House Bill 5004 (sHB5004 File No. 661), titled "AN ACT CONCERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN CLIMATE CHANGE MEASURES," is a comprehensive legislative proposal designed to address climate change in Connecticut. The bill declares a climate crisis, underscoring the need for urgent climate legislation and the pursuit of federal funds to tackle the issue. It sets ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets for state agencies, including a 45% reduction from 2001 levels by 2030, a 70% reduction from 2016 levels by 2040, and net-zero emissions by 2050. The bill also requires state agencies to use zero-carbon generating electricity by 2030 and introduces carbon sequestration as a strategy for emissions reduction. Amendments to existing statutes include the deletion of language concerning indirect emissions from purchased energy and the insertion of new emissions reduction goals, such as a 65% reduction by 2040 and an economy-wide net-zero level by 2050, with direct and indirect emissions at least 80% below 2001 levels.

The bill further establishes the Connecticut Clean Economy Council to advise on economic development strategies that promote climate mitigation and sustainability, with a focus on vulnerable communities. It mandates the creation of a centralized data dashboard for clean and renewable energy programs, gives preference to environmentally sustainable practices in economic assistance applications, and requires PURA to report on natural gas use and energy storage deployment. The bill also includes provisions for workforce development in the clean energy sector, emphasizing opportunities for underrepresented populations, and sets a plan for transitioning workers from fossil-fuel-based jobs to clean economy jobs by February 1, 2026. Additionally, the bill addresses municipal project funding, sustainable purchasing policies, retrofitting state buildings with non-carbon-emitting systems, and prioritizing nature-based solutions for climate change mitigation. It establishes a task force to study the electric transmission system and potential upgrades, with a report due by January 1, 2025. The bill outlines fiscal impacts on state agencies and municipalities, with various sections having different effective dates, ranging from the date of passage to specific dates in 2024 and beyond.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 321:
File No. 661: