Massachusetts House Bill H2157

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23

Caption

Prohibiting the burning of construction and demolition waste as fuel

Impact

If enacted, H2157 would amend Chapter 111 of the Massachusetts General Laws by adding new sections that explicitly prohibit energy-generating facilities from utilizing construction and demolition waste as a biofuel source. The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs would have the authority to amend regulations to align with this bill within 60 days of its passage, thus hastening its implementation.

Summary

House Bill 2157 aims to prohibit the burning of construction and demolition waste as fuel in energy-generating facilities. The bill is presented by Representative Michelle M. DuBois and is framed as an emergency measure to protect public health. The underlying rationale for this legislation is the concern that burning such waste could release toxic substances into the environment, especially given that construction materials may contain hazardous preservatives like copper chromium arsenate and creosote.

Contention

There may be contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding the balance between energy generation and environmental protection. While the bill has clear public health benefits by aiming to reduce toxic emissions from energy facilities, opponents might argue about the implications this prohibition could have on alternative fuel sources and the operational flexibility of energy-generation entities. As such, the bill encourages a discussion on how to handle waste products sustainably while ensuring public health safety.