Natural Resource Conservation Fund
This proposed law would create a state "Nature for All Fund" that, subject to legislative appropriation, would receive a share of state sales and use tax revenue from sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses, excluding amounts already dedicated to the MBTA and school building funds. The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs would spend the fund on natural resource conservation, including land and water protection, parks, trails, and lands of indigenous cultural significance. A 15-member board would set spending rules, and an annual report on spending in environmental justice communities would be required.
A yes vote means
A yes vote would establish the Nature for All Fund, dedicate a share of certain sales tax revenue to it (subject to appropriation), create the Nature for All Board, and authorize spending on natural resource conservation.
A no vote means
A no vote would make no change in current law; no such fund or board would be created.
Key points
- 1The fund would receive 50% of state sales and use taxes on sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses starting July 1, 2027, rising to 100% on July 1, 2028, subject to appropriation by the Legislature.
- 2Revenue credited to the fund excludes sales tax amounts transferred to the MBTA State and Local Contribution Fund and the School Modernization and Reconstruction Trust Fund.
- 3A 15-member Nature for All Board (five state officials plus ten Governor-appointed public members, including representatives of underserved communities and indigenous peoples) would issue regulations on spending, environmental justice alignment, affordable housing, and bond issuance.
- 4Eligible recipients include state agencies, municipalities, regional public entities, public charities involved in natural resource conservation, and tribal governments.
- 5Surplus balances would not be swept at fiscal year end (the fund is exempt from Chapter 29, Section 5C), and EEA must report annually on spending in cities and towns with environmental justice populations.
Official Massachusetts Secretary of State / voter-guide content.