Bill > H3554

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for addressing climate change and environmental justice in Massachusetts through multiple interconnected funds and initiatives. It creates three primary funds: the Green Infrastructure Fund, the Next Generation Green Workforce Fund, and the Household Green Dividend Fund. The Green Infrastructure Fund will support investments in clean transportation, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and climate resilience projects, with a requirement that at least 60% of investments benefit environmental justice populations. The Next Generation Green Workforce Fund will provide training and support for workers displaced by the transition to green technologies, ensuring they have access to comparable employment opportunities. The Household Green Dividend Fund will provide direct payments to lower and middle-income households to offset potential increases in energy costs from market-based emissions reduction mechanisms. Additionally, the bill establishes a Local Climate Crisis Investments Act, which allows municipalities to create local climate crisis councils that can recommend green investment projects using funds distributed from a state-level trust fund. The legislation also authorizes up to $500 million in green recovery and investment bonds to support these initiatives, with a focus on equitable implementation, job creation, and meaningful environmental and economic benefits for Massachusetts residents.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3554