Bill > H939

This bill aims to facilitate climate resiliency projects by making several amendments to existing Massachusetts laws. Specifically, the bill modifies Chapter 91 and Chapter 131 to streamline the permitting process for climate resiliency protection projects. The bill requires the department to issue a general license for any publicly beneficial climate resiliency project designated by a conservation commission, selectmen, or mayor. Furthermore, it introduces a significant provision that allows for projects focused on flood control and storm damage prevention to potentially alter resource areas without the typical requirement to minimize or replicate lost areas, recognizing that such changes may be necessary to achieve resiliency goals. The bill adds the term "climate resiliency protection" to several sections of existing law, effectively creating a new category of projects that can receive expedited approval and more flexible regulatory treatment. This approach seeks to remove bureaucratic barriers and encourage the development of infrastructure and projects designed to help communities adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H939