Code of Massachusetts Regulations 301 CMR - EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS

20 Jun 2025 --
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301 CMR – Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), Massachusetts

1. Overview

301 CMR refers to the Code of Massachusetts Regulations governing the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). This office is responsible for:

Protecting Massachusetts’ natural resources

Overseeing energy policy, environmental protection, and climate programs

Coordinating with state agencies like the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Division of Energy Resources (DOER), and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).

301 CMR contains the rules and regulations that guide the EEA in implementing its statutory duties.

2. Purpose

The purpose of 301 CMR is to:

Implement Massachusetts environmental laws efficiently.

Ensure compliance with energy and environmental policies.

Promote sustainable energy practices and climate mitigation.

Provide a framework for permits, reporting, and enforcement related to environmental protection.

3. Scope

301 CMR applies to:

State-level environmental and energy programs

Public and private entities subject to EEA oversight

Activities affecting:

Air and water quality

Waste management

Wetlands and coastal zones

Renewable energy projects

Climate adaptation and resilience initiatives

It governs both administrative procedures (permits, hearings) and technical standards (emissions limits, reporting requirements).

4. Key Components of 301 CMR

(a) Organizational Structure

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA):

Led by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs

Oversees all agencies under the EEA umbrella

Agencies under EEA include:

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) – pollution control, water quality, and environmental enforcement

Division of Energy Resources (DOER) – energy efficiency, renewable energy, and grid modernization

Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) – parks, forests, and recreational lands

Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office – environmental review and compliance

(b) Regulatory Functions

Permitting: EEA regulates permits for activities affecting the environment, e.g., wetlands alteration, air emissions, waste disposal.

Monitoring and Reporting: EEA requires reporting of energy use, emissions, and environmental impacts.

Enforcement: EEA may impose fines, penalties, or corrective actions for violations.

Policy Guidance: Provides technical and policy guidance for local governments, industries, and public stakeholders.

(c) Environmental Review under MEPA

301 CMR establishes rules for reviewing proposed projects that could impact the environment.

Requires Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) for large projects.

Ensures public participation in environmental decision-making.

(d) Energy Policy Implementation

Promotes renewable energy development, energy efficiency programs, and climate resilience initiatives.

Oversees compliance with state energy goals such as carbon reduction and clean energy targets.

5. Compliance Requirements

Entities regulated under 301 CMR must:

Obtain necessary permits before initiating activities.

Submit environmental reports or certifications as required.

Follow technical standards for emissions, discharge, or land use.

Maintain records for inspections and audits by EEA or DEP.

Take corrective action in case of violations, including remediation or fines.

6. Enforcement Mechanisms

Administrative Penalties: Fines for violations of regulations or permit conditions.

Cease-and-Desist Orders: For ongoing activities that breach environmental standards.

Civil Enforcement: EEA can seek court orders or damages for environmental harm.

Criminal Liability: Certain severe violations may trigger criminal prosecution under Massachusetts environmental statutes.

7. Importance of 301 CMR

Protects natural resources: Ensures clean air, water, and land management.

Promotes sustainable energy: Supports renewable energy, efficiency, and climate mitigation.

Guides industry compliance: Provides clear rules for businesses and developers.

Public accountability: Ensures transparency and stakeholder participation in environmental decisions.

8. Summary Table – 301 CMR EEA

Feature	Details
Governing Body	Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
Purpose	Environmental protection, energy policy implementation, climate mitigation
Scope	State agencies, public and private entities affecting environment/energy
Key Functions	Permitting, monitoring, enforcement, policy guidance, MEPA review
Compliance	Permits, reporting, technical standards, corrective action
Enforcement	Administrative penalties, civil actions, criminal liability
Importance	Protects resources, promotes sustainable energy, ensures legal compliance

Conclusion:
301 CMR provides the regulatory backbone for Massachusetts’ environmental and energy programs, balancing economic development with environmental protection. It ensures that state agencies, businesses, and the public operate within clear rules to safeguard natural resources and implement sustainable energy policies.