Dear MCTA Members,
Formal legislative sessions in Massachusetts ended on August 1st with a major victory – the clock has almost certainly run out on sweeping, unworkable PFAS legislation thanks to the advocacy efforts of MCTA and our allies throughout this two-year session. Broad chemical bans and product restrictions also failed to advance before the deadline despite intense late-stage pressure. This outcome shows that outreach to legislators – either through MCTA or on your own – can make a difference when you show the negative impact these proposals can have on your business.
The Caveat: Anything Can Still Happen & Activists Are Preparing for 2027
This is the first session that the legislature is operating under new procedural rules. The new rules make it unlikely that controversial legislation (such as PFAS or broad chemical bans) will be addressed between now and the end of the session on December 31st. But we will never say it’s impossible as several conference committees continue their negotiations through the end of the year.
In any event, we expect all of these bills – and maybe more – to resurface next year when the new session begins.
As noted in a recent report from WGHB, and a statement from MASSPIRG, environmental advocacy groups have expressed significant frustration with the legislature’s failure to pass PFAS restrictions, and will no doubt succeed in seeing this legislation re-filed in January. That means your support is more important than ever as we lay the groundwork for our advocacy efforts for the 2027-2028 session.
The Big Picture: Beacon Hill’s Remaining Priorities & MCTA Concerns
With PFAS stalled, Beacon Hill remains focused on several other high-priority sector negotiations. A key ongoing threat to manufacturing competitiveness is energy affordability legislation currently in conference committee. The primary concern is the potential removal of the “obligation to serve” for utilities. While this does not mean an immediate disconnection of existing facilities, it primarily threatens new or expanding operations by creating significant regulatory uncertainty and setting a dangerous precedent that could compromise the reliable energy infrastructure required for the Commonwealth’s manufacturing sector.
MCTA will keep you updated on active issues in upcoming newsletters.
Shifting the Narrative: Our 2027 Strategy
To succeed long-term, MCTA is proactively working to bolster industry visibility and ensure lawmakers grasp the economic and operational realities of our sector. To lead on the front foot in 2027, we are exploring new, high-impact tools to amplify our message on Beacon Hill.
One such initiative under consideration as noted in last month’s newsletter, is a potential MCTA Beacon Hill Advocacy Day. This proposed event would serve as a powerful platform for direct engagement, though its viability is contingent on strong member interest and participation.
**Please take one minute to provide your feedback via our interest survey — Click Here to Access **
You can also help us boost our industry visibility immediately by sharing this LinkedIn post with your professional networks. We are actively seeking and welcoming leads or suggestions to help grow our membership base; expanding our collective voice is essential for our success in 2027 and beyond.
Grassroots Action for Late Summer & Fall
With lawmakers back in their home districts for campaign season, I’d like to remind you that now is the time to build relationships:
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Schedule a Site Visit: Invite your local State Senator or Representative to tour your facility or attend a summer or fall event. Showing them your safety standards, advanced manufacturing, and local workforce in person is one of the single best ways to inoculate them against anti-industry rhetoric in upcoming sessions.
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Engage Politically: While corporate contributions are prohibited under state law, individual political giving during campaign season ensures we support leaders who champion sound science and manufacturing competitiveness.
Thank you for your strong engagement this session. We successfully defended our industry in 2026 — now let’s get proactive and set the agenda for 2027.
Sincerely,
Billy Pitman
Executive Director
MCTA
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