The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 414, mandates the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop and periodically revise guidelines for tree and vegetation management along state highways. These guidelines aim to balance the environmental impacts of maintenance and construction projects with necessary safety and aesthetic considerations. Key provisions include roadside vegetation management activities, visibility enhancement, and measures to prevent invasive species, manage stormwater runoff, and improve pollinator habitats. The guidelines will apply to federally funded projects unless they conflict with federal regulations. Notably, the guidelines will not apply to vegetation removal necessary for public safety or during weather-related emergencies.

Additionally, the bill requires the Commissioner of Transportation to consider a study conducted by the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment at The University of Connecticut regarding carbon sequestration by trees and vegetation. The commissioner must determine if revisions to the guidelines are warranted based on this study and report findings to the relevant legislative committees. The timeline for submitting reports has been adjusted, with interim and final reports now due by January 1, 2025, and October 1, 2026, respectively. The bill also repeals and substitutes certain sections of existing law to reflect these changes, including the deadlines for reporting and the grant provision for the study.

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Raised Bill: