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H 935

An Act limiting toxics release inventory facilities in environmental justice communities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michelle DuBois

Limit new TRI facility siting and expansion in environmental justice neighborhoods and cap total TRI facilities there to reduce residents’ toxin exposure.

Accompanied a study order, see H5149
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Bill Summary · H 935

Summary of H.935: An Act limiting toxics release inventory facilities in environmental justice communities

Overview

H.935, introduced February 27, 2025 by Representative Michelle M. DuBois, seeks to limit the siting and expansion of Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) facilities within environmental justice populations in Massachusetts. The bill directs state agencies with permitting authority over TRI facilities to reduce the placement and growth of such facilities in Environmental Justice Neighborhoods and establishes a future cap through rulemaking. A hearing is scheduled for September 2, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM, Room A-1).

What the bill would do

  • Require state agencies with TRI-permitting authority to issue recommendations to substantially decrease new siting or expansion of TRI facilities within Environmental Justice Populations within 30 days after passage.
  • Initiate a rulemaking process within 180 days after the bill’s effective date to establish a cap on the total number of TRI facilities that may be sited or expanded within any Environmental Justice Population neighborhood.
  • Require the rulemaking to prioritize reducing residents’ exposure to TRI-listed toxins and preserve residents’ access to a clean and healthful environment, regardless of race, income, national origin, or English language proficiency.

Key definitions and terms

  • Environmental Justice Population: as defined in Acts of 2021, sec. 56, ch. 8.
  • TRI Facility: any facility subject to the U.S. EPA Toxics Release Inventory program (or equivalent Commonwealth regulations) dealing with pollutants or toxins impacting public health or the environment.
  • “Equal Protection,” “Lacking English Language Proficiency,” and related terms are defined to contextualize protections and targeting within EJ communities.
  • Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) are the central administrative actors.

Implementation timeline

  • 30 days after passage: EEA Secretary directs each relevant department/board/program to issue recommendations to reduce siting/expansion of TRI facilities in EJ neighborhoods.
  • 180 days after effective date: EEA Secretary begins rulemaking to cap TRI facilities in EJ neighborhoods, with emphasis on risk reduction and equitable access to a healthy environment.

Who is affected

  • TRI facilities and potential operators/permittees in Massachusetts.
  • Environmental justice populations (communities identified as EJ under state law).
  • State agencies with permitting authority over TRI facilities (departments/boards under EOEEA).

Context and related information

  • Related bill: HD 3589 (the current filing replaces a similar matter previously filed as House 789 in 2023-2024).
  • Status: Hearing scheduled; introduced in the 2025-2026 session; House docket No. 3589; Senate concurrence noted in actions on filing date.
  • Fiscal and administrative implications: The bill would require agency rulemaking and potential interim guidance, with costs borne by the Commonwealth for staff time and rulemaking activities.

Potential impact

The bill aims to reduce environmental health risks from TRI facilities in EJ communities by limiting new siting and expansion and establishing a cap, potentially affecting facility expansion plans, permitting workflows, and EJ neighborhood protections. It emphasizes environmental protections and equitable access to a healthy environment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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