Sound Bites: CT needs faster adoption of EVs, state watchdog says
Connecticut has made progress to protect its land, water and air over the last decade — but struggles to control greenhouse gas emissions that worsen climate change, according to the Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality. A report from the state watchdog blames the transportation sector for the emissions increase last year. The Council recommends a faster adoption of electric vehicles, less fuel consumption, and more use of public transit.
Governor Hochul Announces Steps Forward to Support New York’s Clean Energy Industry
Next Phase of the State’s Supply Chain Activities Released in the Form of $200 Million Supportive Manufacturing and Logistics RFP
Request for Information Also Announced to Inform Fifth Offshore Wind Solicitation and $300 Million Major Component Supply Chain RFP
Steps Support Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Goal to Develop 9,000 Megawatts of Offshore Wind by 2035
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced definitive steps in support of the growing clean energy industry in New York and the State’s 10-Point Action Plan. As part of the next phase of the State’s $500 million commitment to offshore wind supply chain activities, a $200 million Supportive Manufacturing and Logistics Request for Proposals is now open to support investments in infrastructure and manufacturing to grow the domestic offshore wind supply chain in New York. In addition, a Request for Information (RFI) will be issued to inform the development of New York’s fifth offshore wind project solicitation (NY5) and design of a coordinated $300 million RFP focusing on major component offshore wind supply chain investments. Today’s announcements support continued progress toward achieving New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035.
Three Agreements Announced for Potential Renewable Energy Development
Long Island Unites in Albany: A Robust Call for State Investment and Support
Long Island coalition lobbies state officials in push for funding
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES DESCEND:
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES DESCEND: Environmental groups held a forum on cleaning up fuels in the transportation sector, pushed back on Hochul’s proposed cut for water infrastructure funding and advocated for lawmakers to include a Superfund-style program targeting fossil fuel companies.
Calone, Romaine talk environmental problems in county executive debate
Almost 90 bills passed in the committee, with 26 passing in both houses
Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham completed his first legislative session as chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (EnCon) recently with 89 bills passed out of committee, 44 of which passed in the Senate and 30 in both houses that now await the governor’s signature. Harckham, as committee chair, also led the budget table during the negotiations for the FY2024 Budget and ensured critical funding for a number of initiatives.
Connecticut Needs a Cleaner, More Equitable Transportation System
Tell lawmakers in Hartford to cut transportation emissions that harm our health and contribute to climate change!
The impacts of climate change are increasingly apparent in Connecticut and across the globe. Climate change is increasing the severity of hurricanes, drought, heat-related deaths and illnesses, and causing rising sea levels that inundate our coastal communities. Without immediate action, climate change will cause devastating effects on Connecticut’s infrastructure, economy, public health, and way of life.
The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Connecticut, accounting for roughly 38% of GHG emissions generated in our state. We cannot address the climate crisis without cutting pollution from the transportation sector!
Transportation Emissions Threaten Public Health in CT:
CT ranks as the 10th worst state for smog, which can cause premature death, aggravated asthma, and increased respiratory symptoms.
CT’s asthma rate is worse than the national average: 11% of children and 10.5% of adults have asthma in CT.
Rising temperatures due to climate change are exacerbating these health risks, by increasing smog and prolonging dangerous air conditions.
Tailpipe emissions led to an estimated 367 premature deaths in CT in one year.
CT Must Take Action to Slash Emissions from the Transportation Sector
Under the proposed Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P), CT would cap carbon pollution from transportation fuels and invest in our communities to provide better, cleaner, and safer transportation options. In less than a decade, TCI-P will guarantee at least a 26% reduction in carbon emissions from transportation. The TCI-P would also require oil companies to pay for the pollution their products cause, which will allow for needed investments in a clean transportation and public health improvements. A minimum of 50% of revenue will be invested in communities that are overburdened by air pollution or underserved by the transportation system. Projects that the TCI program include, but are not limited to:
✔︎ Improving/expanding public transit in urban, suburban, and rural areas
✔︎ Converting school and transit buses and diesel truck fleets to cleaner electric models
✔︎ Promoting safer, more bike-friendly and walkable communities
✔︎ Providing rebates to make electric vehicles more affordable
✔︎ Expanding EV charging infrastructure
✔︎ Expanding local air quality monitoring
Thank you for taking action!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at CCE
