Connecticut House Bill HB05352

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/20
• Refer: 2/27/20
• Report Pass: 3/10/20

Caption

An Act Concerning Climate Adaptation Strategies At Public Institutions Of Higher Education.

Impact

The passage of HB 05352 is expected to greatly influence state laws concerning environmental regulations and educational mandates. By setting a clear emissions reduction goal for higher education institutions, the bill encourages these entities to align their operational practices with the state's broader environmental goals as outlined in existing statutes. This act constitutes a notable expansion of legislative efforts to combat climate change and could serve as a benchmark for future initiatives aimed at reducing state greenhouse gas levels more broadly.

Summary

House Bill 05352, titled 'An Act Concerning Climate Adaptation Strategies at Public Institutions of Higher Education,' mandates that public colleges and universities in the state develop and implement strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by January 1, 2030. The bill requires the Board of Trustees of The University of Connecticut and the Board of Regents for Higher Education to produce and update a comprehensive plan detailing their strategies to achieve this ambitious target. This plan includes evaluations of existing policies, identification of mitigation strategies, and integration of these strategies into campus maintenance and development plans.

Contention

While proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step toward sustainability and accountability within public institutions, there may be contention regarding the feasibility and financial implications of implementing such comprehensive measures. Critics may express concerns about the potential costs that public institutions could incur in meeting these mandates, which might divert resources away from educational services or lead to increased tuition fees. Furthermore, the process of developing and updating these plans may also face scrutiny regarding the adequacy of their projected emissions reductions and timelines.