Conservation efforts and investment in a green energy future all work to protect our planet for generations to come, but they also work to create a more resilient economy. That is why I'm please to share the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters gave me a perfect score for my voting record on environmental legislation in its 2022 Environmental Scorecard.
During the 2022 legislative session, I was proud to join my colleagues in voting for legislation that takes steps to decarbonize our energy grid, move away from non-renewable fossil fuels, and improve our air quality.
Here's a look at some of the bills I proudly supported:
SB 4, An Act Concerning The Connecticut Clean Air Act, works to improve the quality of our air and environment by enacting the following measures:
- Establishes funds to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas in order to improve air quality;
- Makes it easier for consumers to reduce their carbon footprint by increasing access to rebates and vouchers to buy electric vehicles;
- Assists municipalities and businesses with the purchase of electric vehicle charging stations;
- Improves air quality by reducing the allowable emissions emitted by medium and heavy-duty vehicles.
SB 10, An Act Concerning Climate Change Mitigation, takes steps to achieve a zero-carbon energy grid by 2040. Connecticut has made progress in decarbonizing our regional electric grid, but we must fully commit to achieving our state climate goals. Our state is not on track to meet the goals it set in the Global Warming Solutions Act, and time is running out. We are going to need much more electricity than we use now to support clean transportation, heating and cooling of buildings, and new industrial uses.
SB 176, An Act Concerning Clean Energy Tariff Programs, takes steps to increase Connecticut's solar energy production. The success of our solar programs hinges on removing the barriers to both commercial and community solar. This bill increases the caps that currently limit the amount of electricity that shared community solar projects and commercial rooftop solar can generate.
HJ 107, Resolution Adopting the State Plan of Conservation and Development, "Conservation and Development Policies: The Plan for Connecticut, 2018-2023," will help state agencies make decisions consistent with our state’s development and conservation goals. The legislature also passed an act specifying completion dates for the POCD’s next revision cycle, requiring OPM to submit the 2025-2030 POCD to the legislature before the 2025 legislative session begins.
HB 5506, An Act Adjusting the State Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2023, includes climate change education in the Connecticut public school science curriculum. This provision will teach students the science of climate change and will help equip them with the tools needed to tackle the largest environmental problem our world faces. |
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These laws take steps towards a future that's environmentally smart, equitable, and just. Our work in the Connecticut General Assembly doesn't end here, and I'll continue to support strategies that invest in the communities that have been overburdened by pollution and climate change.
