Bill > S1979

This bill establishes a comprehensive climate change adaptation management plan by creating a new chapter in the General Laws. It defines key terms like "adaptation" (adjusting to climate change to increase resilience and reduce vulnerability), "resilience" (the capacity of systems to cope with hazards), and "sustainability" (meeting present needs without compromising future generations). The bill mandates the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs and the Secretary of Public Safety and Security to develop and revise this plan every ten years, with input from an advisory commission composed of experts in various fields. This plan will guide state agencies, authorities, and regional planning agencies in addressing climate change consequences, including vulnerability assessments and adaptation strategies. It also requires state agencies, authorities, and public utilities to conduct vulnerability assessments of their assets and estimate costs for protection, resilience, or relocation from flood-prone areas. Furthermore, the bill introduces provisions for a solar incentive program to encourage solar photovoltaic technology development, defines "community-shared solar facility" and "solar net metering credit," and removes an aggregate net metering cap for solar facilities, with a 10-megawatt limit for municipalities. Finally, it allows for the acquisition of land prone to severe weather for conservation and recreation, and requires regulations for dredging and filling coastal storm flowage areas.