Environment (Conservation) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 117: An Act relative to the classification and taxation of urban public access land

This bill creates a new property tax classification for "Urban Public Access Land" in Massachusetts cities, defined as at least 5,000 square feet of land maintained in natural, agricultural, or recreational use open to the public (e.g., community gardens, nature trails, or specific recreational areas like walking paths or picnicking). Landowners who qualify can have this land taxed at 25% of its fair market value, with the tax rate set at either commercial property rates or, for recreational land, open space rates. To qualify, landowners must apply annually by October 1st, provide documentation from a qualifying entity (like a Parks Commission), and maintain the land's public use. This directly affects landowners and municipalities by altering tax assessments for qualifying properties while preserving public access to natural or community spaces.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Aug 11, 2025

S 597: An Act providing nature for all

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 597) of Paul R. Feeney, Joanne M. Comerford, James K. Hawkins, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to conserve and improve natural and working lands. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 3, 2025

S 648: An Act to protect open space, historical resources, and community housing from coastal threats

By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 648) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation relative to community preservation funds for seawall repairs. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2276: An Act providing nature for all

By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 597) of Paul R. Feeney, Joanne M. Comerford, James K. Hawkins, Angelo J. Puppolo, Jr. and other members of the General Court for legislation to conserve and improve natural and working lands. Environment and Natural Resources.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 213: An Act to protect open space, historical resources, and community housing from coastal threats

This bill amends Massachusetts law to redefine "preservation" as protecting personal or real property from coastal threats like flooding, sea-level rise, and storm surge. It specifically includes measures such as building or repairing beaches, dunes, and seawalls to safeguard open spaces, historical sites, and community housing. The law change directly affects coastal communities by enabling these protective infrastructure projects under the "preservation" framework. This update modifies existing Chapter 44B definitions without creating new programs or funding.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Historic Preservation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 437: An Act to prevent nonprofit institutions from avoiding wetlands or natural resource protections under the so-called Dover Amendment

HD 437 prevents nonprofits from using the Dover Amendment to bypass wetland and natural resource protections. The bill amends a state law to close this loophole by requiring that restrictions on wetlands or natural resource areas must be applied directly, without exception for the Dover Amendment. This ensures environmental safeguards remain effective for all institutions, including nonprofits. The law directly affects nonprofits operating in or near protected wetlands and natural resource areas.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 204: An Act relative to sustaining natural and working lands

This bill creates a state program to help towns reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon storage on natural lands like forests, wetlands, and farms. Municipalities qualify for grants, loans, and technical assistance by adopting specific local policies - such as tree protection ordinances, land conservation zoning, or fees for development that harms natural areas. The program uses existing funding from the Global Warming Solutions Trust Fund to support these local climate actions. It directly affects participating towns that choose to implement qualifying land management strategies.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation Public Lands

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2394: An Act relative to incentives for nature as a climate solution

This bill creates a state task force to study how to expand incentives for natural lands (like forests and wetlands) to capture and store carbon, helping meet climate goals. The task force, chaired by the environment undersecretary and including climate officials, land conservation groups, and carbon experts, will develop policy recommendations by December 2026. These recommendations may include new laws or regulations to encourage public and private investment in natural carbon removal. The bill does not enact immediate policy but sets up a process for future climate action.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2377: An Act investing in natural and working lands

This bill establishes definitions for "Nature Services" (including clean air, water, recreation, and carbon storage) and "Reforestation," and amends land protection laws to prioritize "natural and working lands." It creates a voluntary municipal program requiring communities to adopt specific land protections - like zoning ordinances for conservation, tree canopy rules, and agricultural planning - to qualify as "natural and working lands friendly communities." State agencies must avoid converting protected lands, prioritize conservation in projects, and coordinate with the environmental office. The program aims to protect land for climate resilience, biodiversity, and equitable access to nature benefits, particularly in environmental justice communities, using state, federal, and private funds.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Forestry Parks & Recreation

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2707: An Act providing nature for all

HD 2707 creates the "Nature for All Fund" to finance nature-based climate and conservation projects across Massachusetts. The fund, financed by specific sales tax revenues (codes 459110, 441210, and 713910), will support parks, trails, water protection, farm/forest conservation, and indigenous land access - prioritizing underserved communities and environmental justice areas. It establishes a 15-member board to oversee spending, requiring annual reports on funds directed to environmental justice populations. The fund will supplement, not replace, existing conservation programs and may issue bonds secured solely by its revenues.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Environmental Justice Parks & Recreation

All environment bills