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Press Releases
05/17/2022
Governor Lamont Signs Key Climate Change and Energy Legislation Codifying His 2040 Zero-Carbon Target and Expanding the Existing Renewable Energy Programs
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed into law two bills that further demonstrate Connecticut’s commitment to mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis by decarbonizing our electric sector and expanding existing renewable energy programs.
Two bills are part of the reform package:
- Public Act 22-5(Senate Bill 10) An Act Concerning Climate Change Mitigation: This bill, sponsored by Governor Lamont codifies into law Governor Lamont’s 2024 zero-carbon electric network goal. Governor Lamont established it through an executive order he issued in 2019.Executive Order No. 3). Codifying this goal into law will provide state policymakers and the electricity sector with a shared goal of fully transitioning Connecticut’s electric supply away from relying on natural gas and oil t power its electric grid. This law will be in effect as of July 1, 2022.
- Public Act 22-14(Senate Bill 176) An Act Concerning Clean Energy Tariff Programs: This bill expands existing programs that support distributed renewable energy, or small, on-site renewable generation. It also reduces the energy burden of customers participating in the program. The Non-Residential Renewable Energy Solutions Program (NRES), an annual auction of on-site Class 1 renewables, generally solar or fuel cells, is open to commercial customers. The Shared clean energy facilities (SCEF), a separate auction for Class I renewables, mainly solar and fuel cell, is also available. This program primarily targets customers with low to moderate incomes. This law will, in most cases, take effect on October 1, 2022.
Governor Lamont stated, “Connecticut is a leading state when it comes to mitigating the impacts of climate change, and these new laws will help to further accelerate progress on our greenhouse gas emissions goals. By codifying our zero-carbon electric grid target into state law, we are providing a critical direction for public agencies, utility companies, and other partners as we collectively plan and implement Connecticut’s energy policies over the coming years. Our renewable energy programs should be expanded to allow for greater and better participation in the green economic. It will also help to reduce the energy cost for customers who are low-to-moderately income. I am proud to sign these bills into law because we are setting an example for what a state can do to become more environmentally sustainable and make meaningful progress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Katie Dykes, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner (DEEP), stated, “We’ve made tremendous strides decarbonizing our electric sector, but there is still more work to be done in order to reach our zero-carbon target and meet our greenhouse gas emissions goals. Senate Bill 10 ensures that Governor Lamont’s direction to keep Connecticut on the path to a zero-carbon electric grid endures, and as DEEP’s Integrated Resources Plan shows, a 100% GHG-free electricity supply for Connecticut is achievable, and expanding our renewable energy programs will help us get there. I applaud Governor Lamont for his vision, the hard work of the Governor’s Council on Climate Change, and the advocates and legislators of both parties who supported these bills.”
State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), co-chair of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, said, “I’m thrilled that we were able to pass major climate change legislation this session. Connecticut has committed to obtaining all of its energy from zero-carbon sources by 2040. It doubled the caps on solar and made major changes to transportation infrastructure, including encouraging electric vehicle adoption. These changes will lead to cleaner air for everyone in our state and are major steps in the right direction.”
State Representative David Arconti (D-Danbury), co-chair of the legislature’s Energy and Technology Committee, said, “The passage of Senate Bill 10 and Senate Bill 176 culminates four years of strong climate mitigation policy advancement between the legislature and the Lamont administration. Connecticut is once again a leader in climate mitigation, which is one the most critical issues facing our nation and state. I am proud of the role my colleagues and I have played in passing meaningful legislation like Senate Bill 10 and Senate Bill 176.”
Lori Brown, executive Director of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters said, “Governor Lamont’s 100% renewable energy bill, Senate Bill 10, will help us tackle climate change, breathe cleaner, healthier air, and create thousands of jobs for Connecticut residents. Senate Bill 176 will help us meet our new 100% renewable energy commitment by expanding rooftop solar power throughout our state. It is clear that Governor Lamont, as well as the Connecticut legislature, are committed to clean, renewable energy. This is the kind of leadership on climate that citizens have been hoping for.”
Nathan Frohling, director for external affairs at The Nature Conservancy of Connecticut, said, “Senate Bill 10 is far more than a goal, it is the commitment and focus we need to take action and get the job done to reach a zero-carbon electricity supply. This is huge for addressing Connecticut’s share of climate change because electricity is key – decarbonizing the multiple sectors of the economy will depend on clean electricity. We thank Governor Lamont and legislature for their vision on this bill.”
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