Bill > H961

This bill establishes and defines the Office of the State Climatologist as an independent office within the University of Massachusetts system, appointed by the secretary and funded by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The office will have several key responsibilities: collecting and analyzing climate data for Massachusetts, conducting and supporting climate research, coordinating with national climate and environmental centers like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and providing public education about climate issues. The state climatologist will serve a 5-year term and can be reappointed, with duties that include advising state and local government branches on climate-related economic and scientific implications, maintaining connections with academic and scientific institutions, and participating in federal and international climate interest groups. The bill replaces the existing section 24 in Chapter 21A of the Massachusetts General Laws, effectively updating and clarifying the role and responsibilities of the state climatologist.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H961