Bill > S572

This bill establishes a Climate & Community Resilience Fund to support climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, with a specific focus on low-income, moderate-income, and environmental justice populations. The fund will be administered by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs and supported by a Climate and Community Resilience Advisory Board consisting of seven members with diverse expertise in areas like environmental justice, housing, workforce development, and public health. The fund will be primarily financed through a 2% property insurance fee (potentially increasing to 5% over time) and will support various initiatives such as providing resilience resources, supporting workforce development, helping communities avoid displacement, implementing climate adaptation plans, and creating equitable climate change solutions. The bill emphasizes prioritizing investments that benefit marginalized communities, support nature-based solutions, create local jobs, and enable community participation. Importantly, the fund aims to make funding accessible to community-based organizations through transparent, flexible application processes, including options like upfront funding, multi-year grants, and reduced matching fund requirements. The advisory board will have significant oversight, including determining funding allocations, ensuring transparency, and making recommendations on equitable climate change funding strategies.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S572