O F F I C E O F L E G I S L A T I V E R E S E A R C H
P U B L I C A C T S U M M A R Y
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PA 22-5—SB 10
Energy and Technology Committee
AN ACT CONCERNING CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION
SUMMARY: This act requires the state to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions
from electricity supplied to electric customers in the state by January 1, 2040. The
act establishes this requirement as part of the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act
(see BACKGROUND).
By law, the Global Warming Solutions Act requires the state to reduce
greenhouse gas emissions from all sources to a level at least (1) 10% below 1990
emission levels by January 1, 2020; (2) 45% below 2001 emission levels by January
1, 2030; and (3) 80% below 2001 emission levels by January 1, 2050. This act
additionally requires the state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electricity
supplied to electric customers in the state to zero percent by January 1, 2040.
By law, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
commissioner determines emission levels. Greenhouse gas includes any chemical
or physical substance emitted into the air that the DEEP commissioner reasonably
anticipates will cause or contribute to climate change (e.g., carbon dioxide,
methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur
hexafluoride).
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2022
BACKGROUND
Global Warming Solutions Act Reporting Requirements
By law, state agencies on the governor’s Steering Committee on Climate
Change must report biannually to the Office of Policy and Management (OPM)
secretary and the DEEP commissioner on, among other things, policies and
regulations that the agencies can adopt in the near future to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions at their facilities in accordance with the Global Warming Solutions Act.
By law, every three years, the DEEP commissioner, in consultation with OPM
and the governor’s Steering Committee on Climate Change, must report to the
Energy and Technology, Environment, and Transportation committees on
quantifiable emissions reductions achieved under these provisions. Among other
things, the report must include a schedule of proposed regulations, policies, and
strategies designed to achieve the act’s emissions reduction requirements.