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OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 5004 (as amended by House "A")*
AN ACT CONCERNING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTAIN
CLIMATE CHANGE MEASURES.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
SUMMARY
§ 1 — CLIMATE CRISIS DECLARATION
Declares that there is a climate crisis to (1) show urgency to enact meaningful climate
legislation and (2) support efforts for federal funds to respond to the crisis
§§ 2-6 — GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCTION AND ZERO-
CARBON GOALS
Establishes new state GHG emissions reduction levels under the GWSA; allows DEEP to
engage a consultant to prepare a report on strategies to meet the new state reduction
goals; for state agencies, sets new GHG emissions reduction goals and a goal to use only
zero-carbon generating electricity; includes carbon sequestration as a strategy for
reducing emissions that may be included in certain DEEP reports on the reductions;
requires PURA to initiate an uncontested proceeding on the future of natural gas in the
state
§ 7 — PURA CENTRALIZED DATA DASHBOARD
Within available appropriations, requires PURA to establish, and at least annually
update, a centralized data dashboard that makes high-quality data relevant to ratepayer-
funded clean and renewable energy programs publicly accessible online to state residents
§ 8 — JOBSCT TAX REBATE PROGRAM
Requires the DECD commissioner to give a preference to applications under the JobsCT
tax rebate program that (1) make significant investments in environmentally sustainable
practices; (2) are in economic sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, and zero-
emission vehicles; or (3) are for sustainable farming
§ 9 — LIST OF FEE WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN BUSINESSES
Requires the secretary of the state to (1) identify registration, renewal, or other fees
appropriate to be waived for benefit corporations and certain farms and (2) submit a list of
the fees to the Environment Committee by January 1, 2025
§§ 10 & 11 — CONNECTICUT CLEAN ECONOMY C OUNCIL
Establishes a Connecticut Clean Economy Council to advise on strategies and policies to
further climate mitigation, clean energy, resilience, and sustainability efforts; requires the
council to (1) develop a plan to transition workers away from fossil-fuel-based jobs to those
in clean energy and (2) submit an annual report of its work to the governor, OPM, and
four legislative committees 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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§ 12 — TASK FORCE ON UNDERUTILIZED SITES FOR
ENTREPRENEURS
Establishes a task force to study underutilized sites in the state for use by entrepreneurs in
the climate and clean energy sector and requires it to submit its findings and
recommendations to the Commerce and Environment committees by January 1, 2025
§ 13 — PURA ENERGY STORAGE REPORT
Requires PURA to (1) report, by February 15, 2025, and then every three years, to the
Energy and Technology Committee on progress of behind-the-meter energy storage
deployment and (2) take certain actions to increase energy storage
§ 14 — SCHOOL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION GRANTS
Adds air source and ground source heat pump projects to the list of school construction
project grant applications that the DAS commissioner can approve at any time
§ 15 — ENERGY EFFICIENCY PRODUCT STANDAR DS REPORT
Requires DEEP to submit a report to the Environment Committee by January 1, 2025, on
recommendations for changing the product energy efficiency standards law to provide for
the sale and installation of certain heating and cooling systems that do not emit GHGs
§ 16 — RESIDENTIAL HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS PLAN & REBATE
PROGRAM
Requires the DEEP commissioner to (1) develop a plan for installing heat pumps and (2)
report on the plan to the Environment and Energy and Technology committees by
January 1, 2026; allows DEEP to create a rebate program for heat pumps used for heating
systems
§ 17 — LOCAL PLANS OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT
Requires municipal conservation and development plans scheduled for adoption beginning
October 1, 2026, to evaluate environmental sustainability and climate resiliency
§§ 18 & 19 — ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE PURCHASING
Requires OPM to develop and post online a model policy or guidelines for
environmentally sustainable purchasing that municipalities can use; for FYs 26 & 27,
requires the OPM secretary to authorize LoCIP funding to municipalities that received
points under Sustainable CT’s program for implementing a sustainable purchasing policy
§ 20 — STATE BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND HEATING AND
COOLING SYSTEMS
Requires DAS to (1) develop a process for considering certain energy-related aspects when
deciding to repair or build state real assets under its authority and (2) develop a plan and
budget to retrofit existing fossil fuel-based heating and cooling systems to those that
operate without carbon-emitting fuels
§ 21 — NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS PRIORITIZATION AND
RELATED REPORT
Requires DEEP to prioritize using nature-based solutions to (1) support climate change
mitigation and adaptation and (2) increase biodiversity; requires DEEP to submit a report
to the Environment Committee that assesses and reviews program guidelines and
planning documents and identifies programs that DEEP uses to support nature-based
solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation
§ 22 — SOLAR CANOPY STRATEGIC PLAN 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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Requires DEEP to develop and approve a solar canopy strategic plan
§ 23 — TRANSMISSION SYSTEM TASK FORCE
Establishes a task force to study the current transmission system in Connecticut and the
region and requires it to submit its findings and recommendations to the Energy and
Technology Committee by January 1, 2025
BACKGROUND
SUMMARY
This bill establishes various requirements related to its climate crisis
declaration (see § 1), as described in the section-by-section analysis
below.
*House Amendment “A” principally (1) adds the provisions on the
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction levels, data dashboard,
Connecticut Clean Economy Council, brownfields and transmission
system task forces, Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) energy
storage reports, school construction projects for air or ground source
heat pumps, local plans of conservation and development, state
building project processes, nature-based solutions, and solar canopy
strategic plan (§§ 2-5, 7, 10-14 & 20-23); (2) tasks the secretary of the state,
rather than the revenue services commissioner, with identifying certain
business fees for waiver (§ 9); (3) eliminates a report requirement for
Connecticut Innovations, Inc. (CI) on investments and help for
businesses involved in climate change mitigation; (4) eliminates the
310,000 heat pump installation target in a Department of Energy and
Environmental Protection (DEEP) plan, instead tying the target to the
goals of the United States Climate Alliance, and allows for an associated
heat pump rebate program (§ 16); and (5) delays the local capital
improvement project funding provision by one year and ties it to
certification as a Sustainable CT municipality (§ 19).
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage, except as noted below.
§ 1 — CLIMATE CRISIS DECLARATION
Declares that there is a climate crisis to (1) show urgency to enact meaningful climate
legislation and (2) support efforts for federal funds to respond to the crisis
The bill makes a declaration that there is a climate crisis to (1) show 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
Researcher: KLM Page 4 5/3/24
the urgency to enact meaningful climate legislation and (2) support
increased efforts to secure federal funds to respond to the crisis. It also
states that the state recognizes the (1) urgency and need to mitigate
climate impacts and prepare for and manage disaster risk from climate
change and (2) urgency to significantly and rapidly decrease GHG
emissions, and increase community coping capacities to handle climate
change impacts.
As part of the declaration, the bill states that the crisis threatens the
following:
1. the state’s communities’ resilience, regardless of zip code;
2. multiple aspects of the state’s natural resource and infrastructure
assets; and
3. the state’s economy and quality of life for younger and future
generations of state residents.
It specifies that the declaration does not permit the governor to use
its statements to operate the government by executive order.
§§ 2-6 — GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS REDUCT ION AND ZERO-
CARBON GOALS
Establishes new state GHG emissions reduction levels under the GWSA; allows DEEP to
engage a consultant to prepare a report on strategies to meet the new state reduction
goals; for state agencies, sets new GHG emissions reduction goals and a goal to use only
zero-carbon generating electricity; includes carbon sequestration as a strategy for
reducing emissions that may be included in certain DEEP reports on the reductions;
requires PURA to initiate an uncontested proceeding on the future of natural gas in the
state
Connecticut Goals (§§ 3 & 4)
The bill generally requires the state to reach an economy-wide net
zero GHG emission reduction level by January 1, 2050. It establishes this
requirement as part of the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act
(GWSA).
Under current law, the GWSA requires the state to reduce GHG
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 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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1, 2030; and (3) 80% below 2001 emission levels by January 1, 2050. It
also requires the state to reduce GHG emissions from electricity
supplied to electric customers in the state to zero percent by January 1,
2040.
The bill sets a new GHG reduction level requirement of 65% of 2001
emission levels January 1, 2040. It also requires that, by January 1, 2050,
the state be at an economy-wide net-zero level, as long as direct (e.g.,
factory stacks, manufacturing processes, company-owned or leased
vehicles) and indirect (i.e., emissions from purchased electricity
consumption) GHG emissions are at least 80% below the 2001 level.
By law, the DEEP commissioner determines emission levels. GHG
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).
Consultant Report (§ 4)
The bill allows the DEEP commissioner to contract with a consultant
to prepare a report that does the following:
1. determines viable strategies for carbon sequestration (i.e.,
removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by nature-based
solutions like soils, forests, wetlands, working or natural lands,
and technological solutions like carbon recovery technologies);
2. has strategies for achieving the state’s GHG emissions reductions
described above;
3. indicates whether a strategy to achieve the reductions should
include sector specific emission reduction targets, and if so, in the
manner and priority order for implementing the targets; and
4. evaluates the adequacy of the state’s renewable portfolio
standards.
The consultant’s report must be submitted to the Energy and 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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Technology and Environment committees by January 1, 2026.
State Agency Goals (§ 2)
The bill establishes the following GHG emissions reduction goals for
all state agencies, as a whole:
1. 45% from 2001 levels by 2030,
2. 70% from 2016 levels by 2040, and
3. reaching a level determined to be net-zero by 2050.
It sets a separate goal for the agencies to use only zero-carbon
generating electricity by 2030.
Periodic Reporting (§§ 4 & 5)
Existing law requires the DEEP commissioner, every three years and
with help from a nonprofit association with northeastern state air
quality and climate program expertise, to develop, with opportunity for
public comment, a schedule of recommended regulatory actions by
relevant agencies, policies, and other actions needed to further progress
towards achieving the GHG reduction levels. The bill (1) specifies that
schedule must be developed to attain the reduction levels by the listed
dates and (2) allows the regulatory actions to include carbon
sequestration.
The bill similarly includes carbon sequestration as a proposed
regulation, policy, and strategy option to achieve the emissions
reduction limits that the DEEP commissioner may include in her
triennial report on achieved emissions reductions to the Environment,
Energy and Technology, and Transportation committees.
PURA Proceeding: Future of Natural Gas (§ 6)
The bill requires PURA to initiate an uncontested proceeding, by
January 1, 2025, on the future of natural gas use in the state in relation
to the state’s GHG emission reduction levels described above. The
proceeding must include, at least, the consideration and
implementation of beneficial electrification measures (e.g., geothermal 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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systems and heat pumps), integration of natural gas, and electric
company joint planning processes.
After completing the proceeding, PURA must submit a report to the
Environment and Energy and Technology committees on any
recommendations for legislative changes needed to implement its
findings.
§ 7 — PURA CENTRALIZED DATA DASHBOARD
Within available appropriations, requires PURA to establish, and at least annually
update, a centralized data dashboard that makes high-quality data relevant to ratepayer-
funded clean and renewable energy programs publicly accessible online to state residents
The bill requires PURA, within available appropriations and by July
1, 2026, to establish a centralized data dashboard that makes high-
quality data relevant to ratepayer-funded clean and renewable energy
programs publicly accessible online to state residents. The dashboard
must at least have the following information:
1. data on ratepayer-funded clean and renewable energy programs
PURA oversees;
2. complete lists of energy storage projects in the state and Class I
renewable energy sources (e.g., wind and solar) connected to the
electric distribution system; and
3. key metrics and other information related to the affordability of
electric distribution companies’ (EDCs; i.e., Eversource and
United Illuminating) services, as PURA requires.
Under the bill, PURA must (1) develop and maintain the dashboard
website and (2) at least annually, update the dashboard’s information to
be the most current reasonably available information. The bill allows
PURA to contract with a consultant to develop the site, but it prohibits
the costs from being recovered through a fully reconciling component
of electric rates for all EDC customers.
The bill requires each EDC to collect and give PURA the information
required under the bill, but compliance may be met by giving the same
information through a docket or PURA directive. 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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§ 8 — JOBSCT TAX REBATE PROGRAM
Requires the DECD commissioner to give a preference to applications under the JobsCT
tax rebate program that (1) make significant investments in environmentally sustainable
practices; (2) are in economic sectors like renewable energy, energy efficiency, and zero-
emission vehicles; or (3) are for sustainable farming
By law, the Department of Economic and Community Development’s
(DECD) JobsCT tax rebate program gives companies in specified
industries rebates against the insurance premiums, corporation
business, and pass-through entity taxes for reaching certain job creation
targets.
The bill requires the DECD commissioner to give a preference to
applications for the program that:
1. make significant investments in environmentally sustainable
practices (e.g., zero-carbon energy and energy efficiency);
2. are in sectors of the economy such as renewable energy, energy
efficiency, and zero-emission vehicles; or
3. are for farming operations that are sustainable from a climate
perspective.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2024
§ 9 — LIST OF FEE WAIVERS FOR CERTAIN BUSINESSES
Requires the secretary of the state to (1) identify registration, renewal, or other fees
appropriate to be waived for benefit corporations and certain farms and (2) submit a list of
the fees to the Environment Committee by January 1, 2025
The bill requires the secretary of the state to identify registration,
renewal, or other fees that are appropriate for waiver for (1) benefit
corporations (i.e., corporation with a corporate purpose for a public
benefit) and (2) farms that use climate-smart agriculture and forestry
practices developed or prescribed by the U.S. Department of
Agriculture. She must submit a list of these fees to the Environment
Committee by January 1, 2025.
§§ 10 & 11 — CONNECTICUT CLEAN ECONOMY C OUNCIL
Establishes a Connecticut Clean Economy Council to advise on strategies and policies to
further climate mitigation, clean energy, resilience, and sustainability efforts; requires the 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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council to (1) develop a plan to transition workers away from fossil-fuel-based jobs to those
in clean energy and (2) submit an annual report of its work to the governor, OPM, and
four legislative committees
The bill establishes a statutory Connecticut Clean Economy Council
to advise on strategies and policies to strengthen the state’s climate
mitigation, clean energy, resilience, and sustainability programs,
particularly for vulnerable communities (i.e., populations that may be
disproportionately affected by climate change). (Executive Order (EO)
21-3 created an advisory council of the same name to give input on
strategies and policies to strengthen climate mitigation, clean energy,
resilience, and sustainability programs.)
Duties and Reporting Requirements
Under the bill, the council has the following duties:
1. identify opportunities to (a) leverage state and federal funding to
scale economic opportunities related to clean energy, climate,
and sustainability investments and (b) maximize local economic
benefits from investments needed to meet the state’s climate and
sustainability goals;
2. develop (a) workforce development strategies that complement
the GHG emissions reduction goals and (b) strategies for using
existing workforce requirements that apply to certain renewable
energy and hydrogen projects;
3. support equitable and diverse participation in the workforce to
create opportunities for underrepresented populations (e.g.,
environmental justice community residents, women, minorities,
and formerly incarcerated people); and
4. advise the governor and DECD commissioner on any statewide
economic action plan.
Under the bill, the workforce development strategies that
complement the GHG emission reduction goals must include:
1. developing (a) work-based learning programs and (b) certificate
and degree programs at technical education and career schools 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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and higher education institutions in the state;
2. identifying available public or private funding to support the
above programs and give grants to apprentices and students; and
3. implementing a strategy to market and recruit people,
particularly those from underrepresented populations, to
existing and new work-based learning programs and certificate
and degree programs at job centers, technical education and
career schools, and higher education institutions.
The bill requires the council to develop a plan to transition workers
from fossil-fuel-based jobs to clean energy jobs, which must be
submitted to the Commerce, Energy and Technology, and Environment
committees by February 1, 2026. (It correspondingly eliminates similar
requirements for the advisory council created under EO 21-3 to develop
and annually update a worker transition plan to clean energy jobs and
annually report on it to the Higher Education and Employment
Advancement Committee.)
The bill also requires the council to annually submit a report,
beginning by February 1, 2026, to the governor, the Office of Policy and
Management (OPM), and the Commerce, Energy and Technology,
Environment, and Higher Education and Employment Advancement
committees, on its work, findings, and recommendations.
Membership and Meetings
Under the bill, the council consists of the following members:
1. the DECD, DEEP, Department of Transportation (DOT),
Department of Labor, and Department of Consumer Protection
commissioners or their designees;
2. the Chief Workforce Officer (i.e., head of the Office of Workforce
Strategy) or her designee;
3. the OPM secretary or his designee;
4. the Connecticut Green Bank and CI chief executive officers, or 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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their designees;
5. a representative from the governor’s office;
6. any other members the cochairpersons designate who serve at
the cochairpersons’ pleasure; and
7. six members appointed by the six legislative leaders, as shown in
the below table.
Table: Appointed Members
Appointing Authority Qualification
House speaker
Member of the Connecticut Technical Education Career
System
Senate president pro tempore Represents a regional workforce development board
House majority leader
Expert in hiring and training employees in the green
technologies’ trades
Senate majority leader
Represents a nonprofit organization that focuses on
helping people overcome workforce participation
barriers
House minority leader
Member of the Connecticut State Building Trades
Council
Senate minority leader
Represents a higher education institution and has
expertise in technical education
Under the bill, the council cochairpersons are the DECD and DEEP
commissioners and the Chief Workforce Officer, or their designees. The
bill requires the council to meet at least quarterly with the
cochairpersons setting the dates, times, and locations for the meetings.
A majority of the members of the council constitutes a quorum.
The bill allows the council to form working groups to address
workforce development in specific sectors in the clean energy and
sustainability fields.
§ 12 — TASK FORCE ON UNDERUTILIZED SITES FOR
ENTREPRENEURS
Establishes a task force to study underutilized sites in the state for use by entrepreneurs in
the climate and clean energy sector and requires it to submit its findings and
recommendations to the Commerce and Environment committees by January 1, 2025
The bill establishes a 12-member task force to study underutilized 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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sites, including brownfields, in the state for use by entrepreneurs in the
climate and clean energy sector, such as those engaged in developing
plastic alternatives. It also requires the task force to (1) identify
additional resources and strategies needed to create successful green
economy incubators in various geographic locations throughout the
state and (2) examine how municipalities can help support this
incubator growth.
Membership
The task force’s membership includes (1) the DECD and DEEP
commissioners, or their designees; (2) the Connecticut Green Bank and
CI chief executive officers, or their designees; and (3) eight appointed
members, as shown in the table below.
Table: Appointed Members
Appointing Authority Number Qualification
House speaker Two
• One expert in promoting environmentally
sustainable businesses in the state
• One expert in promoting energy efficiency
throughout the state
Senate president pro tempore Two
• One from an organization that promotes young
entrepreneurs in the state
• One from an organization that promotes climate-
smart agriculture in the state
House majority leader One
• Represents an organization that is for young
people interested in climate change action
Senate majority leader One
• From an organization that specializes in
architectural heritage
House minority leader One
• Represents an incubator program at a college
or university in the state
Senate minority leader One
• Represents an organization that advocates for
municipalities in the state
Under the bill, initial task force appointments must be made within
30 days after the bill’s passage. Appointed members may be legislators
and the appointing authority fills any vacancy. The bill requires the
House speaker and Senate president pro tempore to select the task
force’s chairperson from among the membership.
Meetings & Staff
The bill requires the task force chairperson to schedule and hold the 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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first meeting within 60 days after the bill’s passage. The Commerce and
Environment committees’ administrative staff must serve as the task
force’s administrative staff.
Report & Termination
The bill requires the task force to submit a report to the Commerce
and Environment committees by January 1, 2025, with its findings and
recommendations. The task force ends on the day it submits the report
or January 1, 2025, whichever is later.
§ 13 — PURA ENERGY STORAGE REPORT
Requires PURA to (1) report, by February 15, 2025, and then every three years, to the
Energy and Technology Committee on progress of behind-the-meter energy storage
deployment and (2) take certain actions to increase energy storage
The bill requires PURA, by February 15, 2025, and then every three
years, to report to the Energy and Technology Committee on
quantifiable progress of behind-the-meter energy storage deployment
in residential and nonresidential sectors. Energy storage systems are
generally technology capable of absorbing energy, storing it, and then
dispatching it (e.g., a battery) (CGS § 16-1(48)).
In the years between reports, the bill requires PURA to take actions,
through its annual uncontested program review proceeding on
increasing energy storage capacity in the state, that are consistent with
the following:
1. providing positive net present value to all ratepayers;
2. providing multiple types of benefits to the electric grid; and
3. fostering sustained, orderly development of a state-based electric
energy storage industry.
Existing law, unchanged by the bill, authorizes PURA to develop and
implement programs for electric storage resources connected to the
electric distribution system (CGS § 16-243ee) and establishes statewide
energy storage deployment goals in statute (CGS § 16-243cc).
§ 14 — SCHOOL BUILDING CONSTRUCTION GRAN TS 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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Adds air source and ground source heat pump projects to the list of school construction
project grant applications that the DAS commissioner can approve at any time
The bill adds air source and ground source heat pump purchase and
installation to the list of school construction project grant applications
that the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) commissioner
can approve at any time without putting them on an annual school
construction priority list for the legislature’s approval. The
commissioner may already approve applications for grants to do things
like remedy code violations and fire damage; replace roofs; fix a certified
school indoor air quality emergency; or purchase or install solar panels,
wind generation systems, and windows.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2024
§ 15 — ENERGY EFFICIENCY PRODUCT STANDAR DS REPORT
Requires DEEP to submit a report to the Environment Committee by January 1, 2025, on
recommendations for changing the product energy efficiency standards law to provide for
the sale and installation of certain heating and cooling systems that do not emit GHGs
The bill requires the DEEP commissioner to submit a report to the
Environment Committee by January 1, 2025, on recommendations for
changing the product energy efficiency standards law to provide for the
sale and installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
systems, hot water heating systems, and geothermal systems that do not
emit GHGs. The recommendations must include suggested
implementation dates and proposed consumer education efforts.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2024
§ 16 — RESIDENTIAL HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS PLA N & REBATE
PROGRAM
Requires the DEEP commissioner to (1) develop a plan for installing heat pumps and (2)
report on the plan to the Environment and Energy and Technology committees by
January 1, 2026; allows DEEP to create a rebate program for heat pumps used for heating
systems
Heat Pump Plan
The bill requires the DEEP commissioner to develop a plan for
installing heat pumps for heating systems in the state, including
through certain existing state programs. 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
Researcher: KLM Page 15 5/3/24
The plan must (1) include a target number of installations that is
consistent with the United States Climate Alliance’s goals (i.e., goals set
by a coalition of governors committed to achieving certain emissions
reduction goals) and (2) prioritize installations for (a) homes in
environmental justice communities and (b) long-term care facilities with
at least 80% of residents receiving Medicaid that are in good financial
standing with the state. The existing programs that may be involved in
the plan include the multifamily retrofit pilot program for homes in
environmental justice communities and low interest energy efficiency
loan, residential heating equipment financing, affordable housing
energy efficiency retrofit grant, and Connecticut Green Bank programs.
The commissioner must submit a report to the Environment and
Energy and Technology committees by January 1, 2026, on the plan’s
status to reach the goal and any related recommendations to expand or
revise the plan.
Rebate Program
The bill authorizes the DEEP commissioner to establish, within
available appropriations, a program to give rebates at the point of sale
for purchasing heat pumps used for heating systems in the state. Under
the bill, the program may use funding available from federal programs
or state bonding authorizations.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2024
§ 17 — LOCAL PLANS OF CONSERVATION AND DEV ELOPMENT
Requires municipal conservation and development plans scheduled for adoption beginning
October 1, 2026, to evaluate environmental sustainability and climate resiliency
The bill requires municipal plans of conservation and development
that are scheduled for adoption beginning October 1, 2026, to evaluate
the municipality’s environmental sustainability and climate resiliency.
By law, each municipality must have a plan of conservation and
development. The plans are statements of development, resource
management, and investment policies. Municipalities must update their
plans at least every 10 years. 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
Researcher: KLM Page 16 5/3/24
§§ 18 & 19 — ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE PURCHASING
Requires OPM to develop and post online a model policy or guidelines for
environmentally sustainable purchasing that municipalities can use; for FYs 26 & 27,
requires the OPM secretary to authorize LoCIP funding to municipalities that received
points under Sustainable CT’s program for implementing a sustainable purchasing policy
The bill requires OPM, in consultation with DAS, to develop a model
policy or guidelines for environmentally sustainable purchasing that
municipalities may use and implement.
Under the bill, the policy or guidelines must include a list of any state
contracts for sustainable purchasing that allow municipalities to
participate. The DAS commissioner must post the policy or guidelines
on the department’s website by January 1, 2025.
By law, the Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP),
administered by OPM, provides funding to municipalities for the cost
of eligible local capital improvement projects. OPM distributes LoCIP
funds to municipalities based on a statutory formula. In addition to the
distribution, the bill requires OPM, for FYs 26 and 27, to authorize
funding for municipalities that are certified “Sustainable CT” towns and
were awarded points under the Sustainable CT program for
implementing a sustainable purchasing policy. Sustainable CT is a
nonprofit organization that maintains a voluntary certification program
(with levels based on points) for municipalities that support
sustainability practices.
EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage, except the LoCIP provision is
effective July 1, 2024.
§ 20 — STATE BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND HEATING
AND COOLING SYSTEMS
Requires DAS to (1) develop a process for considering certain energy-related aspects when
deciding to repair or build state real assets under its authority and (2) develop a plan and
budget to retrofit existing fossil fuel-based heating and cooling systems to those that
operate without carbon-emitting fuels
The bill requires DAS, by January 1, 2026, to establish a process for its
commissioner to consider certain energy-related aspects when deciding
to remodel, alter, repair, construct, or enlarge any state real asset under
its existing property authority. Specifically, it must consider the asset’s 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
Researcher: KLM Page 17 5/3/24
capability to increase energy efficiency, reduce energy use, use Class I
renewable energy, use zero-carbon heating and cooling and water
heating alternatives, and support electric vehicle charging. DAS must
do this in consultation with OPM, DEEP, DOT, and any other state
agency its commissioner deems necessary.
The bill also requires DAS, by January 1, 2026, and in consultation
with OPM and DEEP, to develop a plan and budget to retrofit existing
fossil fuel-based heating and cooling systems at state buildings to
systems able to operate without carbon-emitting fuels. The plan and
budget must be submitted to the Environment and Energy and
Technology committees.
§ 21 — NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS PRIORITIZA TION AND
RELATED REPORT
Requires DEEP to prioritize using nature-based solutions to (1) support climate change
mitigation and adaptation and (2) increase biodiversity; requires DEEP to submit a report
to the Environment Committee that assesses and reviews program guidelines and
planning documents and identifies programs that DEEP uses to support nature-based
solutions for climate change mitigation and adaptation
The bill requires the DEEP commissioner to prioritize using nature-
based solutions to (1) support climate change mitigation and adaptation
and (2) increase biodiversity. It also requires her to prepare a report (1)
with an assessment and review of program guidelines and planning
documents and (2) that identifies existing agency programs that DEEP
uses to further using nature-based solutions that support climate change
mitigation and adaption.
Under the bill, the report must examine the potential for using
nature-based solutions in the following programs:
1. microgrid and resilience grant and loan pilot program;
2. open space and watershed land acquisition program; and
3. other state and federal programs DEEP administers that advance
nature-based solutions, including federal Clean Water Act
programs, the Long Island Sound Study program, and the Urban
Forestry program. 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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The bill designates DEEP’s efforts to advance nature-based solutions
in the above programs as the “nature-based solutions initiative.”
Report Development
The bill requires the commissioner, when preparing the report, to
identify best practices to encourage the use of the state’s ecosystems to
naturally sequester and store carbon, reduce GHG emissions, increase
biodiversity, and protect against climate change impacts. These best
practices include the following:
1. increasing carbon sequestration through increased forest acreage
(e.g., reforestation),
2. controlling invasive species,
3. encouraging soil health across all landscapes,
4. protecting carbon stocks by avoiding conversion of forests and
wetlands to other purposes,
5. restoring habitats,
6. increasing climate-smart agriculture and soil conservation to
reduce GHG emissions while improving habitat and protecting
biodiversity,
7. increasing community resilience by improving water quality and
addressing flooding and drought through nature -based
stormwater management and shoreline protection that uses
nature-based approaches (e.g., living shorelines), and
8. improving air quality and reducing urban heat island effects
through urban forestry and increasing green spaces.
Under the bill, the commissioner must (1) post the report on DEEP’s
website by November 30, 2024, for people to review and give written
comments and (2) hold a listening session after the report is posted to
obtain public comment. She must also give it to the following agencies
for review and input: departments of agriculture, housing, public 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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health, and transportation; the Connecticut Green Bank; and OPM.
Report Submission
The bill requires the DEEP commissioner to submit the report to the
Environment Committee by December 31, 2024.
§ 22 — SOLAR CANOPY STRATEGIC PLAN
Requires DEEP to develop and approve a solar canopy strategic plan
The bill requires DEEP, in consultation with PURA, to develop and
approve a solar canopy strategic plan by July 1, 2025. The plan must:
1. identify opportunities and potential sites for solar canopies in the
state (e.g., parking lots);
2. prioritize developing solar canopies in environmental justice
communities;
3. examine different ways to promote solar canopies (e.g., at
schools, government buildings, and parking lots); and
4. include recommendations for policies, programs, or regulations
to promote solar canopy construction in the state, consistent with
the state’s GHG reduction goals, the Integrated Resources Plan
(IRP), and the Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES).
By law, an environmental justice community is a (1) U.S. census block
group in which at least 30% of the population is non-institutionalized
low-income people with income below 200% of the Federal Poverty
Level or (2) distressed municipality (CGS § 22a-20a). The IRP is a plan
DEEP develops every two years in consultation with electric
distribution companies to review and plan for the state’s energy needs
(CGS § 16a-3a). The CES is a strategy DEEP prepares every four years to
guide the state’s energy policy (CGS § 16a-3d).
§ 23 — TRANSMISSION SYSTEM TASK FORCE
Establishes a task force to study the current transmission system in Connecticut and the
region and requires it to submit its findings and recommendations to the Energy and
Technology Committee by January 1, 2025
The bill establishes an 11-member task force to study the state and 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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region’s current transmission system and any upgrades and
enhancements needed to support the state’s reliability, affordability,
and clean energy needs. As part of the study, the task force must
consider (1) in-state and regional transmission upgrades; (2) regional
needs; (3) cost-benefit analyses; and (4) the potential use of grid
enhancing technologies, advanced conductors, and energy storage as a
transmission asset.
Membership
The task force’s membership includes (1) the DEEP commissioner
and the PURA chairperson, or their respective designees; (2) a
representative of the Office of Consumer Council; and (3) eight
appointed members, as shown in the table below.
Table: Appointed Members
Appointing Authority Qualification
House speaker
Expert on existing electric transmission infrastructure in the
state
Senate president pro tempore
Represents an environmental advocacy organization with
expertise in renewable energy
House majority leader Expert in grid enhancing technologies
Senate majority leader Expert in the regional transmission system
House minority leader
Expert on technologies that the state’s transmission
system currently uses
Senate minority leader
Expert on environmental impact of updating or replacing
electric transmission infrastructure
Energy and Technology
Committee chairpersons
Represents an EDC with a service area of at least 18
municipalities (i.e., Eversource)
Energy and Technology
Committee ranking members
Represents an EDC with a service area of up to 17
municipalities (i.e., United Illuminating)
Under the bill, initial task force appointments must be made within
30 days after the bill’s passage. The appointing authority fills any
vacancy. The bill requires the House speaker and Senate president pro
tempore to select the task force’s chairpersons from among the
membership.
Meetings & Staff
The bill requires the task force chairpersons to schedule the first 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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meeting, which must be held within 60 days after the bill’s passage. The
Energy and Technology Committee’s administrative staff must serve as
the task force’s administrative staff.
Report & Termination
The bill requires the task force to submit a report on its findings and
recommendations to the Energy and Technology Committee by January
1, 2025. The task force ends on the day it submits the report or January
1, 2025, whichever is later.
BACKGROUND
Legislative History
The House referred the bill (File 321) to the Appropriations
Committee, which reported a substitute (File 613) that eliminated
provisions in the bill on (1) GHG emission reduction goals, (2) permits
for fossil-fueled electricity generators, (3) electricity and electric vehicle
power source and cost posting requirements for DEEP, (4) a new
Connecticut Clean Economy Council, (5) PURA’s energy storage
program, (6) school building project grant percentages, (7) local plans of
conservation and development, (8) state building electrical systems, and
(9) a report about nature-based solutions to support climate mitigation
and adaptation.
Related Bills
sSB 11 (File 198), favorably reported by the Environment and Finance,
Revenue and Bonding committees, among other things, requires local
plans of conservation and development to also include a climate change
vulnerability assessment and other information related to threats and
vulnerabilities from hazards, natural disasters, and climate change (§§
11 & 12).
sHB 5356 (File 363), favorably reported by the Energy and
Technology Committee, among other things, requires the DEEP
commissioner to study the state’s natural gas capacity, including ways
to expand it, and report her findings and recommendations to the
Energy and Technology Committee by January 1, 2025. 2024HB-05004-R020661-BA.DOCX
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COMMITTEE ACTION
Environment Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 23 Nay 11 (03/20/2024)
Appropriations Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute
Yea 37 Nay 16 (04/22/2024)