Working to Preserve Connecticut's Environment
July 10, 2025Two bills passed by the legislature last month aimed at preserving Connecticut's environment were recently signed into law by Governor Lamont.
This major climate legislation commits our state to net-zero emissions by 2050, expands clean energy incentives, and supports green jobs. The new laws also strengthen climate resiliency and places restrictions on the use of rat poisons and certain pesticides.
A priority of House Democrats, HB 5004 (An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors) takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment by:
- Establishing a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target for Connecticut by 2050
- Creating incentives for solar canopies and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems
- Supporting the growth of a greener economy through workforce development and sustainable business incentives
- Requiring studies on heat pumps, solar canopies, nature-based solutions, and renter access to state energy efficiency plans
- Strengthens state and local planning for flood and other climate-related emergencies
- Focuses on making infrastructure like bridges and roads better able to withstand severe weather
- Requires insurance companies to inform homeowners about flood coverage and provides resources for communities to invest in climate resilience planning and project development
- Includes tougher restrictions on certain rodent poisons and neonicotinoid pesticides
As our state increasingly experiences the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's responsibility to help protect our residents' homes, lands, schools and jobs.
We must continue to work on ways to counter the effects of climate change and these wide-ranging measures do so with a focus on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy.
Read more about these two important environmental bills in this article from CT News Junkie.