HB 5004: A Climate & Legislative Priority
April 3, 2024I wanted to provide you with an update on HB 5004, "An Act Concerning the Implementation of Certain Climate Change Measures." This bill was subject to a public hearing on March 8 and recently passed out of the Environment Committee 23-11. It now heads to the House Floor for consideration.
The bill, referred to as the 2024 Connecticut Climate Protection Act, is a priority for me and my colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus.
HB 5004 seeks to respond to the climate crisis by:
- Updating the Global Warming Solutions Act to make Connecticut's greenhouse gas emissions targets more in line with other states in the region;
- Creating incentives for businesses that engage in clean economy sectors or employ environmentally sustainable practices;
- Developing plans for transitioning to a clean economy, including workforce training and long-term policy implementation;
- Supporting nature-based solutions, such as preserving marshlands and forests.
The impact of climate change is becoming increasingly obvious, and it is imperative that the legislature act responsibly and urgently. This bill is an important step towards responding to the reality of the changes that are already upon us.