SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any special act, law or regulation to the contrary, research activities and demonstration projects related to Nature-Based Approaches and implementation of Nature-Based Approaches, specifically designed to study or demonstrate the efficacy of Nature-Based Approaches and systems designed to enhance wave and energy attenuation, or mimic natural systems for the sole purpose of developing resiliency strategies and implementing Nature-Based Approaches, may be reviewed and approved in a timely manner by the authorities with jurisdiction over said activities, conditioned as appropriate, with the discretion to waive any and all performance and regulatory standards, provided that protections are upheld for Indigenous groups and cultural and historic resources, 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. Demonstration projects shall consider protections for underserved communities and environmental justice populations when designing and implementing said projects.

SECTION 2. This Act shall sunset five years from the date it is enacted.