(a) The executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall, subject to appropriation, establish a pilot program for research activities and demonstration projects for nature-based solutions, as defined in section 1 of chapter 21N of the General Laws. The program shall: (i) define categories of nature-based solutions and develop standards for their use; (ii) coordinate, streamline and expedite the permitting and review process for activities and projects; and (iii) prioritize activities and projects that advance scientific knowledge, provide net conservation benefits, minimize impacts to existing wetlands and mitigate unavoidable impacts. The secretary of energy and environmental affairs may modify specific performance standards for nature-based solutions.

(b) The pilot program shall commence after regulations under subsection (c) are promulgated and shall operate for 5 years. Not later than September 30, 2025, and annually thereafter, the secretary shall file a report with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives and the joint committee on environment and natural resources that: (i) details the categories of nature-based solutions; (ii) analyzes the approval time for all permits required for each approved research activity or demonstration project; (iii) specifies any specific performance standards modified for each approved research activity or project; and (iv) provides data about the effectiveness of each approved research activity or project.

(c) Not later than March 1, 2025, the executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall promulgate regulations to implement this act.