Massachusetts Plans 30-Day Environmental Housing Reviews

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has proposed sweeping reforms to shorten environmental review times for housing projects from over a year to just 30 days, aiming to accelerate housing construction amid soaring home prices. The proposed regulations would allow qualifying developments—those meeting criteria such as proximity to transit, energy efficiency, density thresholds, and location outside floodplains—to submit a streamlined Environmental Notification Form instead of a lengthy Environmental Impact Report. This expedited process is expected to affect about 70% of projects currently subject to environmental review, significantly reducing permitting delays that have hindered housing development. Healey emphasized that these changes would maintain the state's rigorous environmental and climate standards while cutting red tape to boost the supply of dense, resilient, and energy-efficient homes. The proposal has drawn support from developers and housing advocates who view it as a key step to balance climate action with equitable development. Public hearings are scheduled for mid-October, with the administration targeting December for the regulations to take effect.