Substitute House Bill No. 5004, also known as Public Act No. 25-125, sets forth comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for Connecticut, mandating a 45% reduction from 2001 levels by 2030, a 70% reduction from 2016 levels by 2040, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The bill requires state agencies to utilize only zero-carbon electricity by 2030 and allows for the consideration of the social cost of greenhouse gas emissions in project evaluations. It also modifies existing emissions reduction targets, increasing the 2040 goal to at least 65% below 2001 levels and establishing an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050, with direct and indirect emissions needing to be at least 80% below 2001 levels. The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection is tasked with publishing annual greenhouse gas emissions inventories starting in 2026 and producing a comprehensive report on emissions reductions every three years, replacing the previous reporting structure.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Connecticut Clean Economy Council to advise on climate mitigation and clean energy strategies, particularly for vulnerable communities, and mandates the development of a structured career ladder for green jobs. It introduces provisions for energy efficiency, requiring the Commissioner to develop plans for efficient heat pump installations and to report on progress by 2027. The bill also creates a Housing Environmental Improvement Revolving Loan and Grant Fund to support energy efficiency projects, modifies criteria for financing to prioritize low-income residents, and establishes a protected open space and watershed land acquisition grant program. Key insertions include the requirement for permanent conservation easements for land purchased with grant funds and the mandate for public access to such lands, while deletions include previous provisions related to grant applications for school building projects.

Statutes affected:
Committee Bill: 31-3rr, 7-131d
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 31-3rr, 7-131d
File No. 449: 31-3rr, 7-131d
File No. 821: 31-3rr, 7-131d
Public Act No. 25-125: 31-3rr, 7-131d