Bill > S1548

This bill establishes a comprehensive approach to addressing air pollution in communities disproportionately impacted by environmental injustice. The legislation creates a technical air quality advisory committee composed of representatives from environmental justice populations, academics, and labor groups to identify air pollution hotspots and develop strategies for improvement. The committee will focus on monitoring and reducing concentrations of harmful pollutants like black carbon, ultrafine particulate matter, and other air toxins, particularly in areas near highways, marine terminals, airports, and train stations. By December 2026, the state will install air monitors in at least eight pollution hotspots and establish baseline air quality measurements. The bill mandates the installation of air filtration systems in eligible buildings within 200 meters of high-pollution areas, including public and private schools, residential housing, commercial buildings, and correctional facilities. These filtration systems must meet specific standards for removing particulate matter. The legislation sets progressive air quality improvement targets, aiming to reduce target pollutant concentrations by 50% by 2030 and 75% by 2035. To ensure compliance, the bill allows for legal enforcement through court actions, with provisions for public accessibility of air quality data and participation in monitoring efforts by local residents.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1548