Global Warming Solutions Act would create mandatory pollution caps Hartford – Leading Connecticut environmental organizations applauded the Connecticut House of Representatives for passing An Act Concerning Connecticut Global Warming Solutions (HB 5600) today. The bill caps emissions of global warming pollution and requires emissions cuts to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% emissions reductions from 2001 levels by 2050.
"This bill builds upon the success of the 2004 landmark legislation, An Act Concerning Climate Change," said state Representative Patricia Widlitz, “It's important that we are vigilant in being prepared to deal with the expected impacts of climate change. Connecticut doesn't have the power to stop climate change, but we have the resources to diminish its impact."
Connecticut has been a leader in tackling global warming. This legislation continues that leadership by requiring the state to cut emissions towards achieving an 80% cut in emissions by 2050, in accordance with current scientific data on the necessary emissions reductions to avoid the worst effects of climate change. Similar measures have already been enacted in California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Washington. Massachusetts, Wisconsin, and numerous other states are considering similar legislation.
“Connecticut can’t solve global warming all by ourselves, but we can do our fair share. Now is the time to adopt strong, enforceable limits on global warming pollution,” said Christopher Phelps, Program Director for Environment Connecticut. “Passage of this legislation will help set the bar for Congress as it debates national global warming bills this year.”
"If every state decided that it was too small to have an impact on climate change, or that it must wait for others to act, we will fail to address what is one of the gravest threats before us" remarked David Sutherland, Director of Government Relations for The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut.
The 2004 legislation directed the Governor’s Committee on Climate Change to produce the state’s Climate Change Action Plan in 2005. That plan identified first steps the state could take towards achieving goals of reducing emissions to 1990 levels by 2010 and 10% below 1990 by 2020. The Connecticut Global Warming Solutions Act builds on those earlier efforts and is intended to ensure Connecticut gets on track in its efforts to cut global warming pollution.
“Connecticut was one of the first states to set goals and release a global warming plan, but we are falling behind on taking action. All indications are that Connecticut’s global warming emissions are still rising. We need to pass a law requiring reductions and directing the agencies to act in order to get back on track,” said Roger Smith, Campaign Director for Clean Water Action.
Jessie Stratton, Deputy Director for Environment Northeast remarked, “There are a myriad of practical steps that Connecticut can take to achieve the necessary cuts in global warming pollution. This bill is a framework for that progress; and it comes at a time when our federal government continues to resist the mandatory cuts in carbon emissions that are essential to ensure that our children inherit a livable planet.”
“We have a moral obligation to adopt responsible environmental policies and be good stewards of our rivers, land, and air. A sustainable future depends upon our ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is just that clear,” said Charles Rothenberger, a staff attorney for Connecticut Fund for the Environment.
Environmental organizations who have worked tirelessly to support a carbon cap for our state include Clean Water Action, Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Environment Connecticut, Environment Northeast, and The Nature Conservancy. There are over 40 supporting organizations supporting this legislative campaign.
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