Hartford, Conn. WTIC Radio)-Governor Lamont today signed an executive order that calls for state agencies and municipalities to reduce carbon emissions, benefitting the climate.
Among the initiatives, the order calls for the creation of the Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Council and the state's first Clean Economy Council.
It also calls for the state DOT and other agencies to work on reducing emissions. That includes state buildings to become more energy efficient.
Lamont said transportation is the greatest contributor to pollution. He says the state is moving its transportation fleet to all electric vehicles.
According to the Governor, 60 million dollars in federal money will be used for electric vehicle charging stations to be placed along state highways.
“Climate change is here, and it’s only going to get worse if we don’t take meaningful action,” Governor Lamont said. “In September, a bad progress report showed that we’re in danger of missing our statutory greenhouse gas reduction goals, so we need to roll up our sleeves and do the necessary work to improve. That work starts with us in the executive branch, and that’s why I’m directing our state agencies to take these actions for our environment, our public health and safety, and the incredible opportunity before us to develop our green workforce. This executive order not only protects the planet, but also protects vulnerable communities, preserves families’ budgets, and prepares our state to make the most of federal funding for sustainable, resilient infrastructure. I’m grateful to the many experts and advocates who proposed these measures.”
Bonding will also be necessary to carry out some of the proposals.
The state Bond Commission meets Tuesday.