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H 971

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David Biele and 8 co-sponsors

Creates a 5-year pilot to test nature-based climate solutions in MA, streamlining permits, prioritizing science and wetlands protection, with annual reporting on effectiveness.

Hearing scheduled for 09/02/2025 from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM in A-1
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Bill Summary · H 971

Summary of H.971: An Act establishing a pilot program for nature-based solutions to climate change

Overview

H.971 proposes a five-year pilot program within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to support research and demonstration projects that use nature-based solutions to address climate change. The program aims to standardize and promote such solutions, streamline permitting for approved activities, and prioritize projects that advance science, deliver conservation benefits, and minimize impacts to wetlands.

Key Provisions

  • Definition and scope

    • The pilot program governs research activities and demonstration projects for nature-based solutions as defined in section 1 of Chapter 21N of the General Laws.
    • The program shall define categories of nature-based solutions and develop standards for their use.

  • Permitting and review

    • The program is to coordinate, streamline, and expedite the permitting and review process for approved activities and projects.
    • The secretary of energy and environmental affairs, along with permitting agency commissioners/directors, may modify specific performance standards for nature-based solutions.

  • Prioritization

    • Projects should advance scientific knowledge, provide conservation benefits, and minimize impacts to existing wetlands.

  • Implementation authority

    • The Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs and permitting agencies have authority to adjust performance standards for approved activities as needed.

Pilot Details and Reporting

  • Duration

    • The pilot shall commence upon the act’s effective date and run for 5 years.

  • Annual reporting

    • Not later than one year from the act’s effective date and annually thereafter, the Secretary must file a report with the Senate and House clerks and the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
    • Report contents include: (i) the categories of nature-based solutions; (ii) analysis of approval times for permits required for each approved activity or project; (iii) any modified performance standards for each approved activity or project; (iv) data on the effectiveness of each approved activity or project.

Affected Parties

  • State agencies: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and permitting agencies.
  • Researchers and project proponents: entities proposing research activities or demonstration projects involving nature-based solutions.
  • Wetlands and conservation interests: projects should minimize wetland impacts and deliver conservation benefits.
  • General public: potential climate resilience and ecological benefits from implemented projects.

Timeline and Procedural Notes

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025
  • Referral: House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources
  • Status: Hearing scheduled for September 2, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM (A-1)
  • Legislative actions indicate related activity and consideration in the 2025-2026 session.
  • Related bill: HD 1053 (the current measure is listed as replacing or being replaced by related actions)

Potential Impact

  • Scientific and climate benefits from tested nature-based approaches.
  • More predictable and potentially faster permitting for approved projects.
  • Clear reporting to legislative bodies on progress, effectiveness, and standards modifications.
  • Requires ongoing coordination between EEA and permitting agencies to monitor and adjust standards as projects proceed.

This summary covers the substantive provisions, implementation framework, and likely effects of the bill based on the text and legislative history provided.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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