Resolve establishing a special commission to study climate change staffing levels

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Margaret Scarsdale

Creates a 17-member commission to assess and recommend adequate regional climate resilience staffing and resources to ensure equitable, effective climate planning.

Summary: Resolve Establishing a Special Commission to Study Climate Change Staffing Levels (HD 1636)

Purpose and intent

Establishes a special commission to study appropriate staffing levels and resources needed for climate change response planning and strategy at the regional level.

Aims to support the Commonwealth’s clean energy and climate plan toward 2050 goals.

Emphasizes equitable resource distribution across rural, suburban, and urban communities, including technical/planning assistance, financial assistance, and implementation assistance.

Key provisions

Creates a 17-member Special Commission on Climate Change Staffing.

The commission conducts:

assessment of current regional/local climate resilience staffing,
identification of gaps in staffing,
development of recommendations to ensure adequate staffing and resources for climate resilience.

The commission may consult with relevant experts to support its objectives and the preparation of its report.

Commission composition

Co-chairs: Secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (or designee) and Secretary of the Office of Climate Innovation and Resilience (or designee).

Additional members: Chairs of the House and Senate Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (or designees).

Regional representation: Representatives (or designees) of the 13 Massachusetts Regional Planning Agencies.

Scope and objectives

Investigate the current state of regional and local climate resilience staffing.

Identify gaps and determine what resources are needed to support communities.

Develop a set of actionable recommendations to assist communities and regions in achieving adequate climate resilience staffing levels.

Focus on equitable distribution of resources across rural, suburban, and urban areas.

Reporting timeline

The commission must file its report and recommendations with:

Clerks of the Senate and House,
Senate and House Committees on Ways and Means,
Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.

Due not later than July 31, 2026.

Effect and scope of impact

Affects state agencies involved in energy, environment, climate resilience, and regional planning.

Directly influences potential future resource allocation, staffing standards, and technical/financial support programs for local and regional climate efforts.

Intended to inform policymakers on how to mejor implement climate resilience staffing across diverse communities.

Procedural notes

Status: Proposed bill as part of the 194th General Court (2025-2026).

Take effect upon passage.

Filed January 15, 2025 (House Docket No. 1636) by Representative Scarsdale of Pepperell.