Environment Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6551
Title: AN ACT CONCERNING ENVIRONMENTAL AIR QUALITY.
Vote Date: 3/31/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 3/8/2021
File No.:
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:
Rep. David Michel, 146th Dist.
Rep. Geraldo C. Reyes, 75th Dist.
Rep. Anne M. Hughes, 135th Dist.
Rep. John "Jack" F. Hennessy, 127th Dist.
Rep. Michael A. Winkler, 56th Dist.
Rep. Edwin Vargas, 6th Dist.
Rep. Travis Simms, 140th Dist.
Rep. Anthony L. Nolan, 39th Dist.
Rep. Josh Elliott, 88th Dist.
Rep. Brian T. Smith, 48th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
Connecticut has communities that have economic inequalities, health inequalities and
overburdened with pollution. Populations are vulnerable not only to the pollutions, the effect
of pollutions, but also the impact of climate change. The bill helps to address the
environmental justice issues associated with pollution and climate change.
Substitute Language LCO No. 6222
Adds date of October 1, 2022 line 54 Section 1(g). Adds Section 3 to amend Sec. 3.
Subsection (a) of section 22a-200b to "ensure attainment of the state-wide greenhouse gas
emission levels established in section 22a-200a". Adds Section 4 for data centers 1) backup
generator complies with Tier 2 EPA requirements 2) within 180 days a new data center is
operational the facility must follow a green standard, i.e. LEED, Energy Star, UL 3223 or
equivalent.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Katie Dykes, Commissioner, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Department of Environmental Protection (DEEP) supports environmental justice as part of its
core responsibilities. DEEP works to protect Connecticut's residents receive the same
degree of protection to health hazards and environmental risks.
Steps forward to address the experiences of at-risk or vulnerabilities, science, and guidelines
which are transparent and provide clear, predictable guidelines in the decision-making
process. DEEP is working to develop mapping tools to identify communities with the greatest
environmental burdens to inform policy decisions. The tool assesses pollution burdens,
health disparities, and climate change affecting populations.
Deidre Gifford, Acting Commissioner, Department of Public Health
Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) needs 1) to establish an
environmental working group in discussion with the Department of Public Health (DPH) and
the Department of Labor (DOL) to identify disadvantaged communities that benefit from
greenhouse gas reduction. Under proposed legislation, DPH is required to have two
representatives appointed by the Commissioner. 2) HB6551 amends the environmental
justice statute to enable disapproval of facility and permit applications when specific
determinations concern adverse environmental or public health effects are made.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Eric Hammerling, Executive Director, Connecticut Forest & Park Association
The Forests Report in the Governor's Council on Climate Change (GC3) noted the
socioeconomic and health inequities in Connecticut's urbanized areas coincide with lower
than average tree canopy coverage. Trees are important to urbanized areas. Trees can
improve air and water quality, protect persons from ultra-violet radiation, mitigate harmful
emissions, stormwater runoff and negative effects of urban heat and noise. Engagement at
the local level about green spaces and specific tree planting and long-term stewardship for
environmental and health is important.
Amy Blaymore Paterson, Executive Director Connecticut Land Conservation Council
HB6551 creates a working group to identify disadvantaged communities to reduce
greenhouse gas reduction and amend the environmental justice statute for facility and permit
applications regarding determinations with adverse environmental or public effects. The
approach lends to a multi-faceted method, and the Connecticut Land Conservation Council
hopes this includes consideration of natural climate solutions.
Page 2 of 3 HB-6551
Lori Brown, Executive Director, CT League of Conservation Voters
Connecticut has not done enough to address environmental inequalities in low-income and
communities of color. Proposed legislation helps prevent further environmental degradation
due poor air quality and other detrimental environmental effects. HB6551 assists
Connecticut's environmental justice law to prevent new "affecting resources" from being
placed near low-income and communities of color. Connecticut is trying to incentivize
construction of data centers. Data centers are energy-intensive structures. HB 6551 must
address the construction of data centers to meet the state's greenhouse gas reduction
mandate.
Anne Hulick, Connecticut Director, Clean Water Action
Historic patterns of racial segregation remain in effect today and contribute to poor air quality
and public health hazards from proximity to mobile sources, infrastructure and pollution
facilities. HB6551 establishes an environmental equity working group is a positive step. The
importance of having five representatives of environmental justice communities.
Consideration of meaningful participation and meeting times needs to take into the account of
these members. Many members may not be able to take off from work or other obligations
unlike others that may not experience the same struggles. Compensation should be
considered for these members.
Robert LaFrance, Director of Policy, Audubon Connecticut, National
Audubon Society
Audubon Society supports the substantial improvements to vulnerable communities focuses
on that are disproportionately impact by historic and future siting decisions of polluting
facilities. An environmental equity working group improves the understanding of the impact
of pollution, environmental justice and vulnerable populations. HB6551 strengthens
Connecticut's Environmental Justice Laws by creation of standards for the potential impact of
a facility's impact on public health and environment.
The Environment Committee received more than 40 additional testimonials in support of
HB6551.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None
Reported by: Steve Smith Date: 04/12/20/2021
Page 3 of 3 HB-6551


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 529: