Massachusetts Regulations: Conservation

 Increase Public Open Space in the Commonwealth

The Conservation Land Tax Credit is an important tool for creating public open space and expanding access to land that was once privately held. Increasing the annual cap is an enormous opportunity to conserve ecologically and economically valuable lands, as well as to advance our climate change goals.

 Mass Ready Act

The Mass Ready Act, filed by Governor Healey, is a MA bill focused on strengthening the state's infrastructure and preparing for climate change impacts. It includes provisions for conservation and environmental protection by supporting the Department of Environmental Protection, addressing hazardous waste, and promoting community involvement in environmental issues. The bill also allocates funds for infrastructure improvements, including upgrades to dams, bridges, and culverts, and streamlines permitting for clean energy projects.

 Nature for All

For 150 years, the Appalachian Mountain Club has worked to protect and connect people with the outdoors. Now, Massachusetts has a rare opportunity to build on that legacy by securing lasting funding to protect the places we love for generations to come. More than 100 conservation partners are working together to advance the Protect Water and Nature Initiative, a proposal that would dedicate a portion of existing sales tax revenue from sporting goods to outdoor recreation and conservation. If passed, it would generate an estimated $100 million each year to conserve land, expand recreation, and protect water quality across the Commonwealth.

 Protecting Old Growth Forests

Now is our chance to save what remains of Massachusetts's old growth forests. A bill to protect these ancient woodlands on state lands is on the move in our state legislature. Please contact your state senator and urge her/him to call for a favorable finding on bill S.485 by the Senate Ways and Means Committee.