If enacted, HB 5466 would create a framework for assessing the impact of state-funded projects aimed at climate change mitigation. The Department of Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Department of Public Utility Control, would be responsible for adopting regulations that outline how to track these expenditures. By requiring thorough reporting on both prospective and retrospective evaluations of funds used for greenhouse gas reduction, the bill seeks to improve accountability in environmental spending at the state level.
Summary
House Bill 5466, titled 'An Act Concerning Climate Change', aims to establish criteria for monitoring state expenditures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This legislation mandates that before any moneys are spent for this purpose, the relevant state agency must provide specific data, including the projected tons of carbon dioxide reduction and the associated costs. This requirement is intended to ensure state spending on environmental initiatives is transparent and measurable, thus enabling the General Assembly to evaluate the effectiveness of such programs.
Contention
Notably, the discussion surrounding HB 5466 may touch upon various points of contention including the extent of government involvement in regulating climate-related expenditures and the effectiveness of such programs. Advocates for the bill assert that clear reporting and measurable outcomes will lead to more effective use of state resources, while opponents may argue that this could create unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that complicate the implementation of environmental initiatives.