Bill > S2402

This bill aims to enhance climate adaptation and resilience in Massachusetts by establishing a comprehensive climate adaptation management action plan, referred to as the "plan," which will guide state agencies, authorities, and public utilities in addressing the impacts of climate change. Key provisions include setting specific statewide greenhouse gas emissions limits for 2030 and 2040, with targets for reduction below 1990 levels, and requiring these limits to support the achievement of the 2050 emissions limit. The bill mandates the development of this plan by the Secretaries of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Public Safety and Security, with input from an advisory commission composed of various experts and stakeholders, and requires regular updates every ten years. The plan will outline goals, priorities, and principles for protecting and enhancing the Commonwealth's built and natural environments, assess climate trends and vulnerabilities in emergency response and infrastructure, and evaluate economic and natural resource risks. Furthermore, state agencies, authorities, and public utilities will be required to conduct vulnerability and adaptation assessments for their assets, identifying risks and estimating costs for protective measures or relocation. The bill also establishes a grant program to support regional planning agencies in developing and implementing their own adaptation plans and allows for the acquisition of land in vulnerable areas for conservation and recreation purposes, with specific management and lease provisions. Finally, it mandates a feasibility study on electric vehicle charging stations along Interstate 90 and directs the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to regulate activities in areas subject to coastal storm flowage.