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Bill

H 3325

An Act to create the buy clean Massachusetts program

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Pat Duffy

Massachusetts requires state procurement to prioritize construction materials with lower environmental impacts, aiming to reduce embodied carbon emissions in public infrastructure projects.

Accompanied a study order, see H5184
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Bill Summary · H 3325

Legislative bill overview

H 3325 establishes the "Buy Clean Massachusetts" program, which requires state procurement to prioritize construction materials and products with lower environmental impacts, particularly regarding embodied carbon emissions. The bill creates standards and certification requirements for public purchasing to reduce the carbon footprint of state-funded infrastructure and building projects.

Why is this important

State procurement represents billions in annual spending and significantly influences market demand. By leveraging government purchasing power to favor lower-carbon materials, the program could reduce greenhouse gas emissions from construction—a major contributor to climate change—while potentially spurring the market toward more sustainable manufacturing practices and green job creation.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Requiring lower-carbon materials may increase procurement costs in the short term, potentially raising taxpayer expenses and project budgets unless offset by efficiencies or market shifts
  • Supply chain readiness: The construction materials industry may lack sufficient certified low-carbon alternatives immediately available, potentially limiting competition and driving up prices during the transition period
  • Definitional challenges: Establishing consistent, verifiable standards for "embodied carbon" across diverse materials and suppliers requires complex technical standards that could create compliance burdens and disputes
  • Economic competitiveness: In-state contractors and manufacturers might face disadvantages if required standards favor out-of-state or imported products, or conversely, if standards inadvertently protect local producers

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

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