Governor Rell Signs Global Warming Bill

            Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that she has signed a tough new bill requiring drastic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions connected to global warming.

The governor signed HB 5600, “An Act Concerning Global Warming Solutions,” on June 2.  The new law requires state agencies to calculate and list greenhouse gases produced in the state, come up with strategies to meet the new reduction goals and start measuring the state's progress. 

“Connecticut continues to lead by example in our environmental efforts,” Governor Rell said.  “As stewards of Connecticut, a healthy environment is one of the most important things we can pass along to our children.  This new law requires actions that will benefit not just Connecticut but the entire nation by decreasing pollution, saving energy and reducing our dependency on foreign fuel.  By capping greenhouse gas emissions, we will reduce our carbon footprint, conserve energy and improve air quality in Connecticut while leading the way for the rest of the nation.”

The new law creates mandatory global warming pollution caps and requires the state to cut emissions 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent below 2001 levels by 2050.  Similar measures have been enacted in California, Hawaii, New Jersey and in Washington state.

In addition to establishing a schedule by which Connecticut must reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, the new law:

·        Requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to publish a baseline inventory of greenhouse gas emissions and to recommend actions to achieve the necessary reductions

·        Requires the DEP to evaluate the potential of low-carbon fuel standards for motor vehicles and home heating fuels to achieve net carbon reductions

·        Establishes a Climate Change Impacts Subcommittee to recommend to the Governor and legislature ways the state can adapt to and help mitigate global warming

·        Authorizes DEP to work with other states and Canadian provinces to develop a cap-and-trade program to achieve greenhouse gas limits.

At a conference at Yale University in April, Governor Rell signed a resolution backed by 18 governors urging the federal government to join with states in a national effort toward curbing energy appetites and finding cleaner power sources.