HB 5004, An Act Concerning Certain Climate Change Measures
This bill is the most ambitious bill on climate that Connecticut has seen. HB 5004 declares a climate crisis and update CT Global Warming Act with the best available science for greenhouse gas emissions targets. HB 5004 establishes a CT Clean Energy Council to advance economic and environmental justice, and lower emissions. HB 5004 directs PURA to open a docket on how Connecticut can reduce our reliance on fracked gas. It also opens our state up to increased federal funding, which will benefit our state.
HB 5004 directs DEEP, in consultation with PURA, to develop a plan to install 310,000 heat pumps, as well as make recommendations to the state’s energy efficiency standards to include HVAC and hot water heating systems that do not emit greenhouse gases.
. HB 5004 encourages the State of Connecticut to lead by example and requires municipalities to evaluate environmental sustainability and climate resiliency in Plans of Conservation and Development adopted after January 1, 2025.
HB 5004 includes nature-based solutions, such as restoring forests and coastal marshes, which will help Connecticut become more resilient to the climate change that we are already experiencing.
Current Status: This bill passed the Environment Committee on a party-line vote and will be brought to the House for a vote. This bill passed the House, but was not raised in the Senate.
HB 5127, An Act Concerning the Use of Rodenticides
This bill bans the use of second-generation anti-coagulants, which cause extreme suffering for any animal that consumes them, either directly or indirectly.
Current Status: This bill was passed out of the Environment Committee and will go to the House for a vote.
SB 191, An Act Concerning Food Scrap Diversion from the Solid Waste Stream and the Redemption of Out-of-State Beverage Containers
This bill requires municipalities to develop programs to help residents divert food waste from the solid waste stream. It also requires large generators (over 26 tons) to donate or compost food waste. Large generators will be required to adopt written policy about food donation and provide education to their staff. Residents are required to compost by 2025. Finally, out-of-state beverage containers are not eligible for the 10-cent deposit.
Current Status: This bill passed out of the Environment Committee and is waiting for a vote in the Senate.
SB 292, An Act Concerning the Use of PFAS in Certain Products
This bill expands the PFAS bill that CT passed in 2022, which banned PFAS in firefighting foam and food containers. SB 292 bans the PFAS in many other products, including carpets, children’s products, and apparel.
Current Status: This bill passed unanimously out of the Environment Committee and will go to the Senate for a vote.
HB 5485, An Act Concerning Transportation Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles.
This bill creates an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council, which will consist of a diverse body of 40 individuals. The bill also requires the creation of a Zero-Emission Vehicle Roadmap, which will help Connecticut plan for zero-emission vehicle and infrastructure deployment.
Current Status: This bill passed the Transportation Committee on a party-line vote and is waiting for a vote in the House.
HB 5232, An Act Concerning Solar Projects Throughout the State
HB 5232 will establish a uniform capacity tax on solar panels, extend community benefit agreement requirements to more renewable energy projects, study community solar, require expedited permitting for solar canopies, require the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to study solar canopies and develop a strategic plan, (6) revise programs of the Connecticut Green Bank, and study how to promote municipal solar projects.
Current Status: HB 5232 passed out of the Energy and Technology Committee and is waiting for a vote in the House.
HB 5052, An Act Supporting Solar in Schools
Not later than January 1, 2025, PURA will open a docket to develop a program to install 25 MW worth of solar photovoltaic projects and energy storage systems in public schools across the state.
Current Status: This bill passed the Energy and Technology Committee and is waiting for a vote in the House.
SJ 193, A Resolution Proposing an Amendment to the State Constitution Regarding Environmental Rights
Adding an Environmental Rights Amendment to the State Constitution would guarantee every person the right to breathe clean air, drink clean water, inhabit healthy soil and environment, and enjoy a safe and sustainable climate. Passing S.J. 193, the CT Environmental Rights Amendment in the General Assembly according to the requirements for a constitutional amendment would put environmental rights on the ballot for a vote by the people.
Current Status: This bill passed out of the Government Administration and Elections Committee.
DEAD BILLS
SB 190, An Act Concerning the Use of Neonicotinoids
This bill was written with very weak language. Advocates tried to convince the Environment Committee to amend the bill to include the language from last year’s bill.
Current Status: This bill received a public hearing, but it was never brought to a vote. This bill is dead for this year.
