Massachusetts House Bill H3035

Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/16/23
• Refer: 7/8/24

Caption

Requiring state procurement of low-carbon building materials

Impact

The bill is expected to have significant implications for state laws regarding construction and infrastructure development. By instituting maximum acceptable levels for global warming potential for various construction materials, the law formalizes a framework for evaluating and reducing the climate impact of state-funded projects. It necessitates that construction contractors submit environmental product declarations – a requirement that could lead to increased operational transparency and potentially elevate the standards of materials used across projects funded by the state. The annual reporting process set forth by the bill will keep legislators informed about progress and obstacles faced in meeting these sustainability goals.

Summary

House Bill 3035 aims to mandate the procurement of low-carbon building materials for eligible state projects within Massachusetts. The bill establishes a new policy requiring state agencies to utilize building materials that have met specific standards regarding their global warming potential, which is to be determined by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance. The emphasis on using eligible materials such as concrete, asphalt, and structural steel aims to lower the carbon footprint associated with state construction projects. By January 2024, policies regarding acceptable emissions for these materials must be in place, ensuring that state construction projects contribute to greenhouse gas reduction efforts.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill has raised discussions among stakeholders regarding the practicality of compliance and the implications for competition among contractors. Some oppose establishing such stringent requirements, fearing it may lead to limited options for materials or inflate costs due to the need for specific product declarations. Additionally, concerns regarding the administrative burden on procurement activities have been noted, particularly concerning how stringent regulations may affect smaller contractors or those unable to meet the new documentation standards. The effectiveness of the technical advisory committee designated to oversee these implementations and assess the appropriateness of materials is pivotal to the success of the bill.