Bill > H971

This bill establishes a five-year pilot program within Massachusetts' executive office of energy and environmental affairs focused on nature-based solutions (NBS) to address climate change. The program will define categories of nature-based solutions, develop standards for their implementation, and create a streamlined permitting process for related research activities and demonstration projects. Nature-based solutions are strategies that use natural ecosystems or ecological processes to address environmental challenges, such as climate change mitigation or adaptation. The pilot program aims to coordinate and expedite permit reviews while prioritizing projects that advance scientific understanding, provide conservation benefits, and minimize impacts on existing wetlands. The secretary of energy and environmental affairs will have the authority to modify performance standards for these projects. Additionally, the bill requires annual reporting to the state legislature, including details about NBS categories, permit approval times, modified performance standards, and data on the effectiveness of approved research activities and demonstration projects. This approach represents an innovative strategy to support climate change solutions by leveraging natural systems and ecological approaches.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H971