Our Legislative Work
Part of our Coalition’s four-part strategy has included advocating for legislation preparing Massachusetts for climate change impacts. This legislation, An Act Establishing a Comprehensive Adaptation Management Plan in Response to Climate Change, identifies where we are most vulnerable and takes measures to protect public health, public safety, and the economy.
Major components of this legislation have now passed as part of Governor Baker’s $2.4 billion environmental bond during the 2018 session. Special thanks to Senator Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) and Representative Frank Smizik (D-Brookline) for championing this adaptation legislation.
The bond now codifies into law:
- A requirement for Massachusetts to adopt a statewide plan addressing the impacts of climate change.
- A grant program to provide financial assistance to communities for the development and implementation of local adaptation plans, including vulnerability assessments.
- A commitment to sound management practices that take into account existing natural, built, and economic characteristics of the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable areas and human populations, including data on existing and projected sea level rise.
- Leaves the door open to establish a coastal buyback program to acquire by voluntary purchase properties repeatedly damaged by severe weather, which intersect with ecological services with high potential for buffering inland areas against wind and storm surge.
Executive Order
This progress follows and makes permanent previous commitments by Governor Baker including a 2016 Executive Order directing state officials to develop a statewide climate adaptation plan.