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Bill

H 1004

An Act promoting climate safe buildings

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 8 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill establishing climate-safe building standards to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency in residential and commercial properties statewide.

Accompanied a study order, see H5307
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Bill Summary · H 1004

Legislative bill overview

H 1004 is Massachusetts legislation designed to establish standards and requirements for buildings to become "climate safe"—likely addressing energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and climate resilience. The bill has progressed through initial committees and is currently under review, with the reporting deadline extended to December 31, 2025.

Why is this important

Buildings account for a significant portion of Massachusetts's greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. Climate-safe building standards could drive retrofitting of existing structures and efficiency requirements for new construction, affecting property owners, developers, and municipal building codes while supporting the state's climate commitments.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Retrofitting requirements or new standards may increase expenses for building owners, landlords, and developers, potentially raising housing costs or affecting affordability
  • Implementation timeline: Defining realistic compliance deadlines and enforcement mechanisms could create tension between climate goals and practical business operations
  • Scope and exemptions: Disputes may arise over which building types/sizes are covered, what constitutes "climate safe," and whether exemptions exist for small businesses or historic properties

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

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