Governor Healey Files Environmental Review Reforms to Accelerate Housing Permitting and Development

 Governor Healey Files Environmental Review Reforms to Accelerate Housing Permitting and Development 

Reforms will cut environmental review times from 1+ years to 30 days for housing projects to expedite housing and bring down costs 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Healey filed final reforms implementing a new streamlined process to make it easier and faster to build homes and lower housing costs. The reforms to  the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office’s review process for housing development make it faster, simpler, and more predictable while maintaining strong environmental protections. The reforms are set to take effect January 30, 2026.  

“When projects move faster, costs go down – and those savings matter,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By shortening review timelines from years to just 30 days, we’re getting more housing built and making life more affordable for families and communities.” 

“A strong economy depends on providing people access to housing they can afford,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This whole-of-government approach removes barriers, maintains environmental protections, speeds up housing production, and supports the state’s economic competitiveness.” 

Under the streamlined process, housing projects that meet clear eligibility criteria, such as a high percentage of residential use, dense infill development, avoidance of flood hazards, adequate infrastructure, and proximity to public transit can complete review in approximately 30 days. Previously, the process could take a year or longer. The reforms also create a new exemption for certain projects for which MEPA review is required solely because of an appeal of a local wetland order, which has caused additional delays for housing.

By reducing unnecessary delays and uncertainty, the changes are expected to lower development costs and support Massachusetts’ broader housing production goals. The streamlined process implements recommendations from the Unlocking Housing Production Commission’s (UHPC) report calling for more efficient environmental reviews for housing projects, which have historically led to costly and unexpected delays that can risk a project’s financial viability. 

In addition to housing, the reforms also simplify environmental review for certain ecological restoration projects with environmental benefits that previously did not qualify for streamlining, such as cranberry bog restoration and partial dam removals. Urban renewal plans and similar planning documents with no other work or project proposed will also be streamlined with a 30-day review process. 

“We’re meeting the moment on housing while also making sure important ecological restoration projects move faster as we face more climate change-driven extreme weather,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These reforms ensure we are keeping environmental protections high and delivering on both housing and climate resilience.” 

"Any unintended delay in housing development is unacceptable when the state is experiencing a housing shortage. Today’s announcement ensures that priority housing projects receive faster environmental approvals, meaning we can get more new homes on the market quicker, and lower costs for all residents,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “Massachusetts is leading the nation in cutting red tape to make housing more affordable, and we’re using every tool in our toolbox to build more housing for homebuyers and renters across the state.” 

MEPA will issue updated forms and guidance, including a revised project notification form with a compliance checklist, and will begin accepting new project filings under the qualifying housing criteria by February 3rd.