Statement of Christopher Phelps, Environment Connecticut Program Director
Hartford – As Governor Rell met with Governors from across the country today at Yale to discuss state and federal efforts to stop global warming, the General Assembly moved a step closer to ensuring Connecticut does its part in the effort. The legislature’s Appropriations committee approved HB 5600, An Act Concerning Connecticut Global Warming Solutions. With the vote, the bill cleared a final hurdle paving the way for final passage of this landmark measure to mandate reductions in Connecticut’s emissions of global warming pollution.
“Passage of the Global Warming Solutions Act would be a giant step forward in Connecticut’s efforts to do its part in the national effort to cut global warming pollution,” said Environment Connecticut Program Director, Christopher Phelps. “We are hopeful the legislature will act quickly to send this bill to Governor Rell for her signature.”
The legislation would establish mandatory global warming pollution caps consistent with the goals enacted by the legislature in 2004. It would require the state to cut overall emissions 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and put the state on the path to an 80 percent emissions cut by 2050.
These emissions caps are consistent with current scientific data concerning the emissions reductions necessary to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations at levels most likely to avoid the most severe effects of global warming. Similar legislation has already been enacted in California, New Jersey, and Washington. The United States Congress is expected to debate legislation adopting national emissions caps within the next year.
“While the Congress is just beginning to seriously debate what to do about global warming, states like Connecticut are rolling up their sleeves and showing them how it’s done. This legislation will not only ensure Connecticut does its part, but will send a clear message to Congress that not only is it time to get to work fighting global warming, but that it’s vital we get it right,” concluded Phelps.
