Bill > S605

This bill establishes three distinct grant and funding programs aimed at promoting Massachusetts' blue economy and supporting environmental and economic development. First, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection will create a competitive grant program for small businesses transitioning to a circular economy (an economic model that maximizes resource reuse), with priority given to minority-owned businesses, enterprises in environmental justice populations, and businesses benefiting these communities. Second, the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs will establish a grant program for nonprofits, academic institutions, and businesses conducting scientific research and developing new technologies to improve ocean health, prioritizing projects with measurable environmental benefits, existing promising technologies, and outcomes promoting equity and inclusivity. Third, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will create a Blue Economy Education Fund to support high schools in developing educational, workforce training, and job placement programs in blue-STEAM industries (ocean sector jobs in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics), with funding prioritized for schools in or serving environmental justice communities. Each program emphasizes supporting Massachusetts-based entities and ensuring tangible economic and environmental benefits for the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S605