Conn. Gen. Stat. § 22a-186c: Nature-based solutions. Integration in programs. Best practices. Public comment.

(a) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall evaluate how to integrate and advance nature-based solutions in the state that support climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, ecosystem resilience and biodiversity through (1) the microgrid and resilience grant and loan pilot program authorized pursuant to section 16-243y, (2) the open space and watershed land acquisition program authorized pursuant to sections 7-131d to 7-131k, inclusive, and (3) other applicable state and federal programs administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection that advance nature-based solutions, including, but not limited to, (A) federal Clean Water Act programs, (B) the Long Island Sound Study program, and (C) the Urban Forestry program. The department's efforts to advance such nature-based solutions shall be known as the nature-based solutions initiative.

(b) The commissioner shall, as part of such evaluation, consider best practices that encourage the use of the state's ecosystems to naturally sequester and store carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase biodiversity and protect against climate change impacts including: (1) Increasing carbon sequestration through increased forest acreage, including reforestation, (2) controlling invasive species, (3) encouraging soil health across all landscapes, (4) protecting carbon stocks through avoiding the conversion of forests and wetlands to other purposes, (5) restoring habitats to improve biodiversity, (6) increasing climate-smart agriculture and soil conservation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving habitat and protecting biodiversity, (7) increasing community resilience by improving water quality and addressing flooding and drought through nature-based stormwater management and shoreline protection that uses nature-based approaches such as living shorelines, (8) improving air quality and reducing urban heat island effects through urban forestry and increasing green spaces, and (9) increase access to open space for public health benefits.

(c) Not later than July 1, 2026, the commissioner shall post such nature-based solutions initiative program evaluation on the department's Internet web site for review and written comment. As part of that evaluation, the commissioner shall seek review and input from the Departments of Agriculture, Public Health, Housing, Transportation, the Insurance Department, the Connecticut Green Bank and the Office of Policy and Management. In addition, the commissioner shall host one listening session before such nature-based solutions initiative is so posted in order to seek public comment.