Bill > H905

This bill establishes the municipal reforestation program within the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The key provisions include: 1. Creating an urban forest advisory council to provide technical assistance and guidance to municipalities on implementing the program, including guidelines for selecting tree species, planting and maintenance, and measuring the benefits of urban tree canopy cover. 2. Requiring municipalities to develop and submit reforestation plans every 5 years, which must include an inventory of existing tree cover, analysis of optimal planting sites, and plans for maintenance and community engagement. 3. Prioritizing planting in neighborhoods with low tree canopy cover, high pollution levels, and environmental justice communities, with funding allocated to municipalities based on factors like road miles, population, and employment. 4. Allowing municipalities to use program funding to plant trees on private property, with property owners responsible for maintenance. 5. Requiring the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs to report annually on the program's results and authorizing the Secretary to adopt rules and regulations for the program's implementation. 6. Dedicating a percentage of revenue from the state's market-based compliance mechanisms to fund the municipal reforestation program.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H905