Bill > S451

This bill establishes a comprehensive adaptation management plan to address climate change in Massachusetts, defining key terms like "Adaptation" as adjustments to climate change to increase resilience and reduce vulnerability, and "Resilience" as the capacity of systems to cope with hazardous events. The plan will be developed by the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Secretary of Public Safety and Security, guided by an interagency advisory committee and a dedicated Advisory Commission comprised of various stakeholders. This plan must be completed within two years and updated at least every five years, with all state actions, permits, and approvals needing to be consistent with it to the maximum extent practicable. The plan will include goals for infrastructure, consider projected climate impacts like sea-level rise and temperature changes, assess emergency response and infrastructure vulnerabilities, and evaluate economic risks in high-risk communities. It also mandates a preliminary report on climate risks, vulnerability assessments by state agencies and public utilities, and a final report with actionable recommendations. Furthermore, the bill creates a grant program to support regional planning agencies in developing their own adaptation plans and allows the state to acquire land in vulnerable areas for conservation and recreation, with provisions for local management and public hearings.