The first year of the 2025-2026 legislative session kicked off with close to 7,000 bills filed and about 400 of those were referred to the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (ENR), where most of legislation we track is initially reviewed. NSRWA was actively engaged in the legislative process for a number of these bills, advocating for policies that protect our waterways, promote climate resilience, and support sustainable water use across the Commonwealth.
NSRWA Legislative Priorities
H.4110 An Act to eliminate the North River Commission and put it in the hands of local town conservation commissions
Thanks to strong advocacy across the South Shore, H.4110 was not reported out of ENR by the September 30 reporting deadline and is effectively dead. NSRWA testified in opposition to this bill, alongside representatives from Marshfield, Pembroke, Hanson and Scituate. The North River is a shared, regional resource and should be governed by a regional body, and we were thrilled to see so many people voice their support for this local treasure.
H.1003/S.586 An Act relative to maintaining adequate water supplies through effective drought management (aka Drought Bill)
As of this writing, the Drought Bill remains in ENR and we are hopeful that it will be reported out for the next committee to review by the end of the year. This legislation is critical to ensure that Massachusetts manages drought more effectively and consistently. In June, NSRWA testified on a panel with representatives from the Ipswich River Watershed Association, Charles River Watershed Association, Connecticut River Conservancy and Three Sisters Garden Project.
Potential Superfund Designation for the Fireworks Site
While not legislation, NSRWA and local legislators sent a letter to Governor Healey’s office, urging her to submit a letter of concurrence to propose placing the former National Fireworks Site on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s National Priorities List. We had hoped that EPA would consider listing the Fireworks Site at their August meeting but their assessment was not complete. We are now looking ahead to EPA’s February meeting.
Other Priority Bills Reported Favorably Out of ENR:
S.2542 Mass Ready Act/Environmental Bond Bill
Earlier this month, the Mass Ready Act advanced in the legislative process and was referred to the Joint Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets. While the current version of the bill does not include NSRWA’s recommendations to include drought management and refine language around permitting for salt marsh restoration and much-needed housing, we are encouraged by the proposed funding for coastal resilience, flood control, clean water infrastructure and conservation of open space.
H.984 An Act relative to water flow in the Central Plymouth County Water District
This bill is now under review by the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling. It proposes amended language to the Acts of 1964, which established the process by which the City of Brockton could draw water from Silver Lake for drinking water supply, and divert water from Monponsett Pond and Furnace Pond as needed. The current language is ambiguous and the proposed language would require water supply managers to prioritize environmental health and maintain continuous flow to dependent rivers sufficient for habitat viability.
H.986/S.73 An Act relative to the Department of Fish and Game (DFG)
The Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) has been an invaluable partner to NSRWA for many years, and we are happy to report that this bill, which would codify DER within DFG, has advanced to the House Committee on Ways & Means.
Other Priority Bills Remaining in ENR (Reporting Deadline: December 31, 2025):
H.1052/S.557 An Act accelerating wetlands restoration
This bill supports wetland restoration projects by aligning permitting with the beneficial results of restoration projects. While strong laws now protect wetlands from large-scale destruction, action is urgently needed to heal many of these systems and halt ongoing damage and degradation. NSRWA joined other environmental organizations in a comment letter to eliminate some of the existing regulatory barriers to wetland restoration and streamline the permitting process.
H.901/S.2571 An Act providing nature for all
This bill would set aside $100 million of annual revenue from the existing sporting goods sales tax for land acquisition and conservation in order to protect water resources, create new parks and trails, and advance climate resiliency and environmental justice goals. This revenue currently goes into a general fund that legislators allocate each year, and this bill would create a citizen oversight board responsible for developing rules around distribution of these funds.
H.1022/S.563 An Act relative to meeting the Commonwealth’s water infrastructure future
This legislation focuses on upgrading and expanding Massachusetts’ water infrastructure. NSRWA and several partner organizations signed on to a comment letter, asking the committee to strengthen the Interbasin Transfer Act to better protect rivers already impaired by existing water withdrawals.