Bill > S557

This bill aims to accelerate and streamline wetlands restoration projects through several key provisions. First, it eliminates the requirement for licenses or permits for dredging or filling activities specifically related to restoring tidelands and salt marshes, provided the project is permitted by the appropriate authorities and does not impair public access or navigation. Second, the bill exempts targeted hand removal of invasive, non-native plants from resource areas from standard notice requirements, with the department to develop regulations on the scope and methods of such removal. Third, the bill mandates a Wetlands Restoration Streamlining Initiative, which requires the secretary of energy and environmental affairs to review laws and regulations governing wetlands projects across multiple agencies and produce recommendations to reduce permitting complexity and costs within 12 months. Additionally, the bill establishes a five-year pilot program for nature-based solutions, which will define categories of such solutions, coordinate and expedite permitting processes, and prioritize projects that advance scientific knowledge and provide conservation benefits. The program requires annual reporting to the legislature detailing project approvals, permit processing times, modified performance standards, and project effectiveness.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S557