Connecticut Gov. Lamont announces new climate law that will help reduce GHG emissions from transportation

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont joined state officials, legislators and environmental stakeholders on the New Haven Green to highlight the enactment of Public Act 22-25, a new law that includes several actions that will help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector, improve air quality and health outcomes for residents and help to mitigate impacts from the climate crisis. 

 “This historic law does so many great things that will benefit the residents of Connecticut, improving air quality and health outcomes while also helping to mitigate the climate crisis,” Gov. Lamont said. “This is another great example of Connecticut leading on climate, particularly at a time when continued state leadership in this area is critical, given the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision in West Virginia v. EPA, and certain members of Congress stymying passage of substantial climate legislation. I want to thank our legislative leadership and, in particular, the co-chairs of the Environment and Transportation Committees – Sen. Cohen, Rep. Gresko, Sen. Haskell and Rep. Lemar – for their efforts to see this important bill through.” 

The new law contains several measures aimed at reducing emissions from the transportation sector, which is the largest source of statewide GHG emissions (37 percent), as well as 67 percent of the emissions of nitrogen oxides, a key component of smog. Among the measures the law contains, it authorizes the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to adopt more stringent emissions standards for medium and heavy-duty vehicles, which account for as much as 53 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions, despite being only six percent of the on-road vehicle fleet. It also makes various statutory changes under the Connecticut Clean Air Act, expands existing programs and establishes several new programs concerning electric vehicle use and improving air quality.  

“The measures in this unprecedented law mean cleaner air, better health outcomes and reductions in our greenhouse gas emissions,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “It will ensure that Connecticut residents and businesses can access clean, affordable passenger vehicles, trucks, school buses, transit buses and electric bikes, with a focus on communities overburdened by air pollution. In addition to the important health benefits to residents, the measures in this law provide much-needed tools in our effort to make significant reductions in GHG emissions from the transportation sector, an area in which we need to make significant progress in order to get back on track to meet our 2030 GHG emissions target. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the legislators and stakeholders who championed this bill.” 

The bill’s provisions include: 

Medium and Heavy-Duty Vehicle Standards: Authorizes the DEEP commissioner to adopt regulations implementing California’s medium- and heavy-duty motor vehicle standards. These standards will ensure that manufacturers are producing cleaner vehicles and offering them for sale in Connecticut, giving prospective consumers more options while reducing a major source of in-state air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 

State Fleet Electrification: Modifies the schedule for electrifying the state fleet and prohibits procurement of diesel-powered buses after Jan. 1, 2024. 

Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) Program: Makes numerous changes to the CHEAPR program, including making the CHEAPR board advisory-only, modifying the board’s membership, giving priority to low-income individuals and residents of environmental justice communities and extending eligibility to businesses, municipalities, nonprofits and e-bikes; directs all of the greenhouse gas reduction fee and part of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative funds to the CHEAPR account. 

Zero Emission School Buses: Allows for 10-year school transportation contracts if the contract includes at least one zero-emission school bus; sets target of 100 percent zero-emission school buses in environmental justice communities by 2030 and for all school districts by 2040; establishes a matching grant program of up to $20 million for the EPA Clean School Bus program. 

Medium and Heavy-Duty Truck Vouchers: Allows DEEP to establish a voucher program to support the use of zero-emission medium and heavy-duty vehicles and funds the program from the CHEAPR account. 

Traffic Signal Grant Program: Requires CTDOT to establish a matching grant program to help municipalities modernize existing traffic signal equipment. 

Right to Charge: Establishes right to charge in condominiums and common interest communities, provides for renter’s right to charge with certain specifications. 

New Construction Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Requirements: Requires a certain percentage of parking spaces in certain new construction to be equipped with either EV charging stations or charging station infrastructure. 

“We appreciate Gov. Lamont and the state legislature for continuing to lead the way with meaningful efforts to protect the environment and mitigate climate change,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner Joe Giulietti. “This is a transformational time in transportation and the CTDOT is ready to meet the moment by investing in cleaner, greener transportation, building out electric vehicle infrastructure and advancing safety and mobility projects around the state.”