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SD 1610

An Act relative to preventing ocean littering

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Patrick O'Connor

Massachusetts bill establishing legal penalties and enforcement mechanisms to prevent dumping and waste disposal in ocean waters to protect marine ecosystems and coastal water quality.

House concurred
0
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Bill Summary · SD 1610

Legislative bill overview

SD 1610 is a Massachusetts bill designed to establish legal prohibitions and enforcement mechanisms against ocean littering. The bill would create penalties and enforcement procedures to prevent the dumping or disposal of waste materials into ocean waters. The specific enforcement mechanisms and penalty structures are determined through the judiciary committee process.

Why is this important

Ocean littering causes significant environmental damage, harming marine ecosystems, wildlife, and fishing industries while degrading coastal water quality. Establishing clear legal prohibitions with enforcement mechanisms helps address pollution that often goes unregulated or inconsistently enforced across municipal jurisdictions. This type of legislation can align Massachusetts with broader coastal protection goals and may serve as a model for other states.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope: Determining what constitutes "ocean littering" versus regulated industrial discharge or permitted activities, and whether the bill applies equally to large commercial operations and individuals
  • Enforcement burden and funding: Who enforces these prohibitions (state environmental agencies, local authorities, harbor masters) and whether adequate funding exists for monitoring and prosecution
  • Existing regulatory framework: How this bill interacts with current EPA regulations, Clean Water Act provisions, and existing Massachusetts environmental laws to avoid redundancy or conflicting standards

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

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