Bill > H892

This bill aims to address the increasing costs associated with improving water, wastewater, and stormwater systems in cities and towns. It proposes that any new rule, regulation, or guidance document from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) that imposes additional costs on municipalities be considered a "local mandate." The bill requires the EOEEA to complete a regulatory impact statement for any water, wastewater, or stormwater-related proposals, which must include an analysis of the financial impacts on stakeholders and a description of the benefits. The EOEEA must also provide preliminary notification of such proposals to a list of stakeholders and legislative committees. Finally, the bill specifies that any EOEEA proposals related to water, wastewater, or stormwater must comply with the Massachusetts Administrative Procedures Act, allowing entities to file petitions for relief with the superior court if the EOEEA fails to do so.