Amendment #2 to H4912

Natural and Working Lands Carbon Amendment

Representatives Jones of North Reading and Peake of Provincetown move to amend the amendment by inserting at the end thereof the following new sections:-

SECTION XX. Section 1 of chapter 21N of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2018 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting after the definition of “Market-based compliance mechanism” the following new definition: -

“Natural and working lands”, lands that (i) are actively used by an owner or operator of an agricultural operation that includes, but is not limited to, active engagement in farming or ranching; (ii) produce forest products; (iii) consist of forests, grasslands, freshwater and riparian systems, wetlands, coastal and estuarine areas, watersheds, wildlands or wildlife habitats; or (iv) are used for recreational purposes, including parks, urban and community forests, trails and similar open space land.

SECTION XX: Said Chapter 21N is hereby amended by adding the following section:-

Section XX.  The secretary shall (i) determine a baseline measurement and measure the current carbon flux on natural and working lands; (ii) track and report the release of measurable greenhouse gases from and carbon sequestration by natural and working lands and the products derived from these lands to the maximum extent practicable; (iii) adopt statewide goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon sequestration on natural and working lands; and (iv) develop a natural and working lands plan that outlines actions to meet these statewide goals, including but not limited to, land protection, management, and restoration, and state and local legislation, laws and regulations, programs, grants, loans, incentives and public-private partnerships to meet the statewide goals. The secretary shall conduct a stakeholder process to inform and develop said plan. Said plan shall provide guidance and strategies for state agencies and authorities, municipalities and regional planning agencies, nonprofit organizations, and landowners and operators. Said baseline, goal, and plan shall be integrated into the inventory, baseline assessment, plan, and reporting under this chapter, and shall be consistent with state climate change adaptation and resiliency policies.

The secretary shall provide the plan to the senate and house committees on ways and means and the joint committee on environment, natural resources and agriculture not later than December 31, 2021 and every fifth year thereafter.

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #2, as changed to H4912

Natural and Working Lands Carbon Amendment