HD 256

This bill establishes a special commission to study the potential environmental and economic impacts of discharging spent fuel pool water and other radioactive wastewater from decommissioned nuclear power plants into Massachusetts waters, including bays, coastal areas, rivers, and streams. The 13-member commission, co-chaired by the Attorney General and Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, will investigate how such discharges could affect the fishing, aquaculture, tourism, and restaurant industries, particularly regarding consumer perception and economic consequences. The commission is required to hold at least four public listening sessions across Dukes, Plymouth, Bristol, and Barnstable counties and must submit its findings and recommendations for mitigating negative impacts to the legislature by November 1, 2024.