Bill > H3482

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 164 of the Massachusetts General Laws by establishing a new restriction on the location of power generation facilities powered by natural gas or diesel. Specifically, the bill prohibits such generating facilities from being situated within one mile of certain sensitive areas, including environmental justice communities (neighborhoods historically marginalized or disproportionately impacted by environmental risks), playgrounds, licensed daycare centers, schools, churches, areas of critical environmental concern (ecologically significant zones designated by the secretary of environmental affairs), or residential housing areas. The one-mile distance will be measured from any point of the generating facility to the outermost point of these protected zones. The bill includes an important exception that allows for repairs or replacements to existing generation facilities that were in operation before January 1, 2017, as long as these modifications do not increase the facility's power generation capacity. The intent appears to be protecting communities from potential environmental and health risks associated with proximity to power generation facilities, particularly in areas already vulnerable to environmental challenges.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3482