Researcher: HP Page 1 3/28/23
OLR Bill Analysis
sSB 1083
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A TRANSPORTATION CARBON BUDGET
FOR THE STATE.
SUMMARY
Starting by July 1, 2030, this bill requires the Department of
Transportation (DOT), in consultation with the Department of Energy
and Environmental Protection (DEEP), to annually establish a
transportation carbon budget for the state that sets the maximum
amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions allowed from the
transportation sector. When setting the budget, the agencies must
consider the state’s long-term emissions reductions requirements (see
BACKGROUND) .
Under the bill, DOT must adopt regulations to ensure that
transportation projects the state, metropolitan planning organizations,
and municipalities undertake do not exceed the carbon budget’s GHG
emissions limit. The regulations must include, at a minimum:
1. a definition of “transportation project” that excludes projects
necessary for maintenance or safety;
2. a methodology to calculate the GHG emissions expected from
future transportation projects;
3. ways to offset the emissions for projects estimated to increase net
emissions by undertaking GHG mitigation transportation
projects that will reduce emissions; and
4. a description of the GHG mitigation transportation projects, such
as public transportation improvements; bikeway, walkway, or
other multiuse trail or path construction; and electric vehicle
charging installation. 2023SB-01083-R000251-BA.DOCX
Researcher: HP Page 2 3/28/23
Under the bill, DOT, in consultation with DEEP, must implement a
public outreach plan to sufficiently engage the public and stakeholders
in developing the transportation carbon budget and associated
regulations. The DOT commissioner must submit the regulations to the
Regulation Review Committee by July 1, 2028.
From 2025 through 2030, DOT must, annually by January 1, submit a
report to the Transportation and Environment committees that includes
(1) a status update on development of the carbon budget and
regulations and (2) a description of the level of stakeholder collaboration
and a description of the public outreach done and its results.
The bill also requires DOT to annually submit, starting by July 1,
2030, a copy of the transportation carbon budget and any related
legislative recommendations to the Transportation and Environment
committees.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2023
BACKGROUND
GHG Emissions Reductions Requirements
By law, the state must reduce its GHG emissions to a level that is at
least (1) 10% below 1990’s emission level by January 1, 2020; (2) 45%
below 2001’s emissions level by January 1, 2030; and (3) 80% below
2001’s emissions level by January 1, 2050 (CGS § 22a-200).
COMMITTEE ACTION
Transportation Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 27 Nay 8 (03/10/2023)