Transportation Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-127
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALE OF ELECTRIC VEHICLES IN THE STATE.
Vote Date: 3/25/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 2/19/2021
File No.: 419
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the members of
the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and explanation and does
not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Transportation Committee
Sen. Will Haskell, 26th Dist.
Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, 136th Dist.
Rep. Kerry S. Wood, 29th Dist.
Rep. David Michel, 146th Dist.
Rep. Terrie E. Wood, 141st Dist.
Rep. Christopher Rosario, 128th Dist.
Rep. Josh Elliott, 88th Dist.
Rep. Aimee Berger-Girvalo, 111th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
To increase opportunities for Citizens in The State of Connecticut to purchase Electric Vehicles (EV)
by allowing manufactures who meet certain requirements to participate in the current automobile
market, enhancing market opportunities for green technologies.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
None
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Baker, Benjamin M., Resident-Branford-Pro
This testimony is urging to pass the bill citing, It is the height of idiocy to not use EVERY
imaginable strategy to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Climate
change is having devastating impacts on the lives of every human being on the planet and everyone
must do their part. In addition, . Forcing CT consumers who desire the best electric vehicles to
travel to NY State to acquire their vehicles is not only inconvenient but insulting and smacks of
market manipulation.
Bayley, Steve, Resident-Higganum-Pro
This testimony references support for the bill. Stating, Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as
well as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground
transportation services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile
future. Also, the bill Advances Equity - Advances Economic Recovery - Responds to the
COVID-19 Pandemic - Addresses the Global Climate Crisis - Meets the states Zero Emission
Vehicle Goals.
Bayley, Steve, Resident-Higganum-Pro
This testimony references support for the bill. Stating, Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as
well as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground
transportation services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile
future. Also, the bill Advances Equity - Advances Economic Recovery - Responds to the
COVID-19 Pandemic - Addresses the Global Climate Crisis - Meets the states Zero Emission
Vehicle Goals.
Blaney, William, Resident-Pro
This testimony references that When it comes to taxation, all the teslas seen driving in
Connecticut are more than likely paying their sales tax to Massachusetts or New York. We can be
sure that this situation will continue if this bill is not passed and turned in to law by the governor.
In addition, . You have heard from the car dealership owners and franchises for what seems to be
a decade now. Where has it led us to? Can you go and test drive an EV at any dealership in the
state currently? How about even 1 or 2 dealerships? The answer is no, no you cannot.
Bonaldo, Nick, Resident-Pro
There is no reason to restrict innovative ways to sell direct to consumers specific to auto
purchases. In fact we pay property tax on automobiles whereas other states do not. We should have
MORE choice when contemplating such a large purchase.
Braren, Paul, Founder-TinkerTry.com-Pro
This testimony is in support and states, It will speed the adoption of EVs here, improve the air we
breathe, and maybe even make it possible for our small state to meet the goals of the Electric
Vehicle Roadmap for Connecticut and Southern New Englands Transportation and Climate
Initiative Program. In addition, Its not a good look for CT, being one of very few states
remaining where citizens cant purchase the far-and-away bestselling EVs in the US, made by
Tesla in California. Theyre far ahead of the rest of the auto industry in meaningfully accelerating
the transition to sustainable energy, have passed sales of 1 million EVs last year, are trending
toward lowered prices, and are growing production at a rate of 50% per year on average.
Brewster, J. Alan, Chair-Milford Energy Advisory Board-Pro, signed by board
This testimony offers support for the bill and references that, Electric vehicles are the future of
our transportation system. California will require sales of all new passenger vehicles to be zero-
emission by 2035, and G.M. recently announced that it will sell only zero-emission vehicles by
2035. Connecticut is already a member of the nine-state Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Program,
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which is coordinating efforts to get 3.3 million electric vehicles on the road by 2025. In addition,
The transportation sector (38%) is the largest source of Connecticuts greenhouse gas emissions.
Brooks, Alan, Resident-Branford-Pro
This testimony offers support and states, I am very much in favor of allowing manufacturers to set
up dealerships for EV in CT. I bought my Tesla online in 2019 and picked it up in Kisco NY.
Actually it was a very pleasant experience as handled by Tesla. The time has come to make the
experience and the viability of buying and servicing EV in CT.
Brown, Lori, Executive Director-CT League of Conservation Voters-Pro
This testimony offers support for the bill and references that electric vehicles are the future of
tomorrow that the state should make today. It references that, Our neighbors in New York and
Massachusetts already allow electric vehicles to be sold directly to consumers, driving business
and revenueaway from Connecticut. Given our states need for additional revenue as well as the
growing appetite for electric vehicles, allowing direct sales is a clear win for both our environment
and our economy. In addition, From an environmental, clean energy, and economic perspective,
anything that makes it easier for consumers to drive, purchase, and maintain an electric vehicle is
good for Connecticut. SB 127 would promote consumer choice, reduced greenhouse gas emissions,
and improved public health.
Buda, Alyssa, Resident-West Haven-Pro
This testimony references support for the bill. Stating, Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as
well as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground
transportation services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile
future. Also, the bill Advances Equity - Advances Economic Recovery - Responds to the
COVID-19 Pandemic - Addresses the Global Climate Crisis - Meets the states Zero Emission
Vehicle Goals.
Butera, Jeff, N-A-N-A-Pro
This testimony is in support of the bill. Quoting, I believe it is unfair to force CT residents to
travel out of state to buy their vehicles, and preventing this from happening is stifling innovation
and future prospects of remaining competitive.
Coffey, Elizabeth, Resident-Pawcatuck-Pro
This testimony references support for the bill. Stating, Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as
well as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground
transportation services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile
future. Also, the bill Advances Equity - Advances Economic Recovery - Responds to the
COVID-19 Pandemic - Addresses the Global Climate Crisis - Meets the states Zero Emission
Vehicle Goals.
Cross, William, Resident-Union-Pro
This testimony is in support and references, I live in Union, deemed the quiet corner of
Connecticut. Despite fantastic EVs being in the market for over a decade, our part of the state still
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has very few. Why? The answer is simple. The best EVs made by our nations most innovative
companies have been left out from being able to compete in CT.
Cruikshank, Alice, Resident-Bloomfield-Pro 5419 w amend, pro others
This testimony is in support and references, Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as well as
directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground transportation
services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile future.
Cuddy, William, Resident-Guilford-Pro
This testimony is in support and references through Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as well
as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground
transportation services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile
future. Also, the bill Advances Equity - Advances Economic Recovery - Responds to the
COVID-19 Pandemic - Addresses the Global Climate Crisis - Meets the states Zero Emission
Vehicle Goals.
Curran, Gavin, Farmer-Sweet Ring Farm-Pro
This testimony is in support of the bill. Stating, I believe we need dramatic upgrades and upkeep
to our existing infrastructure and by expanding public rail we would be doing a public service to
everyone. Freedom of movement is considered a human right by the UN under Article 13 of the
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, our state should be treating public transit in the same
way.
Degling, David, Resident-Granby-Pro
This testimony is in support and references through Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as well
as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground
transportation services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile
future. Also, the bill Advances Equity - Advances Economic Recovery - Responds to the
COVID-19 Pandemic - Addresses the Global Climate Crisis - Meets the states Zero Emission
Vehicle Goals.
Diamond, Seth, Resident-Glastonbury-Pro
As a Connecticut voter concerned with our leadership in the area of EV adoption, I respectfully
urge the Transportation Committee to vote in favor of SB 127.
Doyle, Suzanne, Resident-Milford-Pro
This testimony is in support and references through Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as well
as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground
transportation services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile
future. Also, the bill Advances Equity - Advances Economic Recovery - Responds to the
COVID-19 Pandemic - Addresses the Global Climate Crisis - Meets the states Zero Emission
Vehicle Goals.
Erman, Robert, Resident-Bridgeport-Pro
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This testimony is in support and references through Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as well
as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground
transportation services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile
future. Also, the bill Advances Equity - Advances Economic Recovery - Responds to the
COVID-19 Pandemic - Addresses the Global Climate Crisis - Meets the states Zero Emission
Vehicle Goals.
Fagan, Alana, Resident-Milford-Pro
This testimony is in support and references through Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as well
as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground
transportation services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile
future. Also, the bill Advances Equity - Advances Economic Recovery - Responds to the
COVID-19 Pandemic - Addresses the Global Climate Crisis - Meets the states Zero Emission
Vehicle Goals.
Farmelo, John, Resident-Stonington-Pro
This testimony is in support and references through Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as well
as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground
transportation services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile
future. Also, the bill Advances Equity - Advances Economic Recovery - Responds to the
COVID-19 Pandemic - Addresses the Global Climate Crisis - Meets the states Zero Emission
Vehicle Goals.
Favreau, Marc, Resident-Bridgeport-Pro
I support SB 127, direct sales of EVs. As a 25 year veteran of the automotive industry, I can tell
you that Elon Musk's primary reason for selling directly is unequivocally valid: The dealer model
and the men and women who occupy it simply do not know how to sell electric cars. In addition,
SB 127 will speed adoption of EVs in CT and improve our air quality. CT residents are forced to
travel out of state to buy their vehicles. Allowing new forward-looking, environmentally-friendly
companies into the state brings investment into the state.
Garcia, Wilmil, Resident-Stratford-Pro
As a Connecticut voter concerned with our leadership in the area of EV adoption, I respectfully
urge the Transportation Committee to vote in favor of SB 127.
Garrett, Dan, Resident-Hamden-Pro
This testimony is in support of the bill. Tesla sales are through the roof with legacy car
manufacture sales dropping considerably. Toyota and VW both down double digits for 2020. My
Tesla purchase was through their Mt. Kisko location. The process is difficult, but well worth the
inconvenience. I traded in my old vehicle to Tesla. They gave me a quote online, which they
honored. I drove to New York and completed the sale. The process was very easy with no added
charges to the sale such as dealer conveyance fee. In addition, Tesla is still in its infancy and its
market cap is above Toyota, VW, GM, Ford, Daimler combined. Electric vehicles are the way of
the future. EV car makers Rivian and Lucid plan to sell directly to customers. Please consider the
EV direct to buyer sales in the State of Connecticut.
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 Gibbons, Richard, Resident-Stonington-Pro
I live in Stonington and own two Teslas. I had to buy my cars in NY because of CTs refusal to
step into the 21st century and be Revolutionary . CTs law prevents its citizens from being
revolutionary and keeps them stuck in the past. Why didnt I choose to buy an EV from a
manufacturer that has a dealership network in CT? Its simple, their EVs are behind in EV
technology including range and access to charging stations. They are not serious about changing or
promoting EVs. that fit their lifestyles, needs, and budgets to accelerate the adoption of electric
vehicles and more rapidly transition to a zero-carbon economy without having to shop out of state.
I support SB 127 and manufacturers ability to offer direct sales of their EVs to CT consumers. If
the State is serious about climate change, air quality, and its push to stimulate adoption of EVs, it is
illogical to force CT residents to travel out of state to buy the EV of their choice.
Golden, Kent and Christine, Resident-Pro
This testimony is in support of the bill. Regardless of whether everyone agrees on man made
climate change, there is a simple truth that fossil fuel vehicles pollute our environment and make us
more reliant on dwindling and foreign sources of oil. Because of this, we decided to purchase a
Tesla Model 3 electric car from Tesla Motors. Our chosen electric supply is 100% green and
renewable, so we can power this car cleanly and for much less money than a traditional internal
combustion vehicle. No gasoline, no oil changes, far fewer moving parts, safer, cleaner, etc. It is
also incredibly fun to drive.
Grande, Alex, Resident-New Haven-Pro
This testimony is in support and references through Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as well
as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground
transportation services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile
future. Also, the bill Advances Equity - Advances Economic Recovery - Responds to the
COVID-19 Pandemic - Addresses the Global Climate Crisis - Meets the states Zero Emission
Vehicle Goals.
Griswold, Matthew, Resident-Old Lyme-Pro
This testimony is in support of the bill. . A direct sales model gives consumers access to many
more BEV offerings, and an important alternative to the entrenched and outdated dealership
model. In addition, Electric cars are the way of the future. They produce zero localized
emissions, and when combined with rooftop solar, zero generation emissions as well. BEVs sales
in California already top 8% annually, and last year in Norway, over 50% of autos sold were
BEVs. Lets make Connecticut a leader in this transformation, not a laggard.
Harris, Sabine, Resident-Guilford-Pro
This testimony is in support and references through Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as well
as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green projects, and expanding train and ground
transportation services in eastern Connecticut will ensure our residents a clean, safe, and mobile
future. Also, the bill Advances Equity - Advances Economic Recovery - Responds to the
COVID-19 Pandemic - Addresses the Global Climate Crisis - Meets the states Zero Emission
Vehicle Goals.
Henry, Dawn, Member-Electric Vehicle Club of CT-Pro
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I support this bill because it removes a barrier for consumers considering an electric vehicle by
making it more convenient to test drive and purchase the best-selling EVs available instead of
forcing people to leave the state to do it. If someone is currently on the fence about EVs, or not
particularly interested in the models available at current car dealerships, or not motivated enough to
drive 1+ hour to go test drive a Tesla (or soon, a Rivian or Lucid) in New York, they may just
default to purchasing another gas-powered car.
Hu, Lorraine, Resident-Meriden-Pro
As a Connecticut voter concerned with our leadership in the area of EV adoption, I respectfully
urge the Transportation Committee to vote in favor of SB 127.
Ingellis, Patrick, Resident-Old Saybrook-Pro
This testimony is in support and references through Expanding electric vehicle adoption, as well
as directing Clean Air Act fees to fund green proj