Massachusetts : 2025-2026 Regular Session : BILL H2369
To ensure cleaner air for communities overburdened by outdoor air pollution
Sponsor: Rep Christine Barber & Rep Mike Connolly
Bill Details
Relative to communities with high cumulative exposure burdens to toxic outdoor air contaminants and criteria pollutants. Public Health.
Bill summary (AI generated)
This bill, titled "An Act to ensure cleaner air for communities overburdened by outdoor air pollution," is designated as House Bill No. 2369 and has been introduced to address the air quality concerns of communities facing high exposure to outdoor air pollution. It aims to amend Chapter 21A of the General Laws of Massachusetts by adding Section 18B, which outlines specific measures to improve air quality for overburdened populations. Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of a technical air quality advisory committee by the Department of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Department of Public Health. This committee will be responsible for identifying communities with significant exposure to toxic outdoor air contaminants and criteria pollutants. It will consist of residents from environmental justice populations, academics, labor representatives, and community organization representatives. The committee will define air quality target pollutants and identify air pollution hotspots, recommending the installation of air filtration systems in eligible buildings located near major roadways and transportation hubs. Eligible buildings include various types of housing, schools, commercial properties, and correctional facilities. The department will also install stationary air monitors in identified hotspots to measure specific pollutants and establish baseline air quality by 2027. The bill sets targets for reducing air pollution concentrations by 50% by 2030 and 75% by 2035. By providing the necessary infrastructure and policy measures, this bill aims to ensure cleaner air for disadvantaged communities and establish a framework for ongoing monitoring and improvement of air quality. Enforcement mechanisms are included, allowing individuals to take legal action in cases of violations.
History
The bill titled "To ensure cleaner air for communities overburdened by outdoor air pollution" (H2369) has progressed as follows: after being filed, it was referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health on February 27, 2025, and the Senate has concurred with this referral. Currently, the bill is still active, and the next steps will involve discussions and hearings in the Joint Committee on Public Health. There, committee members will review the bill, and it may be subject to amendments. If the committee approves it, the bill will proceed to a vote in the Senate, where it will need majority support to move forward. If it passes this stage, it will head to the House for further consideration.
- Thu 27 Feb 2025 Referred to the Joint Committee on Public Health
- Thu 27 Feb 2025 Senate concurred
- Fri 29 Aug 2025 Hearing scheduled for 09/10/2025 from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM in B-2
- Wed 10 Sep 2025 Hearing rescheduled to 09/10/2025 from 10:00 AM-01:35 PM in B-2 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
- Thu 13 Nov 2025 Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Ways and Means