Senator Eldridge Votes for $3.94 billion Mass Ready Act Environmental Bond bill
Eldridge legislation banning plastic bags, requiring drought management and funding sustainability directors are in 5-year environment investment bill
Boston - On April 15, the Massachusetts Senate passed the Mass Ready Act, an environmental bond bill which includes $3.94 billion in bonding authorizations as well as critical policy provisions to support the removal of ‘forever chemicals’ from drinking water, help municipalities withstand floods and droughts, reduce plastic waste and pollution by removing single-use plastic bags from checkout lines, and make outdoor recreation possible for more residents through improved trails and parks.
“The Mass Ready Act reflects our renewed and reinvigorated bipartisan vision to prioritize investment and policy approaches to protect our state’s most precious and vulnerable natural resources, environmental assets, and recreational centers,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough). “From strengthening the state’s drought management response to major investments in climate resilience and adaptability, this landmark bond bill will help ensure that the Commonwealth continues to advance the state’s environmental protection and conservation efforts, including equitable access to clean drinking water, open spaces, support for trails and parks, and funding to address municipal challenges to addressing the impacts caused climate change. I am proud that I championed key aspects of this bill including drought management, efforts to reduce pollution driven by plastics, the creation of a special commission to study greywater reuse, as well as many other efforts. A true bipartisan effort, I look forward to seeing these investments and initiatives come to life within our communities and within my own district.”
During the Senate’s formal session, Senator Eldridge successfully filed and supported a landmark amendment that was adopted – Amendment #5 to strengthen drought management across the state. This amendment codifies the Drought Management Task Force and empowers the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to take drought-prevention measures in response to the impact of climate change. The bill enhances coordination to ensure clear and proactive responses to drought that prioritize public and environmental health. The amendment received unanimous, bipartisan support across the Senate in a roll call vote. To listen to Senator Eldridge deliver a speech in support of the amendment, visit the link here.
Furthermore, in an effort to protect the Commonwealth’s environment and cut down on pollution, the Mass Ready Act advanced the Plastics Reduction Act, which would include removing single-use plastic bags from retail checkout counters and a labeling requirement for non-flushable wipe products to help consumers avoid improper disposal. Senator Eldridge is the proud primary sponsor of both S.590 - An Act relative to plastic bag reduction and S.589 - An Act protecting wastewater and sewerage systems through the labeling of non-flushable wipes.
In addition to these policy inclusions, Senator Eldridge championed successful amendments to create a Grey Water Special Commission and restructure the Water Infrastructure Advisory Committee, to better address long-term water infrastructure challenges in Massachusetts.
The Mass Ready Act’s bonding measures would allow strategic state borrowing, including many of the environmental priorities that Senator Eldridge has long championed:
Protecting Clean Drinking Water and Soil – $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. $125.5 million to support resource conservation and preservation initiatives, including $5.5 million for the Healthy Soils Grant Program.
Guarding Against Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events – Highlighted by $500 million for the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) program, supporting climate resiliency planning in cities and towns.
MVP funding can be used to support municipalities looking to hire Sustainability Directors, an effort which Senator Eldridge has championed in his sponsorship of S.1444 - An Act providing state grants for municipal sustainability directors.
Investing in Infrastructure – $800.5 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. $225 million for coastal infrastructure and resilience.
Conserving the Natural World – $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 to support the biodiversity goals of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG).
Supporting Farmers and Nutritional Food Access – $132.5 million for the Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) program including $7.5 million for the Massachusetts Food Trust Program (MFTP) to increase access to healthy, affordable food. $20 million for capital investments to support the growth and economic competitiveness of the Commonwealth’s agricultural, commercial fishing and cranberry-growing sectors.
Ensuring Clean Water in Schools. Dedicates $15 million for a grant program administered by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to address PFAS, lead, and other contaminants in schools and childcare centers through the installation of filtered water stations and faucets. Priority for the award of funds may be given to school districts or childcare centers in low income or environmental justice communities. (Amendment 2)
Preventing PFAS Pollution. Focuses on proactive prevention of PFAS or 'forever chemical' pollution with $5 million to promote the use of safer alternatives to PFAS in products and manufacturing. Funds research, technical assistance, and a competitive grant program. (Amendment 87)
Protecting Wildlife from Unintended Poisonings. Creates a local-option mechanism for towns and cities to choose to ban anticoagulant rodenticides. While anticoagulant poisons are targeted at killing rodents, they can prove a danger to pets or travel up the food chain and harm or kill other animals such as eagles and hawks. (Amendment 3)
Investing in water infrastructure including private wells and public dams. Funds $450 for the Clean Water Trust, helping communities upgrade their water infrastructure; $42 million for hazardous waste cleanup at Superfund sites; $120 million for PFAS remediation in public and private wells; and $428 million for state owned dams.
The Senate passed the bill on a 36-3 roll call vote and sent it to the House of Representatives for further review. Once the House passes its own version of the bill, the two branches will work to resolve their differences before sending a compromise bill to the Governor for her signature.
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