The legislation would create a separate, dedicated Nature for All Fund managed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA). It would finance projects that:
Eligible recipients include municipalities, tribal authorities, regional conservation organizations, and nonprofits working on land protection and equitable outdoor access.
Revenue would come from a portion of Massachusetts’ existing sales and use tax collected from three NAICS categories:
After statutory transfers to the MBTA State and Local Contribution Fund and the School Modernization and Reconstruction Trust Fund, remaining funds would be deposited into the Nature for All Fund. These allocations ensure the initiative draws from consistent revenue sources while preserving the Commonwealth’s existing transportation and education funding priorities.
The proposal also authorizes the state treasurer to issue special-obligation bonds backed by Nature for All revenues—providing an additional financing mechanism without increasing the Commonwealth’s general obligation debt.
A 15-member Nature for All Board would oversee expenditures and establish regulations. Members include representatives from EEA, the legislature, and the public, with designated seats for Indigenous leaders, EJ advocates, and conservation experts.
Annual reports would outline allocations, project outcomes, and EJ community impacts. The bill explicitly prohibits replacing existing capital investments with new fund revenue, ensuring additional—not substitute—support for conservation programs.
Massachusetts has committed to protecting 30% of lands and waters by 2030 and 40% by 2050 under its statewide biodiversity strategy. Meeting those goals requires sustainable financing and attention to equity. According to the 2023 Massachusetts Climate Report Card, the state continues to lose forest cover and must accelerate conservation efforts to meet climate targets.
“The time for action is now—Massachusetts is proud to launch this nation-leading effort to protect and restore nature for the benefit of all,” the Healey-Driscoll Administration said when unveiling its biodiversity plan earlier this year.
Advocacy coalitions such as Nature for Massachusetts support the bill, noting that many conservation and park programs are oversubscribed and underfunded. They argue that a dedicated, statewide revenue stream would create stable support for both land protection and equitable outdoor access.
