shall include and identify any cost components that are expected to be added to ratepayer bills over the next 10 years. The cost components identified pursuant to clause (i) of paragraph (1) may be combined if they serve a similar purpose; provided, that the cost components shall not be currently listed separately on a customer bill or necessary to meet greenhouse gas reduction goals pursuant to said section 3 of said chapter 21N.

(e)(1) The report pursuant to subsection (d) shall be made publicly available on the websites of the attorney general and the executive office of energy and environmental affairs for public comment for 30 days.

(2) The task force shall consider all public comments and may make any changes to the report based on public comment, if applicable, as determined by the task force.

(f) Not later than 30 days after the closing of the public comment period pursuant to subsection (e) for the report pursuant to subsection (d), the task force shall submit a final report to the governor, the speaker of the house, the president of the senate, the house and senate committees on ways and means, the chairs of the joint committee on telecommunications, utilities and energy and the clerks of the house and senate.

(g) The report pursuant to subsection (d) and the final report pursuant to subsection (f) shall be made publicly available on the websites of the attorney general and the executive office of energy and environmental affairs."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-311-R1

Redraft ENV 311

Electric rates task force

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

(c) The executive director of the office of energy transformation may assign staff and resources, as necessary, for the work of the task force.

(2) The task force shall consider all public comments and may make any changes to the report based on public comment, if applicable, as determined by the task force.

Moves to further amend by inserting after section _ the following new section:-

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.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-312

ENV 312

Right Whale Patrol

Messrs. Tarr, Montigny and O'Connor 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 "$17,446,355" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$17,696,355".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-313

ENV 313

Green Crab Trapping and Great Marsh Restoration

Mr. Tarr 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 a program administered by the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Marine Station in Gloucester to support marsh restoration and revitalization activities, including, but not limited to: (i) a green crab trapping program for applied research and product development; (ii) high‑resolution drone mapping to assess deterioration of the Great Marsh; (iii) the continuation of microplastic and macroplastic sampling; and (iv) academic study and processing of samples from the water column, beach environment, marsh peat and eelgrass."; and by striking out the figure "$874,250,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$874,425,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-313-R1

Redraft ENV 313

Green Crab Trapping and Great Marsh Restoration

Mr. Tarr 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 to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst for its Gloucester Marine Station in the city of Gloucester to support marsh restoration and revitalization activities including, but not limited to: (i) a green crab trapping program for applied research and product development; (ii) high‑resolution drone mapping to assess deterioration of the Great Marsh; (iii) the continuation of microplastic and macroplastic sampling; and (iv) an academic study and processing of samples from the water column, beach environment, marsh peat and eelgrass."; and by striking out the figure "$9,514,212" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$9,689,212".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-314

ENV 314

Sustaining Natural and Working Lands

Messrs. Tarr and Eldridge 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: FY2027-S4-315

ENV 315

State parks and recreation operations

Mr. Brownsberger, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Howard and Messrs. Fernandes and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0100, by striking out the figure “$104,730,957” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$105,730,957”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-316

ENV 316

Relief for ratepayers

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

"SECTION X. Subsection (f) of section 11F of chapter 25A, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following sentences:- Not less than fifty per cent of alternative compliance payments made pursuant to this section shall be credited directly to electric ratepayers. The department of energy resources, in consultation with the department of public utilities, shall establish by regulation a mechanism to ensure that: (1) all such payments are returned to ratepayers in the service territory of the retail electricity supplier or municipal aggregator that submitted the payment, on a per kilowatt-hour basis or other equitable crediting method; and (2) the credits shall appear as bill reductions or refunds to ratepayers within 90 days of the close of the compliance year in which the payment was made. Any administrative costs associated with implementing this subsection shall be minimized and may be deducted from such payments prior to their return to ratepayers, provided that such deductions do not exceed reasonable expenses as approved by the department of public utilities.

SECTION XX. SECTION X is hereby repealed

SECTION XXX. SECTION X shall go into effect on January 1, 2030

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-316-R1

Redraft ENV 316

Relief for ratepayers

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

"SECTION 1. Subsection (f) of section 11F of chapter 25A, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following sentences:- Not less than fifty per cent of alternative compliance payments made pursuant to this section shall be credited directly to electric ratepayers. The department of energy resources, in consultation with the department of public utilities, shall establish by regulation a mechanism to ensure that: (1) all such payments are returned to ratepayers in the service territory of the retail electricity supplier or municipal aggregator that submitted the payment, on a per kilowatt-hour basis or other equitable crediting method; and (2) the credits shall appear as bill reductions or refunds to ratepayers within 90 days of the close of the compliance year in which the payment was made. Any administrative costs associated with implementing this subsection shall be minimized and may be deducted from such payments prior to their return to ratepayers, provided that such deductions do not exceed reasonable expenses as approved by the department of public utilities.

SECTION 2. SECTION 1 is hereby repealed

SECTION 3. SECTION 2 shall go into effect on January 1, 2030

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-317

ENV 317

Utility costs to be calculated into their income in calculating their eligibility for the Senior Circuit Breaker Credit

Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor 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 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by striking the definition of “Real estate tax payment” as appearing in lines 391 through 410, inclusive, and inserting in place thereof the following:–

"Real estate tax payment'', the real estate tax levied pursuant to chapter 59 on the taxpayer's residence and actually paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year, including water and sewer debt service charges assessed pursuant to subsection (n) of section 21C of chapter 59, exclusive of special assessments and delinquent interest, and less any abatement granted. For owners of residential property located in communities which have not exercised the option to assess water or sewer debt service charges pursuant to subsection (n) of section 21C of chapter 59, the real estate tax payment to be considered for purposes of calculating this credit shall also include 50 per cent of the owner's water and sewer charges actually paid in the taxable year for which the credit is sought, as well as 50 per cent of the owner’s home energy utility bills actually paid in the taxable year for which the credit is sought. In the case of a multi-unit dwelling, a land area in excess of one acre or a multi-purpose building or land area, the real estate tax payment, including the water and sewer charges as applicable, shall constitute that portion of the real estate tax levied and paid, and that portion of applicable water and sewer charges actually paid, on the entire building or area, which corresponds to the portion of the area or building used and occupied as the residence of the taxpayer, in accordance with procedures established by the commissioner."

SECTION 2. Said section 6 of said chapter 62 is hereby further amended by striking the definition of “Rent constituting real estate tax payment” as appearing in lines 411 through 414, inclusive, and inserting in place thereof the following:–

"Rent constituting real estate tax payment'', 25 per cent of the rent actually paid by the taxpayer, under a good faith rental agreement, for the right of occupancy of the residence during the taxable year or a portion thereof, as well as 50 per cent of the home energy utility bills actually paid by the taxpayer, under a good faith rental agreement, for the right of occupancy of the residence during the taxable year or a portion thereof."

SECTION 3. Said section 6 of said chapter 62 is hereby further amended by inserting after the definition of “Head of household” the following paragraph:–

"Real estate tax payment'', the real estate tax levied pursuant to chapter 59 on the taxpayer's residence and actually paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year, including water and sewer debt service charges assessed pursuant to subsection (n) of section 21C of chapter 59, exclusive of special assessments and delinquent interest, and less any abatement granted. For owners of residential property located in communities which have not exercised the option to assess water or sewer debt service charges pursuant to subsection (n) of section 21C of chapter 59, the real estate tax payment to be considered for purposes of calculating this credit shall also include 50 per cent of the owner's water and sewer charges actually paid in the taxable year for which the credit is sought. In the case of a multi-unit dwelling, a land area in excess of one acre or a multi-purpose building or land area, the real estate tax payment, including the water and sewer charges as applicable, shall constitute that portion of the real estate tax levied and paid, and that portion of applicable water and sewer charges actually paid, on the entire building or area, which corresponds to the portion of the area or building used and occupied as the residence of the taxpayer, in accordance with procedures established by the commissioner."

SECTION 4. Said section 6 of said chapter 62 is hereby further amended by inserting after the definition of “Real estate tax payment” the following paragraph:–

SECTION 5. Sections 1 and 2 shall be effective for the tax year beginning on January 1, 2026.

SECTION 6. Sections 1 and 2 are hereby repealed.

SECTION 7. Sections 3, 4, and 6 shall take effect on January 1, 2029"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-318

ENV 318

Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program

Messrs. Eldridge, Keenan, Mark, Gómez, Lewis, Cronin, Durant, Collins and Driscoll, Ms. Howard, Mr. Fernandes, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Brady and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $7,000,000 shall be expended for the creation of a local food purchasing assistance program"; and by striking out the figure “$10,870,309” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$17,870,309”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-319

ENV 319

Massachusetts Animal Fund

Messrs. Tarr, Montigny and O'Connor moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0100, by inserting 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 "$10,870,309" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$10,995,309".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-320

ENV 320

Energy Cost Dashboard

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

"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 and natural gas, 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: FY2027-S4-321

ENV 321

Merrimack River Protection and Restoration

Messrs. Tarr and Payano, Ms. Howard and Messrs. Finegold, Eldridge and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2200-0100, by inserting the following words:- "; provided further that not less than $200,000 shall be expended to the Merrimack River Watershed Council, Inc. for a regional approach to reducing combined sewer overflows and non-point source pollution in the Merrimack River"; and by striking the figure "$50,371,172 " and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$50,571,172".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-321-R1

Redraft ENV 321

Merrimack River Protection and Restoration

Messrs. Tarr and Payano, Ms. Howard and Messrs. Finegold, Eldridge and Brady 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 $200,000 shall be expended to the Merrimack River Watershed Council, Inc. for a regional approach to reducing combined sewer overflows and non-point source pollution in the Merrimack river"; and by striking out the figure "$50,371,172 " and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$50,571,172".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-322

ENV 322

Mass Save Admin Cost Cap and Reporting

Messrs. Tarr, Durant and Montigny moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting at the end the following new section:--

"SECTION ___. Chapter 25 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 official edition, is hereby amended by inserting after section 22 the following section:

Section 22A.

(a) Program administrators of energy savings programs under the collaborative, otherwise known as “Mass Save,” including electric and gas distribution companies, shall submit a report, no later than February 1 of each year, detailing the following:

(i) operational and administrative costs of implementing energy savings programs, including but not limited to oversight, program management, and staffing;

(ii) consumer incentive costs to promote program participation;

(iii) total spending in residential programs administered, including a breakdown of spending for each program by geographic region, income, race, and ethnicity;

(iv) spending for each commercial program administered, including by region;

(v) total costs of rebates, contractor payments, installation, and any other relevant program implementation costs;

(vi) any other relevant costs deemed necessary by program administrators.

The report shall be submitted to the clerks of the House and Senate and published on Mass Save’s website.

(b) For the purposes of this section, the term “administrative expenses” shall mean overhead and labor costs in carrying out energy savings programs. Program administrators shall not exceed 10 per cent of the amount of funds allocated to energy savings programs for administrative expenses."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-323

ENV 323

DCR Operations

Messrs. Eldridge, Keenan, Mark and Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Gómez and Collins, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Howard, Ms. Edwards and Messrs. Fernandes, Moore, Driscoll and Brady moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0100, by striking out the figure “$104,730,957” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$113,820,049”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-324

ENV 324

DCR Seasonals

Messrs. Eldridge, Mark and Lewis, Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Gómez and Collins, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Howard, Ms. Edwards, Ms. Jehlen and Mr. Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2800-0501, by striking out the figure “$28,463,716” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$29,296,761”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-325

ENV 325

Mobile Food Pantry

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 $190,000 shall be expended for Acton Community Supper and Food Pantry, Inc. to purchase a mobile food pantry vehicle"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$290,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-326

ENV 326

Furniture Bank Vehicle

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 $70,000 shall be made available to New Life Furniture Bank of MA, Inc. to purchase a vehicle to support its operations"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$170,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-326-R1

Redraft ENV 326

Furniture Bank Vehicle

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 $60,000 shall be expended to New Life Furniture Bank of MA, Inc. to purchase a vehicle to support its operations and its mission to provide free furniture to families in need"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$60,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-327

ENV 327

Food System Programming

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 $61,500 shall be made available to the town of Hudson as the fiscal agent for the MetroWest Food Collaborative in order for the MetroWest Food Collaborative to increase capacity to build innovative programming to advance a healthy and just regional food system"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$161,500".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-327-R1

Redraft ENV 327

Food System Programming

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 $51,500 shall be expended to Metrowest Worker Center Inc. / Casa do Trabalhador/ Casa Del Trabajador to support culturally appropriate food distribution efforts serving immigrant families facing food insecurity, including expanded support in the city of Marlborough; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for the town of Ayer for the design, construction and installation of a senior center and other related expenses "; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$251,500".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-328

ENV 328

Watershed Education Improvements

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 $53,500 shall be made available to Nashua River Watershed Association, Inc. to support environmental education and volunteer river stewardship programs serving communities across the Nashua River watershed, including, but not limited to, the purchase a truck and canoe trailer"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$153,500".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-328-R1

Redraft ENV 328

Watershed Education Improvements

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 $53,500 shall be expended to Nashua River Watershed Association, Inc. to support environmental education and volunteer river stewardship programs serving communities across the Nashua river watershed including, but not limited to, the purchase a truck and canoe trailer"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$153,500".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-329

ENV 329

Ginny’s Helping Hand, Inc

Mr. Cronin and Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that no less than $65,000 shall be expended to Ginny’s Helping Hand in the City of Leominster for the purposes of supporting their food pantry”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$165,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-330

ENV 330

Growing Places

Messrs. Cronin and Durant 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 Growing Places in the city of Leominster for the purposes of connecting fresh food from local farms to local residents in need”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-330-R1

Redraft ENV 330

Growing Places

Messrs. Cronin, Durant and 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 $100,000 shall be expended to Growing Places Garden Project, Inc. in the city of Leominster to connect fresh food from local farms to local residents in need”; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-331-R1

Redraft ENV 331

North Shore Water Resiliency Task Force

Mr. Tarr and Ms. Lovely 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 metropolitan area planning council for initiatives to support the North Shore Water Resilience Task Force in its regional plans and actions to help sustain the rivers and waters of the North Shore region"; and by striking out the figure "$50,371,172 " and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$50,471,172".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-331

ENV 331

North Shore Water Resiliency Task Force

Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2200-0100, by inserting the following words:- ", provided further that not less than $100,000 shall be provided to the Metropolitan Area Planning Council for initiatives to support the North Shore Resiliency Water Task Force in its regional plans and actions to help sustain the rivers and waters of the North Shore of the Commonwealth"; and by striking the figure "$50,371,172 " and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$50,471,172".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-332

ENV 332

The Open Door North Shore Decentralized Food Distribution Plan

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 $75,000 be expended for the Open Door food pantry serving the cities of Gloucester and Lynn and the towns of Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Ipswich, Rowley, Topsfield, Boxford, Hamilton and Wenham for the purposes of developing and deploying a Transportation System for decentralized food distribution to the North Shore communities it serves"; and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$175,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-332-R1

Redraft ENV 332

The Open Door North Shore Decentralized Food Distribution Plan

Mr. Tarr 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 $75,000 shall be expended for Open Door/Cape Ann Food Pantry, Inc. serving the cities of Gloucester and Lynn and the towns of Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Ipswich, Rowley, Topsfield, Boxford, Hamilton and Wenham to develop and deploy a transportation system for decentralized food distribution to the North Shore communities it serves"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$175,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-333

ENV 333

Tree Planting and Invasives Removal at Jamaica Pond

Mr. Rush 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 $100,000 shall be expended to the City of Boston for the planting of trees and the removal of invasive species at Jamaica Pond”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-334

ENV 334

Havey Beach

Mr. Rush 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 $100,000 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 by inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$200,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-335

ENV 335

Our Neighbor's Table

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 $50,000 shall be expended to the Our Neighbors' Table Food Pantry for the creation of an integrated market; and further by striking the figure '$100,000' and inserting in place thereof the following figure '$150,000'"

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-335-R1

Redraft ENV 335

Our Neighbor's Table

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 $50,000 shall be expended to the Our Neighbors' Table Food Pantry for expenses related to opening and operating the Seacoast Regional Food Hub, located in the town of Salisbury, serving the Lower Merrimack Valley Food Coalition"; and by striking the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$150,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-336

ENV 336

Office of Environmental Justice and Equity

Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Mark, Gómez and Lewis, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Payano and Collins, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Howard and Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that no less than $6,229,234 shall be expended for the Office of Environmental Justice and Equity to sustain its role in coordinating community engagement, language services, and policy development across all state agencies within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-336-R1

Redraft ENV 336

Office of Environmental Justice and Equity

Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Mark, Gómez and Lewis, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Payano and Collins, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Miranda, Ms. Howard and Messrs. Moore, Brady and Cyr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2000-0102, by striking out the figure "4,000,000" and inserting in place thereof the following figure: - "$6,229,234".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-337-R1

Redraft ENV 337

Community Boating, Inc

Ms. Edwards 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 Community Boating, Inc. to provide affordable and accessible sailing"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$125,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-337

ENV 337

Community Boating, Inc

Ms. Edwards moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that no less than $25,000 shall be expended for the Community Boating, Inc.".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-338

ENV 338

Solar Recycling Group

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

“SECTION ___. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there is hereby established within the executive office of energy and environmental affairs a Solar Panel Recycling Advisory Group to review and advise the legislature on policies pertaining to the recovery and recycling of solar panel infrastructure sold and used within the commonwealth. The advisory group shall consult with local universities and research institutions that have conducted research in the area of solar panel infrastructure recycling, manufacturers of solar photovoltaic panels, and the recycling industry.

SECTION ___. The advisory group shall consist of: the secretary of energy and environmental affairs, or a designee, who shall serve as chair; the commissioner of environmental protection, or a designee; one member of the toxics use reduction institute; the executive director of the Massachusetts clean energy center, or their designee; 3 members to be appointed by the governor; 1 member of the senate to be appointed by the senate president; 1 member of the house of representatives to be appointed by the speaker; 1 member of the senate appointed by the senate minority leader; and 1 member of the house of representatives to be appointed by the house minority leader.

SECTION ___. The Solar Panel Recycling Advisory Group shall submit its final report of the findings and recommendations to the executive office of energy and environmental affairs; the department of environmental protection; the joint committee on environment, natural resources and agriculture; and the clerks of the senate and the house of representatives no later than 1 year after the passage of this bill.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-339

ENV 339

Malden parks improvements

Mr. Lewis 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 $60,000 shall be expended to the City of Malden for public park improvements"; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$160,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-340

ENV 340

Malden River Works

Mr. Lewis 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 $100,000 shall be expended to the city of Malden for the Malden River Works park project;" and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-341

ENV 341

Mobile Farmers Market

Ms. Jehlen moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following:- “; provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended for the City of Somerville’s mobile market revolving fund to help maintain their low-cost farmers market on wheels”; and by striking out the figure “$10,870,309” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$10,920,309".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-341-R1

Redraft ENV 341

Mobile Farmers Market

Ms. Jehlen 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 city of Somerville for its mobile market revolving fund to help maintain its low-cost farmers market on wheels”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the figure:- “$150,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-342

ENV 342

Herter Park Improvement

Mr. Brownsberger 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 $700,000 shall be expended to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for the purpose of improvements to Herter Park in the city of Boston”; and by striking out the figure “$100,00” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$800,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-342-R1

Redraft ENV 342

Herter Park Improvement

Mr. Brownsberger 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 $700,000 shall be expended to the Department of Conservation and Recreation for the purpose of improvements to Herter Park in the city of Boston”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$800,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-345

ENV 345

Post-Disaster and Economic Resilience Planning

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 $30,000 shall be expended for the Cape Ann Climate Coalition Inc for preemptive strategic planning for post-disaster recovery"; and by striking out the figure "$50,371,172" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$50,401,172".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-346

ENV 346

OARS 3 Rivers

Mr. Barrett 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 “$19,749,035” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$19,779,035".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-348

ENV 348

Free Snowmobile Weekend

Messrs. Mark, Durant and Payano moved that the proposed new text be amended by adding at the end thereof the following section:-

“SECTION XX. Chapter 90B of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 22A the following section:-

Section 22B. In conjunction with the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts, or its successor organization, a three-day “free snowmobile weekend” shall be established annually by the Massachusetts Office of Law Enforcement on a mutually agreeable weekend during the winter snowmobiling season. For the purposes of this section a “free snowmobile weekend” is defined as Friday, Saturday, Sunday during which Massachusetts snowmobile registration and Trail Pass provided by the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts or its appendant clubs is not required for non-residents to operate snowmobiles on public lands, or private lands under agreement with the Snowmobile Association of Massachusetts or its appendant clubs, provided said non-resident has proof of a valid registration in any state or Canadian province.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-349

ENV 349

Newton Food Pantry

Ms. Creem moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0107, by adding the following words:- “; not less than $50,000 shall be expended to the Newton Food Pantry, Inc. to support its operations”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-349-R1

Redraft ENV 349

Newton 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 to Newton Food Pantry, Inc. to support its operations”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-350

ENV 350

Lenox Land Trust

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 $75,000 shall be expended for the Lenox Land Trust for the purpose of restoring access to the Hallowell Meadows recreational area"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$175,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-351

ENV 351

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. 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: FY2027-S4-352-R1

Redraft ENV 352

Belle Isle Marsh

Ms. Edwards 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 to the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh”; and by striking out the figure “100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-352

ENV 352

Belle Isle Marsh

Ms. Edwards 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 to the Belle Isle Marsh”; and by striking out the figure “100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-352-R2

2nd Redraft ENV 352

Belle Isle Marsh

Ms. Edwards 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 to the Friends of Belle Isle Marsh Inc. for the implementation of environmental preservation programs”; and by striking out the figure “100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-353

ENV 353

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 $70,000 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:- "$170,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-354

ENV 354

Massachusetts Animal Fund

Messrs. Payano, Montigny, Lewis and Mark, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Howard and Messrs. Velis and Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0100, by adding the following words: - "; provided further, that $100,000 shall be expended for the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund" and by striking out the figure "$10,870,309" and inserting in place thereof the following: -"$10,970,309".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-354-R1

Redraft ENV 354

Massachusetts Animal Fund

Messrs. Payano, Montigny, Lewis and Mark, Ms. Rausch, Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Howard, Messrs. Velis, Moore, Brady, Cyr and O'Connor and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2511-0100, by adding the following words:- "; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be transferred to the Homeless Animal Prevention and Care Fund established in section 35WW of chapter 10 of the General Laws"; and by striking out the figure "$10,870,309" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:-"$10,970,309".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-356

ENV 356

Buzzards Bay Coalition

Mr. Montigny and Mrs. Dooner 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 $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.;”; and by striking out the figure "$19,749,035" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$19,899,035".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-357

ENV 357

Marine Animal Entanglement Response

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 $300,000 shall be expended to the Center for Coastal Studies for field operations and staffing to respond to entanglements of marine mammals and terrapins in Massachusetts coastal waters”; and by striking out the figure “$9,514,242” and inserting is place thereof the following figure:- “$9,814,242”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-357-R1

Redraft ENV 357

Marine Animal Entanglement Response

Messrs. Cyr, Fernandes and Payano and Ms. Lovely 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 to Center for Coastal Studies, Inc. for field operations and staffing to respond to entanglements of marine mammals and terrapins in the commonwealth’s coastal waters”; and by striking out the figure “$9,514,242” and inserting is place thereof the following figure:- “$9,664,242”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-358

ENV 358

Enhancing Transparency in Electric Bills

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

“SECTION X. This Act shall be entitled the “The Electricity Bill Transparency Act,” and shall be construed in a manner to achieve its public purpose, which is to ensure that affordable electric service be available to all consumers on reasonable terms and conditions.

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

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

SECTION X. This act shall take effect upon its passage.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-359

ENV 359

Establishing Buffer Zones for Battery Storage Facilities

Messrs. Fattman and Durant moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section X the following section:-

“SECTION X. Chapter 21A of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 Official Edition, is hereby amended by adding the following new section:-

"Section 29. Battery Energy Storage Facility Buffer Zones.

(a) Definitions. As used in this section, the following words shall have the following meanings:

'Battery storage facility'-a facility that uses batteries to store and distribute electrical energy.

'Buffer zone'- a designated distance from certain areas within which battery energy storage facilities shall not be constructed or operated.

'Ecologically protected area'- any land designated under state or federal law as a protected environmental zone, including wetlands, wildlife reserves, and conservation areas.

'Populated area'- any residentially zoned area, school, hospital, or other location with high human occupancy.

(b) Buffer Zone Requirements- (1) No battery storage facility shall be constructed or operated within 2000 feet of a populated area. (2) No battery storage facility shall be constructed or operated within 3,000 feet of an ecologically protected area. (3) The Department of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Department of Fire Services, may adjust buffer distances based on facility size, battery chemistry, and risk assessment.

(c) Fire Mitigation and Emergency Preparedness- (1) All potential battery storage facilities shall submit a fire mitigation and emergency response plan to the Department of Fire Services and the local fire department before starting building. (2) Facilities utilizing lithium-ion or similarly volatile battery chemistries shall install fire suppression systems in accordance with regulations set forth by the Department of Fire Services.

(d) Environmental Protection Measures- (1) Facilities shall implement groundwater and soil contamination prevention measures, including secondary containment and spill response plans. (2) The Department of Environmental Protection shall establish guidelines for monitoring and mitigating environmental risks posed by battery storage facilities.

(e) Enforcement and Penalties- (1) The Department of Environmental Protection shall have the authority to enforce this section and may impose fines of up to $50,000 per violation for noncompliance. (2) Any facility found to be in violation of this section shall be subject to suspension of operating permits until compliance is achieved."

SECTION X. Chapter 148 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following new section:-

'Section 61. Battery Storage Facility Fire Safety Standards.

The State Fire Marshal, in coordination with the Department of Environmental Protection, shall establish safety and fire prevention standards specific to battery energy storage facilities, including but not limited to: fire suppression and containment requirements, emergency response protocols, and mandatory inspections and risk assessments at regular intervals.'

SECTION X. This act shall take effect immediately upon passage.”

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-360

ENV 360

Eliminating Public Utility Costs

Mr. Fattman and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section X the following section:-

“SECTION X. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, for fiscal year 2027, no public benefit charges, including energy efficiency charges, residential assistance charges, renewable or clean energy programs, distributed solar charges, and electric vehicle charges, shall be assessed on electric or gas utility ratepayers in the commonwealth."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-361

ENV 361

Renaming the Douglas State Forest as the Governor Paul Cellucci Memorial State Park

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

"SECTION X. The Douglas State Forest, located on Wallum Lake Road in the town of Douglas, shall be renamed in memory of Massachusetts Governor Agreo Paul Cellucci as the "Governor Paul Cellucci Memorial State Park". The department of conservation and recreation shall erect and maintain suitable markers bearing this appropriate distinction."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-362

ENV 362

Southcoast Shellfishing Support

Messrs. Montigny and Payano 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 $195,000 shall be expended for water testing capacity improvements at the division including, but not limited to, personnel and supplies, in support of the shellfish and aquaculture industries in the Southcoast region"; and by striking out the figure "$9,514,242" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- $9,709,242.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-363

ENV 363

Buy Local

Ms. Kennedy, Messrs. Mark and Gómez, Ms. Rausch, Ms. Howard and Messrs. Payano 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:- “$800,000”; and by striking out the figure “$10,870,309” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$10,920,309”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-364

ENV 364

Testing and Treatment of Cyanobacteria in Monponsett Pond

Mr. Brady 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 $90,000 shall be expended for the testing and treatment of cyanobacteria and related contaminants in Monponsett Pond in the town of Halifax”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$190,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-367

ENV 367

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: FY2027-S4-369

ENV 369

Central Plymouth County Water District Commission Annual Budget

Mr. Brady 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 Central Plymouth County Water District commission annual budget for the improvement and management of lakes and ponds in the Central Plymouth County Water District”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-370

ENV 370

Department of Environmental Protection

Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Keenan, Mark, Gómez and Lewis, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Payano and Collins, Ms. Howard and Messrs. Eldridge and Driscoll moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2200-0100, by striking out the figure "$50,371,172" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$53,729,646".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-370-R1

Redraft ENV 370

Department of Environmental Protection

Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Keenan, Mark, Gomez and Lewis, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Payano and Collins, Ms. Howard, Messrs. Eldridge, Driscoll, Moore, Brady and Cyr, Ms. Lovely and Mr. Tarr moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2200-0100, by striking out the figure "$50,371,172" and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$51,371,172".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-371

ENV 371

Somebody Cares New England

Messrs. Payano and Finegold 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 to Somebody Cares New England, Inc. in the city of Haverhill for the operation of its food pantry and to combat food insecurity in the community"; and by striking out the figure "$100,000" and inserting in place thereof the figure:- "$125,000".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-372

ENV 372

Adjusting Climate Roadmap Mandates

Mr. Fattman and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section X the following section:-

"SECTION X. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, including but not limited to chapter 21N of the General Laws and chapter 8 of the acts of 2021, any statewide or sector-specific greenhouse gas emissions limits, benchmarks, or reduction requirements established therein shall be considered aspirational goals and shall not have the force of law as binding mandates.

SECTION X. Section 3B of chapter 21N of the General Laws, as amended by section 10 of chapter 8 of the acts of 2021, is hereby further amended by striking the word “shall” and inserting in place thereof the word “should”.

SECTION X. Section 3(b½) of Chapter 21N of the General Laws, as inserted by section 11 of chapter 8 of the acts of 2021, is hereby amended by striking the words “shall promulgate regulations establishing” and inserting in place thereof the words “may adopt policies supporting”.

SECTION X. The secretary of energy and environmental affairs shall revise all relevant public-facing documents, reporting frameworks, and planning documents to reflect that greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets are nonbinding objectives intended to guide state energy and environmental policy.

SECTION X. This section shall take effect immediately upon its passage."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-374

ENV 374

Delaying Net Zero to 2060

Mr. Fattman and Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section X the following section:-

"SECTION X. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, including but not limited to chapter 21N of the General Laws and chapter 8 of the acts of 2021, any final statewide or sector-specific net zero greenhouse gas emissions limit, benchmark, or reduction requirement established therein shall be a 2060 limit."

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-375

ENV 375

Green the Garbage Reinvestment

Ms. Rausch 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 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, 2027, 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 “$488,747” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- "$638,747".

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-376

ENV 376

Webster Lake

Mr. Fattman 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 to the Webster Lake Association Inc. for costs associated with infrastructure projects and maintenance at Webster Lake in the town of Webster””; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$150,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-377

ENV 377

Taunton – River Center

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 2810-0122, by inserting the following:-

“; provided further, that not less than $100,000 shall be expended for access, building systems and related upgrades to the River Center at Sweets Knoll State Park”;

and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$200,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-378

ENV 378

Wareham - Agawam Mill Pond

Mrs. Dooner moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by inserting after the words “for local environmental, recreational, resiliency and preservation projects” the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $75,000 shall be expended to the town of Wareham for water quality improvement and ecological restoration of the publicly owned Agawam Mill Pond, including but not limited to nutrient management and invasive species mitigation, which may be carried out in partnership with local nonprofit organizations”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$175,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-379

ENV 379

Sutton PFAS Remediation

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $60,000 shall be expended to the town of Sutton for costs associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remediation efforts”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$160,000”.

Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-379-R1

Redraft ENV 379

Sutton PFAS Remediation

Mr. Fattman moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7008-1116, by adding the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $30,000 shall be expended to the town of Sutton for costs associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances remediation efforts”; and by striking out the figure “$100,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$130,000”.