H 2472

This bill expands the definition of emergency planning zones around nuclear power plants in Massachusetts to address geographic evacuation challenges. While federal regulations typically define the plume exposure pathway emergency planning zone as a 10-mile radius around nuclear facilities, this legislation extends that zone to include any cities and towns where evacuation routes would paradoxically bring fleeing residents closer to the power plant due to the configuration of highways or bridges. The bill requires predetermined protective action plans, including sheltering and evacuation details, for all areas within this expanded zone and mandates that the department develop implementing regulations within 180 days of enactment. This addresses a critical safety gap for communities whose geography makes standard evacuation protocols potentially more dangerous during a nuclear emergency.