We are grateful to the state legislature for passing sweeping climate legislation this week that includes “Natural and Working Lands” in the state’s climate strategy – but our work isn’t done yet.

We need your help!

Governor Baker’s signature is required for this bill to become law.

The landmark legislation establishes new targets to reach “net zero” climate emissions by 2050 under the Global Warming Solutions Act, and relies on an economically sound, multi-sector approach to address climate change that includes natural resources – as nature is the only tool we have to remove existing carbon pollution from the air at scale and at cost. With increased conservation, restoration and available land use practices, natural and working lands have the potential to remove an additional 1-2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution every year.

Please call or email Governor Baker today!

Phone: 617-725-4005

Click here to email

Sample talking point for phone or email:

• The science is clear; we need to take action now to protect Massachusetts communities from the worst impacts of climate change. Please sign the roadmap bill into law without delay.

The Trustees helped author and pass the new “Natural and Working Lands” provisions in the bill that direct the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs to:

• Create a baseline and measure the natural carbon stored by lands across the state.
• Set a numeric goal for increasing the carbon sequestered and stored in the land and create a statewide plan to reach these goals.
• Promulgate legislation, regulations, programs, grants, incentives and public-private partnerships to achieve these goals and implement the plan.

The Trustees also supports new Environmental Justice (EJ) definitions and requirements for enhanced review of projects proposed in EJ neighborhoods and the ability for EJ populations to make their voices heard during project review. These provisions are the time a law will  address  issues surrounding environmental  equity, inclusion, and justice.

Please make your voice heard and contact Governor Baker today!