Bill > S622

This bill requires the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to create a comprehensive assessment tool that quantifies the health impacts and costs associated with emissions from grid electricity and delivered fuels, while also evaluating the benefits of energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy. The tool will specifically analyze health effects on environmental justice populations, MassHealth, community hospitals, the state budget, and public health, drawing expertise from various state agencies. It will incorporate detailed health impact analyses, including the costs and effects of specific pollutants like particulate matter, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and mercury emissions. The assessment will break down health impacts across multiple dimensions such as premature death, cardiovascular events, chronic bronchitis, asthma, hospital admissions, lost work and school days, and developmental problems. The department must update this tool every three years, and starting 24 months after the act's effective date, all new state policies, regulations, programs, and agency rulings impacting polluting emissions must explicitly consider the tool's health impact calculations. Additionally, within 12 months of the act's enactment, the Department of Public Health must submit the assessment tool and explanatory materials to various state legislative and executive offices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S622