The proposed bill establishes the Blue Communities Program under Chapter 21N of the General Laws, aimed at reducing nutrient pollution and ocean acidification in various water bodies. It introduces several new definitions, including "coastal waters," "eutrophication," "nutrient dense," "nutrient pollution," "ocean acidification," and "watershed," to enhance the understanding of the program's scope. The program will provide technical and financial assistance to municipalities that qualify as blue communities by adopting specific initiatives, such as hazardous waste programs, groundwater protection regulations, rain barrel programs, and water quality monitoring systems.

To qualify, municipalities must submit an application, adopt five out of nine specified initiatives, develop a blue community plan prioritizing environmental justice, and report their progress biennially. The bill also establishes the Blue Communities Fund to finance the program, which will be supported by various revenue sources, including offshore wind contributions and sales tax on fertilizers. The executive office will oversee the program's administration, including setting rules and guidelines, prioritizing funding for communities that adopt more initiatives, and providing annual reports on the program's expenditures and outcomes.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 21N-1