Bill > H1052

This bill aims to accelerate wetlands restoration by making several key changes to existing environmental regulations. First, it eliminates the need for licenses or permits for dredge and fill activities specifically related to restoring tidelands and salt marshes, provided such projects are permitted by the appropriate authorities and do 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 that minimize ecological disturbance. Third, the bill mandates a Wetlands Restoration Streamlining Initiative, requiring the secretary of energy and environmental affairs to review and recommend ways to reduce permitting and monitoring costs for ecological restoration projects by examining regulations across multiple state environmental agencies. Finally, 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 require annual reporting on project approvals, performance standards, and effectiveness. The overall goal is to make wetlands restoration more efficient, scientifically informed, and environmentally beneficial.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1052