HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1053        FILED ON: 1/14/2025

HOUSE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Daniel J. Hunt and Sean Garballey

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act establishing a pilot program for nature-based solutions to climate change.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 1053        FILED ON: 1/14/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act establishing a pilot program for nature-based solutions to climate change.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Section 1. (a) The executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall 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 conservation benefits, and minimize impacts to existing wetlands. The secretary of energy and environmental affairs and commissioners/directors of permitting agencies may modify specific performance standards for nature-based solutions.

(b) The pilot program shall commence upon the effective date of this Act and operate for 5 years. Not later than one year from the effective date of this Act, 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.