Bill > H1990

This bill, titled "Reducing human exposure to particulate matter pollution," aims to address the health risks associated with fine, ultrafine, and black carbon particles in the air. The key provisions of the bill are as follows: 1. It defines important terms like "particulate matter," "fine particles," "ultrafine particles," "black carbon," and "high-activity roadway," providing context for understanding the bill's focus. 2. It requires the Department of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Department of Public Health, to establish regulations for conducting indoor/outdoor assessments of ultrafine, fine, and black carbon particulate matter concentrations in existing and proposed buildings. 3. It mandates that new child care facilities, schools, hospitals, and long-term care facilities located within 500 feet of a high-activity roadway or a diesel rail yard/station must conduct the required indoor/outdoor particulate matter assessment and ensure that indoor levels are mitigated to at least 80% below outdoor levels before a license can be issued. 4. It prohibits the issuance of building permits for certain residential, healthcare, and educational facilities within 500 feet of a high-activity roadway or diesel rail infrastructure unless the indoor/outdoor particulate matter assessment indicates that indoor levels will be mitigated to at least 80% below outdoor concentrations. 5. It requires similar assessments and mitigation measures for new school construction projects located near high-activity roadways or diesel rail infrastructure. The overall goal of the bill is to reduce human exposure to harmful particulate matter pollution, particularly for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those in healthcare facilities.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H1990