Clean Energy

What's New

In June 2007, Governor Rell signed an energy bill into law that includes a clean energy standard to tap our state and region’s clean, homegrown renewable energy. The law requires Connecticut to get at least 20% of our electricity by 2020.

Summary

With energy prices threatening to climb higher, real concerns about our addiction to oil and war raging in the middle east, we need to act now to use smart energy solutions.

Connecticut can tap clean energy resources in our state and region, and use our innovative know-how to save energy and use it more efficiently. Expansion of the state’s renewable electricity standard in the 2007 energy bill is a big step in the right direction. Under the new law, utilities are required to get a portion of the state’s electricity from cleaner, renewable sources. By 2020, at least 20% of Connecticut’s power will come from renewable energy.

Current renewable electricity standards in Connecticut, 24 other states, and the District of Columbia will reduce global warming pollution by about 2 percent from today’s levels by 2020. That is the equivalent of taking more than 21 million cars off the road and would generate enough power to meet more than 5 percent of America’s current power needs.

Using clean, homegrown energy, and using energy more efficiently will also reduce pollution and lessen the destructive extraction of coal and oil from our nation’s mountains and coastlines. Plus, it helps the economy – taking advantage of our manufacturing expertise and keeping money at home for energy efficiency projects and homegrown energy sources.

That’s why Environment Connecticut is urging our leaders in Washington D.C. to follow the lead of states like Connecticut and pass a strong energy bill this year that saves energy, saves oil, and moves America toward a new energy future.