Connecticut Passes Clean Transporation Bill

On May 10, the Connecticut Governor signed into law S.B. 4 An Act Concerning the Connecticut Clean Air Act. This bill serves as the state’s replacement for the postponed Transportation and Climate Initiative and works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants from the transportation sector by strengthening vehicle standards and expanding access to alternative electric transportation in the state.

Connecticut ranks as the 10th worst state for smog, which can cause premature death, aggravated asthma, and increased respiratory symptoms. By curbing carbon emissions and other pollutants, S.B. 4 will mitigate climate change while also improving public health. 

Provisions in S.B. 4 that will reduce transportation emissions include:

• Expanding electric vehicle rebate eligibility to electric bicycles to at least $500 per bicycle and with a priority to residents of environmental justice communities.
• Setting a goal to implement 100% zero-emission school buses in environmental justice communities by 2030 and across the entire state by 2035
• Requiring state fleet cars and light duty trucks to be 50% EVs by 2026, 75% by 2026, and 100% by 2030. 
• Authorizing adoption of California’s Medium and Heavy-Duty motor vehicle standards
• Creates a “right to charge”, which forbids landlords and condominium associations from banning the installation of EV charging stations
• Providing rebates totaling in at least $3 million annually to businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, or individuals who purchase an electric vehicle

The passage of S.B. 4 follows the enactment of S.B. 10, which requires Connecticut to supply 100% zero-carbon electricity to all customers by 2040. This combination of bills increases electric vehicles and e-bikes while ensuring that electricity charging the vehicles is clean. 

Sponsors:

S.B. 4 was sponsored by 54 legislators, including 2022 State Leads Rep. Chafee and Sen. Cohen, 2021 State lead Rep. Michel, and 18 other NCEL members. 

To learn how your state can decarbonize the transportation sector in ways that improve public health, mobility, and environmental justice, download NCEL’s Transportation Briefing Book.