The bill titled "An Act relative to sustaining natural and working lands" aims to enhance the management and preservation of natural and working lands in Massachusetts. It mandates the executive office of energy and environmental affairs to develop various policies, programs, grants, loans, and incentives to achieve statewide goals related to these lands. A key component of the bill is the establishment of a "communities for a sustainable climate program," which will provide technical and financial assistance to municipalities that qualify as sustainable communities. This assistance will support actions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration.

To qualify for the sustainable climate program, municipalities must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the secretary of the executive office. These requirements may include adopting tree retention bylaws, implementing natural resource protection zoning, and establishing municipal procurement policies that favor sustainable materials. The bill also allows for flexibility in meeting these requirements under certain circumstances. Additionally, it outlines funding sources for the program, including the global warming solutions trust fund and other grant and loan programs, ensuring that financial support is readily available to participating communities.