Bill > S669

This bill establishes a "Communities for a Sustainable Climate" program through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, designed to provide technical and financial assistance to municipalities that adopt specific environmental policies and practices. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration on natural and working lands by offering incentives, grants, and loans to local governments that meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements include adopting municipal tree retention ordinances, implementing natural resource protection zoning, collecting fees to offset greenhouse gas generation from land development, establishing transfer of development rights bylaws, and creating procurement policies that prioritize wood products over concrete and steel in municipal operations. Municipalities can qualify for the program by meeting a set of criteria determined by the secretary, with potential waivers available for communities facing unusual circumstances. The program will be funded through sources like the global warming solutions trust fund and existing land management grant programs, without requiring additional annual appropriations. The overarching goal is to encourage local governments to take proactive steps in protecting and enhancing carbon stocks beyond standard practices.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S669