Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H959

Introduced
2/27/25  
Refer
2/27/25  

Caption

Relative to toxic air contaminant reduction

Impact

If enacted, this bill would amend Chapter 111 of the General Laws by introducing structured guidelines for monitoring emissions from municipal solid waste incinerators. The required monitoring plans would need to outline methods for sampling and measuring harmful emissions over a 12-month period, providing transparency by making this data accessible to both the Department of Environmental Protection and the public. This initiative is intended to mitigate the environmental and health-related risks posed by toxic emissions from waste combustion processes.

Summary

House Bill H959 focuses on reducing toxic air contaminants from municipal solid waste incinerators in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The bill mandates that operators of these facilities develop plans for continuously monitoring a variety of harmful emissions, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, dioxins/furans, heavy metals, and more. By instituting continuous emissions monitoring systems, the bill aims to ensure compliance with air quality standards and protect public health from the detrimental effects of hazardous emissions associated with waste incineration.

Contention

Notable points of contention around H959 may arise from the potential compliance burden it imposes on municipal solid waste facilities, along with possible resistance from operators regarding the feasibility and costs of implementing continuous monitoring systems. While supporters emphasize the bill's benefits for environmental protection and public health, opponents may argue that it could lead to increased operational costs and potentially impact waste management strategies within the state. The balance between stringent environmental regulations and manageable operational requirements will be a focal point in discussions surrounding this legislation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

MA SB1075

Air resources: toxic air contaminants: criteria air pollutants: community emissions reduction programs: local community emissions reduction plans.

MA H998

To reform the Toxics Use Reduction Act

MA A06416

Directs the department of environmental conservation to promulgate air quality standards for emissions of certain toxic air contaminants.

MA S04030

Directs the department of environmental conservation to promulgate air quality standards for emissions of certain toxic air contaminants.

MA AB1642

Wildfires: contamination standards.

MA SR39

Urging The Director Of Health To Require Operators Of Waste Combustion Facilities To Implement Continuous Monitoring And Sampling Technologies That Have Been Tested And Verified By The United States Environmental Protection Agency And Continuously Monitor And Sample, And Report The Emissions Of Contaminants.

MA H1020

To improve the review and regulation of emerging contaminants on public water systems

MA SCR105

Urging The Director Of Health To Require Operators Of Waste Combustion Facilities To Implement Continuous Monitoring And Sampling Technologies That Have Been Tested And Verified By The United States Environmental Protection Agency To Ensure That The Operators Continuously Monitor, Sample, And Report The Emissions Of Contaminants.

MA SR86

Urging The Director Of Health To Require Operators Of Waste Combustion Facilities To Implement Continuous Monitoring And Sampling Technologies That Have Been Tested And Verified By The United States Environmental Protection Agency To Ensure That The Operators Continuously Monitor, Sample, And Report The Emissions Of Contaminants.

MA S593

To reform the toxic use reduction act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.