SD 896 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act relative to offshore wind and wildlife habitat management

This bill creates a new advisory council to help manage the impact of offshore wind projects on wildlife and habitats in Massachusetts. The council will include experts, representatives from federally recognized tribes, and state and federal agencies to develop standards for monitoring and mitigating harm to species like the North Atlantic right whale. It requires offshore wind developers to create comprehensive plans that meet these new standards and ensures that funds dedicated to wildlife protection are properly tracked and reviewed. Additionally, the bill updates existing state laws to formally include wildlife monitoring and mitigation as a key goal for the state's coastal zone management office.
Bill status Introduction 0 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor