Sen. Maroney Joins Senate Democrats in Passing Connecticut Clean Air Act
Today, State Senator James Maroney (D-Milford) joined his Senate Democratic colleagues in passing Senate Bill 4, the “Connecticut Clean Air Act,” an overarching public policy designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and push Connecticut toward a greener and healthier future.
The transportation sector represents Connecticut’s single-largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions, and Senate Bill 4 will support cleaner air, reduced pollution and bolster the state’s response to climate change. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for further debate.
“Since we have so much shoreline in our community, climate change is one of the largest threats to our district,” said Sen. Maroney. “This bill will help to protect the future of our state. While we can always do more, this bill is a first step in reducing air pollution, adopting new methods of technology, and encouraging our residents to lead a more eco-friendly lifestyle.”
Among other things, Senate Bill 4:
- Emphasizes Connecticut’s desire to shift to electric vehicles by requiring that by 2026, at least 50% of cars and light trucks purchased by the state will be alternative-fueled, hybrid electric, or plug-in electric vehicles, with that rate rising to 100% by 2030.
- Ends the purchase or lease of any diesel-fueled transit bus, shifting to electric buses for public transportation in Connecticut beginning in 2024.
Installs electric vehicle charging stations across the state, with existing standards for installation being simplified.
- Overhauls the CHEAPR electric vehicle rebate system, including increases to available rebate amounts, increases to the cap on vehicle prices eligible for rebates, increases to low-income electric vehicle rebates, and expansion of rebate eligibility to include business fleets and electric bicycles. Rebates and vouchers will be prioritized to residents in environmental justice communities, residents with household incomes at or below 300% of federal poverty levels, and residents participating in state and federal assistance programs.
- Invests in a matching grant program to modernize municipal traffic signals to ensure it matches traffic flow, which can significantly reduce automobile emissions caused by stalled traffic and idling.
- Adopts the medium- and heavy-duty motor vehicle standards already adopted by California, seeking to significantly reduce the emissions from vehicles responsible for some of the Connecticut’s highest rates of greenhouse gases.
