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H 942

An Act relative to the siting of facilities dealing with refuse

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Bill Galvin

Massachusetts bill modifying rules for siting refuse facilities, affecting waste management infrastructure approval, community input, and environmental standards statewide.

Hearing scheduled for 06/17/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-1
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Bill Summary · H 942

Legislative bill overview

H 942 addresses the regulatory framework for siting new refuse handling facilities in Massachusetts, likely establishing or modifying procedures, environmental standards, or community notification requirements for landfills, waste transfer stations, or similar waste management infrastructure. The bill appears to streamline or clarify the approval process for these facilities at the state or local level.

Why is this important

Refuse facility siting directly affects property values, public health, environmental quality, and economic development in host communities. Clear regulatory standards prevent facilities from being concentrated in disadvantaged areas while ensuring adequate waste management infrastructure exists across the state. The outcome influences whether communities can refuse unwanted facilities or must accommodate them.

Potential points of contention

  • Environmental justice concerns: Whether the bill protects low-income and minority communities from disproportionate placement of waste facilities, or inadvertently enables it
  • Local control vs. state authority: The degree to which municipalities can reject facilities versus state-mandated siting requirements that override local opposition
  • Economic and operational feasibility: Whether the bill's standards are achievable without significantly increasing waste disposal costs for consumers and businesses

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

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