SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2922
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)
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SENATE, July 31, 2024.
The committee on Senate Ways and Means to whom was referred the Senate Bill to
promote nature-based approaches for resiliency and climate change adaptation throughout the
Commonwealth (Senate, No. 458), - reports, recommending that the same ought to pass with an
amendment substituting a new draft with the same title (Senate, No. 2922).
For the committee,
Michael J. Rodrigues 1 of 2
FILED ON: 7/31/2024
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 2922
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
_______________
In the One Hundred and Ninety-Third General Court
(2023-2024)
_______________
An Act to promote nature-based approaches for resiliency and climate change adaptation
throughout the Commonwealth.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority
of the same, as follows:
1 (a) The executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall, subject to
2appropriation, establish a pilot program for research activities and demonstration projects for
3nature-based solutions, as defined in section 1 of chapter 21N of the General Laws. The program
4shall: (i) define categories of nature-based solutions and develop standards for their use; (ii)
5coordinate, streamline and expedite the permitting and review process for activities and projects;
6and (iii) prioritize activities and projects that advance scientific knowledge, provide net
7conservation benefits, minimize impacts to existing wetlands and mitigate unavoidable impacts.
8The secretary of energy and environmental affairs may modify specific performance standards
9for nature-based solutions.
10 (b) The pilot program shall commence after regulations under subsection (c) are
11promulgated and shall operate for 5 years. Not later than September 30, 2025, and annually
12thereafter, the secretary shall file a report with the clerks of the senate and house of
13representatives and the joint committee on environment and natural resources that: (i) details the 2 of 2
14categories of nature-based solutions; (ii) analyzes the approval time for all permits required for
15each approved research activity or demonstration project; (iii) specifies any specific performance
16standards modified for each approved research activity or project; and (iv) provides data about
17the effectiveness of each approved research activity or project.
18 (c) Not later than March 1, 2025, the executive office of energy and environmental affairs
19shall promulgate regulations to implement this act.