SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any law or regulation to the contrary, the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs is hereby authorized and directed to conduct a study relative to the health and stability of the Commonwealth's population of hemlock trees.  Said study shall examine the impact of the wooly adelgid insect on the viability of our hemlock trees and assess the threat posed by other environmental factors to the health of said trees, and shall determine the effects of the current infestation by the wooly adelgid insect and other environmental hazards on the Commonwealth's ecosystems and economy, and shall assess the potential cost to the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth's cities and towns of managing the effects of the wooly adelgid infestation.  Said study shall also include any recommendations relative to combating threats to the Commonwealth's hemlock trees and a course of action for the Commonwealth's agencies and legislature to implement said recommendations.

The results of said study shall be submitted to the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, the Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, and the House and Senate Chairmen of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture no later than six months from the enactment of this act.