Substitute Bill No. 6397 is a legislative proposal concerning zero-carbon emissions, aimed at addressing climate change as a public health and environmental justice emergency in the state of Connecticut. The bill declares a climate emergency to increase access to federal funds and to underscore the urgency of enacting meaningful climate legislation. It does not, however, authorize the Governor to operate the state government through executive order based on this declaration. The bill outlines a series of actions to be taken by the state, including increasing federal funding requests for climate-related actions, producing a Connecticut Decarbonization Roadmap by July 1, 2025, and collaborating with economic development agencies to help local businesses transition to renewable energy sources.

The bill also mandates the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to engage in efforts to secure federal funds to develop programs for local communities, particularly underserved ones, to mitigate climate change impacts. It requires the development of strategies for renewable energy infrastructure, including battery storage, and the establishment of a Citizens Oversight Working Group to oversee the state's adherence to the Global Warming Solutions Act and other climate-related goals. Additionally, the bill directs the Departments of Energy and Environmental Protection and Administrative Services to assist in the installation of renewable energy systems in new buildings and to work with energy supply companies to develop clean energy solutions. The Department of Economic and Community Development and the Office of Workforce Strategy are tasked with developing job retraining plans for industries affected by the transition away from fossil fuels by October 1, 2023. The act is effective from passage and amends the sections accordingly.