Bill > S1127

This bill establishes a new chapter in Massachusetts law to promote healthy communities and the environment by creating a "Communities Health Index" (CHI) and requiring "Health and Economic Impact Assessments" (HEIA) for certain projects. The CHI will be a cumulative evaluation of community health based on specific health outcome indicators, identifying communities with disproportionately high rates of disease and premature death, referred to as "most vulnerable communities." These vulnerable communities are defined by poor health outcomes, low median household income, or a significant population of minorities, foreign-born individuals, or those with limited English proficiency. The bill also defines "Climate Change Adaptation and/or Preparedness" as the ability to withstand or address the impacts of climate change. Projects requiring an environmental notification, particularly those involving waste or wastewater treatment, located near a "most vulnerable community," will undergo enhanced review under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), including more public participation and analysis of impacts. Furthermore, the bill establishes a "Community Environmental Health Disparities Program" within the Department of Public Health to create and maintain the CHI and oversee the HEIA process. An HEIA is a procedure to assess a project's potential effects on the health and economic vitality of a population, including climate change impacts, and will be required for projects in or affecting "most vulnerable communities" unless waived. The HEIA process involves public notice, comment periods, and review by various state agencies to ensure health, economic, and climate change adaptation components are adequate, with potential mitigation measures required. The Department of Environmental Protection cannot approve a project until the HEIA is approved and any necessary mitigation is addressed.