WORCESTER—The Massachusetts Senate has passed a sweeping $3.94 billion environmental bond bill aimed at strengthening climate resilience, reducing pollution and expanding access to natural resources.
The legislation, known as the Mass Ready Act, cleared the Senate on a 36-3 vote this week and now heads to the House of Representatives for further review. State Sen. Michael Moore, whose district includes parts of Worcester, voted in favor of the bill and secured three amendments focused on firefighter safety, environmental protection and food access.
The bill includes major investments in climate preparedness and infrastructure, including $500 million for the state’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program, $120 million for PFAS remediation in drinking water, and $50 million to expand recreational trail systems across Massachusetts. It also proposes a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags at retail checkout counters.
Moore’s amendments center on reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and supporting underserved communities.
One amendment authorizes $25 million in bonding to help cities and towns purchase PFAS-free firefighter turnout gear, safely dispose of contaminated equipment and support the development of safer alternatives. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” have been linked to serious health risks and are commonly used in firefighting gear for their water- and fire-resistant properties.
A second amendment allows municipalities to restrict the use of anticoagulant rodenticides, which can poison wildlife and pets and create cascading effects throughout the food chain. While the measure would largely prohibit their use, it includes limited exceptions for licensed applicators in public health emergencies.
A third amendment increases funding for the Massachusetts Food Trust Program by $2.5 million, bringing its total allocation to $7.5 million. The program supports access to fresh, locally sourced food in low-income and underserved communities by financing independent grocers and farmers.
“From my years as a Massachusetts Environmental Police Officer to the office I hold in the State Senate, protecting our environment and the health of our communities has been a career-long mission of mine. The Mass Ready Act is a huge leap toward building a smarter, healthier, and more sustainable society here in the Commonwealth,” Moore said in a statement released by his office.
“I’m thrilled to have voted approve the important policies within this bill, and I’m proud to have secured three of amendments to this bill with the support of my colleagues,” he added.
Beyond Moore’s amendments, the bill outlines a broad set of environmental and infrastructure initiatives, including funding for coastal resilience, dam and roadway improvements, clean water protection and biodiversity conservation. It also includes provisions requiring disclosure of flood risks in real estate transactions and aims to accelerate culvert replacement projects to reduce flood hazards.
Additional policies adopted during Senate debate include funding to improve water quality in schools and childcare centers and efforts to prevent PFAS pollution through research and safer product alternatives.
If approved by the House and signed into law, the Mass Ready Act would authorize long-term borrowing to support environmental and climate-related projects across the Commonwealth, including in Worcester and other Central Massachusetts communities.
