Policy
Advocacy
Taking Action on
Air Quality
The Healthy Air Network advocates for policy changes to improve air quality in our region.
Springfield Biomass Plant
Palmer Renewable Energy wants to build a biomass power plant facility in Springfield, MA. Biomass energy involves burning organic matter such as wood, which pollutes our air with harmful particulate matter. Community groups and health advocates have been fighting against this proposed plant for more than a decade based on the public health impacts of additional air pollution. The focus has turned to legislative efforts to end the loophole that allows municipal light plants to use subsidies for biomass.
Latest Update
The Springfield Zoning Board has been ordered by the Court of Appeals to hold a hearing on whether to reinstate the permits that would allow construction of the proposed biomass power plant. Community advocates opposing the project continue to pursue both legal action and state legislation. The Zoning Board meets again on February 4 at 6:00 PM at 70 Tapley Street to discuss the possible reinstatement of the permits.
For more information:
- Springfield zoning board to review biomass plant permits again
- MassLive: ‘Frankenpermit’ for Springfield biomass plant likely, but opponents plot finale to 15-year fight
- Springfield Climate Justice Coalition Media Release
- Conservation Law Foundation statement on the legal case
- PHIWM Fighting for Air webinar
- Masslive: High court won’t hear Springfield biomass permit case; foes vow to fight on
- Shoestring: Springfield’s Zombie Plant is Reanimated Once Again
Outdoor Air Quality Legislation
Breathe Easy: The Outdoor Air Quality Bill
Sponsors: Rep. Christine Barber, Rep. Mike Connolly, Sen. Pat Jehlen
Outdoor air pollution affects our health, especially in communities located near highways, industrial sites, and other major pollution sources. The Breathe Easy bill is designed to reduce harmful air pollution and improve transparency, so residents know what they’re breathing every day.
What this bill would do
- The legislation would take several important steps to protect public health:
- Identify pollution hotspots by creating a technical advisory committee to study where air pollution is most severe
- Expand air quality monitoring in at least eight of the most impacted areas across the state
- Improve indoor air safety by requiring high-efficiency air filtration in buildings located within 200 meters of major pollution sources
- Reduce pollution levels in hotspot areas by setting clear targets:
- 50% reduction by 2030
- 75% reduction by 2035
- Increase public access to information by requiring the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to track and publicly report real-time air quality data
Current Status
- Senate bill (S.1548): Filed by Sen. Patricia Jehlen. The Public Health Committee held a hearing on September 10, 2025, and reported the bill favorably to Senate Ways & Means on January 7, 2026.
- House bill (H.2369): Filed by Reps. Christine Barber and Mike Connolly. The Public Health Committee held a hearing on September 10, 2025, and reported the bill favorably to House Ways & Means on November 13, 2025.
Indoor Air Quality Legislation
Breathe Easy: The Indoor Air Quality Bill
Sponsors: Rep. Judith García, Rep. Samantha Montaño, Sen. Adam Gomez
Poor indoor air quality – often caused by mold, moisture, or inadequate ventilation – can seriously impact health, especially children, older adults, and people with chronic conditions. The Breathe Easy: Indoor Air Quality bill focuses on preventing and addressing indoor air hazards where people live, learn, and receive care.
What this bill would do
The legislation would improve indoor air quality across Massachusetts by:
- Creating a statewide task force to develop clear, consistent guidelines for addressing indoor air pollution and mold contamination
- Prioritizing high-risk buildings, including schools, childcare centers, nursing homes, and public housing
- Strengthening remediation and response processes to ensure indoor air quality issues are addressed quickly and effectively, protecting residents’ health
Current Status
- Senate bill (S.1546): Filed by Sen. Adam Gomez. The Public Health Committee held a hearing on June 11, 2025, and reported the bill favorably to Senate Ways & Means on September 4, 2025.
- House bill (H.2427): Filed by Reps. Judith García and Samantha Montaño. The Public Health Committee held a hearing on June 11, 2025, later redrafted the bill as H.4590, and reported it favorably to House Ways & Means on October 9, 2025.
Freedom to Move
Sponsors: Sen. Cynthia Creem, Rep. Jack Lewis
Transportation is one of the largest sources of air pollution in Massachusetts. The Freedom to Move bill helps reduce pollution by making it easier for people to get where they need to go without relying on a car.
What this bill would do
The legislation would modernize transportation planning and reduce pollution by:
1. Ensuring transportation projects reduce pollution
- Requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to align transportation spending with the state’s pollution-reduction goals
- Encourages solutions such as public transit, safer biking and walking infrastructure, and green spaces
2. Setting goals to reduce the need to drive
- Establishes a clear statewide target to reduce how much people need to drive by expanding transportation options
- Makes this goal part of Massachusetts’ legally binding climate and pollution-reduction plan
3. Creating a council to oversee progress
- Brings together state agencies and local leaders to develop strategies that help people spend less time driving and more time living
- Provides the Legislature with recommendations on transportation improvements, land-use policies, incentives, and funding priorities
Current Status
- Senate bill (S.2246): Filed by Sen. Cynthia Creem. The Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy Committee held a hearing on May 16, 2025, and reported the bill favorably to Senate Ways & Means.
- House bill (H.3726): Filed by Rep. Jack Lewis. The Transportation Committee held a hearing on September 16, 2025.
Healthy Air Network
Healthy Air Network
The Healthy Air Network is a collaboration of organizations and community members who work to improve air quality, increase climate resilience, and advocate for environmental justice in Massachusetts. Convened by the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts
