All State Policies: Massachusetts
Who’s Responsible?
Below are short descriptions of relevant state agencies/departments by policy topic, followed by more information on specific policies.
Drinking Water: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) regulates the state’s drinking water. The Drinking Water Program administers and enforces the Safe Drinking Water Act and associated federal regulations, Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, Sections 159 and 160, and associated state regulations, and The Water Management Act.
Policies
Drinking Water
Massachusetts Constitution, Part the First, Art. XCVII.
1972
“The people shall have the right to clean air and water, freedom from excessive and unnecessary noise, and the natural, scenic, historic, and esthetic qualities of their environment; and the protection of the people in their right to the conservation, development and utilization of the agricultural, mineral, forest, water, air and other natural resources is hereby declared to be a public purpose. The general court shall have the power to enact legislation necessary or expedient to protect such rights.”
Environmental Justice
Healthy Rivers
Open Water Data
Water Funding
Executive Order 569: Establishing an Integrated Climate Change Strategy for the Commonwealth
9/16/2016 (Signed)
This executive order creates requirements for a climate change strategy for Massachusetts. The strategy requires the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to employ natural resources to enhance climate adaptation and resilience.
