THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 24, 2026 Page 3 Sen. Lewis and Mass. Senate pass environmental protection bill including plastic waste reductions Special to The Advocate T his month State Senator Jason Lewis joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate to pass the Mass Ready Act, an environmental bond bill that takes action to reduce plastic waste, invest in climate preparedness and protect natural resources statewide. After passing with a vote of 36-3 in the Senate, the bill was sent to the House of Representatives for further consideration. The Senate’s legislation supports the removal of “forever chemicals” from drinking water, helps municipalities withstand floods and droughts and makes outdoor recreation possible for more residents through improved trails and parks. It also expedites timelines for culvert replacement projects and includes requirements to inform prospective homebuyers and renters of flood risks. The bill includes $3.9 billion in bonding authorizations for a wide variety of environmental programs. In an effort to cut down on pollution and our reliance on plastics, the bill would remove single-use plastic bags from retail stores, allow plastic utensils and straws to be given to consumers only upon request, prohibit single-use plastic bottle purchases by state agencies, except in emergency situations, and require the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to establish a statewide bulk plastic recycling program for products, such as car seats. During debate on the Senate floor, Senator Lewis was successful in amending the bill to add a statewide prohibition on unrecyclable black plastic from being used as food service ware, and to require MassDEP to report back to the legislature on the feasibility and benefits of phasing out single-use polystyrene products. “The production, consumption, and disposal of single-use plastics is causing tremendous harm to our environment and J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. Earn an EASY$20 every month. Just maintain an average monthly balance of $5,000, make $1,500 in direct deposits each month, and complete three transactions of any kind (deposit, withdrawal, transfer, or bill pay).* *New checking account customers only. human health,” said Senator Lewis. “Contrary to what many consumers believe, less than 10% of post-consumer plastic waste in the United States is actually recycled; the vast majority of this waste is burned in inBILL | SEE PAGE 6 S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping
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