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SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1147 FILED ON: 1/15/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 558
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
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PRESENTED BY:
Brendan P. Crighton
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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:
NAME:DISTRICT/ADDRESS :Brendan P. CrightonThird EssexHadley Luddy4th Barnstable2/28/2025 1 of 2
SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1147 FILED ON: 1/15/2025
SENATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . No. 558
By Mr. Crighton, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 558) of Brendan P. Crighton and
Hadley Luddy for legislation to promote nature-based approaches for resiliency and climate
change adaptation throughout the Commonwealth. Environment and Natural Resources.
[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 458 OF 2023-2024.]
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:
1 (a) The executive office of energy and environmental affairs shall establish a pilot
2program for research activities and demonstration projects for nature-based solutions, as defined
3in section 1 of chapter 21N of the General Laws. The program shall: (i) define categories of
4nature-based solutions and develop standards for their use; (ii) coordinate, streamline and
5expedite the permitting and review process for activities and projects; and (iii) prioritize
6activities and projects that advance scientific knowledge, provide conservation benefits, and
7minimize impacts to existing wetlands. The secretary of energy and environmental affairs and
8commissioners/directors of permitting agencies may modify specific performance standards for
9nature-based solutions. 2 of 2
10 (b) The pilot program shall commence upon the effective date of this Act and operate for
115 years. Not later than one year from the effective date of this Act, and annually thereafter, the
12secretary shall file a report with the clerks of the senate and house of representatives and the joint
13committee on environment and natural resources that: (i) details the categories of nature-based
14solutions; (ii) analyzes the approval time for all permits required for each approved research
15activity or demonstration project; (iii) specifies any specific performance standards modified for
16each approved research activity or project; and (iv) provides data about the effectiveness of each
17approved research activity or project.