Climate Change
Addressing climate change in Connecticut will present both challenges and opportunities. Connecticut clearly recognizes that the price of inaction is simply too high to bear. Current science tells us that climate change presents a real threat to the health and safety of everyone who lives, works and plays in Connecticut. However, it is also equally clear that climate change presents us with the opportunity to move our economy in a direction that will help us meet our climate goals while supporting green technology, green jobs and a vibrant sustainable environment that produces the quality of life sought by all New Englanders.
Connecticut state agencies are collaborating to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Connecticut. The Governor's Steering Committee, made up of leaders from key state agencies including the Department of Environmental Protection, Public Utility Commission, Transportation, Administrative Services, The Office of Policy and Management, and The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund led a collaborative effort that developed a
Climate Change Action Plan for Connecticut. The plan will help Connecticut reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2010 and 10% below that by 2020.
2009 Connecticut Greenhouse Gas Inventory (PDF)-Final version of the 2009 Connecticut Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory, as required by section 3(a) of Public Act 08-98, An Act Concerning Connecticut Global Warming Solutions.
Mitigation – "Mitigation" refers to actions we take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. No single economic sector can contribute all the necessary emission reductions needed to meet our climate goals. The reductions have to come from all sectors as well as each one of us who has come to rely on fossil fuels for our energy supply. Transportation and power generation are two sectors with significant opportunities for cost-effective reductions. As the fifth state to adopt mandatory limits on greenhouse gas emissions (other states include California, New Jersey, Hawaii and Washington), Connecticut is proud to lead the nation in an effort to stop global warming. Please visit the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) website or the Connecticut RGGI Workgroup page for more information.
Adapting To Connecticut’s Changing Climate - "Adaptation" refers to actions we take to avoid, withstand or take advantage of current and projected climate change impacts. A Subcommittee of the Governor's Climate Change Steering Committee is currently assessing the potential impacts of a changing climate and how our built and natural systems will adapt to these impacts. (Please visit www.ctclimatechange.com for more information.)
Facing Our Future - The Connecticut Department of Environment Protection has developed a series of initial climate adaptation fact sheets that detail current observations and provide some cursory recommendations for alternative approaches to foster adaptation at the local and regional level.
Related Information:
CTDEP Comments on EPA's Proposed GHG Tailoring Rule (PDF)
NESCAUM Submitted Comments on EPA's Proposed Tailoring Rule
Climate Change and Waste
Connecticut GHG Labeling Requirements for 2009 MY Vehicles Offered for Sale or Lease in the State of Connecticut, April 1, 2008 (PDF 77 K)
Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) - High Electric Demand Days (HEDD), Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU), July 2007 (PDF 141 MB)
Connecticut Clean Car Incentive Program, January 2006 (PDF 1.4 MB)
Energy Efficiency and Climate Change
Climate Change Stakeholder Meeting Letter
June 2007 letter from Commissioner McCarthy on Climate Change Initiatives (PDF)
Content Last Updated January 7, 2010
