S 537 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act to promote natural carbon sequestration

This bill directs the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy Resources to establish a specific statewide goal for capturing and storing carbon in natural and working lands. The legislation requires the Secretary to work with relevant departments to set this target, ensuring it aligns with the state's existing greenhouse gas emission reduction plans. Additionally, the bill mandates a study to assess how much carbon salt marshes, seagrasses, and waterways can absorb, taking into account the state's extensive coastline. By adding a new section to the General Laws, the bill creates a formal framework for measuring and enhancing carbon storage in the environment.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Apr 2024
House Passage
Apr 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Apr 22, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
3
Committee
2
Apr 22, 2024
Upper · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
upper
Apr 8, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Environment and Natural Resources
upper
1 primary · 6 co-sponsors

Sponsors