(WTIC-AM) -- The governor today signed an executive order instructing the state department of Energy and Environmental Protection to come up with plans to end the burning of power plant fuels that generate carbon emissions.
The goal is a carbon-free electric system by 2040.
Governor Ned Lamont says in the future, Connecticut will get one-third of its power from wind energy.
"We're gonna show the rest of the country what we've gotta do," Lamont said. "We're gonna step in where Washington maybe steps back."
Officials hope to rely more on renewable sources of energy like wind and solar, while decreasing the use of fossil fuels like oil and natural gas at power plants.
But a Massachusetts off-shore wind project similar to one being pursued by Connecticut was recently delayed by a federal order for an additional environmental review.
Time is important for the off-shore wind projects, as developers and state officials want to take advantage of a federal tax break that will soon expire.
The governor also ordered the state Council on Climate Change to issue an annual report on the state's progress at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.