SECTION 1. For the purposes of this act, the following term shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meaning:

“Nature-based approach,” adaption measures that are formulated to minimize the impacts of climate change on nature, people and the built environment, including developing systems designed to enhance wave and energy attenuation, or mimic natural systems for the sole purpose of developing resiliency strategies.

SECTION 2. Notwithstanding any general or special law or regulation to the contrary, research activities and demonstration projects related to the implementation and efficacy of nature-based approaches may be reviewed and approved in a timely manner by the department, agency or authority with jurisdiction over said activities, conditioned as appropriate. The department, agency or authority may waive any and all performance and regulatory standards in order to fulfill the goal of conducting research and demonstration projects to inform future resiliency strategies and to implement nature-based approaches throughout the commonwealth; provided, that protections are upheld for Indigenous groups and cultural and historic resources. A person conducting a demonstration project shall consider protections for underserved communities and environmental justice populations when designing and implementing said projects.

SECTION 3. Section 2 is hereby repealed.

SECTION 4. Section 3 shall take effect on July 31, 2028.