Press Room

An Act to build resilience for Massachusetts communities takes bold steps toward cleaner ecosystems, including a ban on wasteful single-use plastics that pollute the environment.

The bill strengthens local and state infrastructure and protects Massachusetts’ natural habitats with $3.64 billion in authorizations for future state spending on targeted projects, including local planning to withstand extreme weather events, the remediation of PFAS—known as ‘forever chemicals’—from drinking water supplies, and maintenance of roads and dams.

Details of the legislation are below.

• $500 million for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program, supporting climate resiliency planning in cities and towns
•  $450 million for the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust to protect access to clean water across the Commonwealth, in addition to $120 million for PFAS remediation in public and private wells
•  $789 million for properties and roadways owned and managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)
• $521.6 million for state and municipally owned dams across the Commonwealth
• $130 million for the Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) program including $5 million for the Massachusetts Food Trust Program (MFTP) to increase access to healthy, affordable food
• 200 million for coastal infrastructure and resilience
• $125.5 million to support resource conservation and preservation initiatives, including $5.5 million for the Healthy Soils Grant Program
• $50 million for MassTrails Grants, including $10 million for accessibility upgrades that protect access to trails for all Massachusetts residents
• $30 million for tree-planting initiatives across the Commonwealth
• $20 million for capital investments to support the growth and economic competitiveness of the Commonwealth’s agricultural, commercial fishing and cranberry-growing sectors
• $20 million to support the biodiversity goals of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
• $15 million for a pilot program to advance the deployment of geothermal technology in furtherance of the Commonwealth’s 2050 net zero goals

Reduces Wasteful Single-Use Plastics. Prohibits single-use carry-out plastic bags at retail stores. Allows for reusable plastic bags without charge and allows for recyclable paper bags with a 10-cent fee (5 cents going into a state Plastics Environmental Protection Fund and the other 5 cents retained by the retailer). Bag fees are not required at certain small businesses with a single location and 10 or fewer employees. Exempts nonprofits and charities such as food pantries from all of these requirements when distributing food, clothing, or other items at free or reduced costs. Additionally prohibits retailers from proactively providing customers with disposable utensils and other food service ware unless requested by the customer or made available for self-service. Prohibits state agencies in most instances from purchasing single-use plastic bottles smaller than 21 fluid ounces. Requires the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a statewide program for bulk plastic recycling.

Encourages Positive Ecological Projects. Reforms permitting requirements to reduce timelines for qualifying projects, including nature-based projects that include ecosystem, marsh and wetland restoration.

Fast-Tracks Culvert Replacement Projects. Authorizes expedited permitting and timelines for municipal culvert replacements.

Informs Home-Buyers of Potential Flood Risks. Requires that home sellers and landlords inform prospective homebuyers and tenants about the flood risk of a residential property, along with any history of flooding on the property. Sellers and landlords would be required to disclose documentation of past flood damage or mitigation, details of flood insurance, and whether the property is located in a flood plain.

Maintains Public Beach Access. Preserves waterfront access for the general public in the event of shifting sands. Declares that public land continues to be public even if a neighboring barrier beach—a narrow strip of sand or dunes—shifts its location through natural processes and moves onto an existing public beach.

Lines Up Support for Dairy Farmers. Authorizes the Milk Producers Security Fund to support dairy farmers through grant programs.

Investigates Nitrogen Pollution Solutions. Establishes a special legislative commission to study and recommend solutions for essential wastewater infrastructure improvements in response to nitrogen pollution in southeastern Massachusetts.

Creates Support Program for Municipal Projects. Establishes a Resilience Revolving Fund to support resilience projects through low-interest loans to municipalities, public water and wastewater districts, and tribal governments.

Regionalizes Western Mass. Flood Strategy. Establishes the Connecticut River Valley Resilience Commission to empower communities to collaboratively develop a regional strategy to address flood risk and update infrastructure.