Bill > H954

This bill amends Massachusetts law to provide specific municipalities with enhanced authority to regulate pesticides. Under the proposed change, cities and towns that either contain a sole source aquifer (as designated by the EPA or the state) or have a majority of residents using private wells for drinking water can adopt more stringent local regulations regarding pesticide use and disposal. These local governments would be able to create ordinances that go beyond state minimum standards, but only if such regulations are approved by a majority vote of both the legislative body and the municipality's board of health. The bill specifically clarifies that such local regulations can cover outdoor, non-agricultural pesticide use, application, and disposal, while explicitly excluding pesticide transportation from these provisions. This legislation aims to empower vulnerable communities to protect their local water resources and residents by giving them greater control over pesticide management within their jurisdictions, recognizing that some areas may have unique environmental sensitivities that require more protective measures than state-wide standards provide.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H954