For the Environment Committee

February 27, 2008 Public Hearing

Submitted by Lynn Taborsak, Climate Change Specialist

League of Women Voters of Connecticut

Comments on

R.B. 5600 AN ACT CONCERNING CONNECTICUT GLOBAL WARMING SOLUTIONS

The League of Women Voters of Connecticut, with over 2,600 members across the state, is a non-partisan, political organization committed to effective public policy through education and action.  The League provides testimony and comments on public policy issues based on positions derived from member study and consensus.  We thank you in advance for your consideration of our comments.

            Today we are providing comments on Raised Bill 5600, An Act Concerning  Connecticut Global Warming Solutions.  Many of its provisions are holdovers from 2004 when the legislature adopted An Act Concerning Climate Change.  They include a litany of conventional solutions that help us reduce greenhouse gas emissions through building design, energy efficiency standards, the expansion of rail service, the encouragement of smart growth and open space preservation, the use of fluorescent bulbs and even hanging clothes on the line to dry.

However, we are not going to reverse climate change in Connecticut without more dramatic action to reduce emissions.   We strongly support the adoption of the many “new” solutions provided in this bill which include:

·        mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions that are real, quantifiable and verifiable

·        the establishment of  low-carbon fuel standards for all motor vehicle and home heating fuels

·        no permits to be allowed for new fossil fuel plants and  power purchase contracts that exceed the carbon dioxide emissions rate of one hundred pounds per megawatt-hour

·        require higher energy conversation and efficiency standards for new construction and major renovations

·        require a certified energy inspection  as part of the certificate of occupancy process

Connecticut is making good progress on its’ Climate Change Action Plan and

HB 5600 will continue that progress and solidify the gains beyond conservation and mitigation.  It will produce the reductions we need to realize to stabilize our climate.    The League of Women Voters of Connecticut believes that your action to reverse climate change will positively impact our economy, our environment, and the health and well-being of all Connecticut residents.

Lynn Taborsak

Climate Change Specialist

League of Women Voters of Connecticut · 1890 Dixwell Avenue Hamden, CT 06514 · 203/288-7996

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