BACKGROUND
Paving the way for cumulative impact analysis for air quality permits
In 2021, Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker signed a law requiring the development of cumulative impact analysis (CIA) as a condition for certain air permits, with an emphasis on protecting environmental justice populations. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) was tasked with this work and published draft regulations in 2022. Abt has supported MassDEP in this effort to shape the CIA framework, contributing expertise in environmental indicators, air pollution risk assessment, and regulatory best practices.
WHAT WE’RE DOING
A hybrid tool for data-driven decisions
Abt supported MassDEP in evaluating environmental, health, climate, and socioeconomic indicators; reviewing national CIA programs; conducting statistical analyses for at-risk populations; and drafting implementation guidance.
We developed the Massachusetts Air Toxics Risk Screening Tool (MATRiST), a first-of-its-kind hybrid tool for screening cumulative cancer and non-cancer risks from toxins in the air. MATRiST uses modeling methods adapted from Minnesota and Oregon to support transparent, protective decision-making in the permitting process.
IMPACT
Making complex data accessible to communities
Our work is helping Massachusetts operationalize the first state-level air permitting process that requires cumulative impact analysis. MATRiST empowers stakeholders to assess potential risks from new facilities or site modifications, offering science-backed screening that is tailored to local needs. By entering information on air pollutant emissions released from facility smokestacks and the distance from the facility to the people potentially exposed to the pollutants, the tool estimates the increased risk of health problems and whether the increased risk exceeds allowable limits.
This process supports higher protective standards and advances Massachusetts’ leadership in environmental policy and public health.
WHY IT MATTERS
A model for regulatory frameworks and environmental health
Massachusetts is pioneering cumulative air pollution analysis to prioritize the health of overburdened communities. Tools like MATRiST make it possible to integrate complex health and environmental data into transparent, science-informed decision-making. Abt’s work enables MassDEP to set more protective air standards—ensuring that environmental regulations evolve with both community needs and climate realities. And for communities, this means stronger safeguards against exposure to harmful pollution.
PROJECT
Analyzing Air Pollution Impacts in Massachusetts<
Client
Commonwealth of Massachusetts