CT Climate Change | Timeline of CT Climate Change Milestones

Timeline of CT Climate Change Milestones

2010

DEP and CT Business and Industry Association hold CT Summit on Business Sustainability.
CT initiates modeling and in-depth analysis of strategies to meet CT GHG targets.
GSC Adaptation Subcommittee issues report on climate change impacts on CT infrastructure, natural resources and habitats, public health, and agriculture.
Redesigned ctclimatechange.com website launched.
GSC holds Municipal Summit on Climate Action.
CT is one of 11 state and the District of Columbia to launch of the Transportation and Climate Initiative.

2009

GSC Adaptation Subcommittee formed to study and recommend action on climate change impacts on CT infrastructure, natural resources and habitats, public health, and agriculture.
CT’s GHG labeling program for cars goes into effect.
The US EPA approves the waiver that allows California’s GHG emissions standard for cars to be implemented in the fourteen states that have adopted it, including CT.
CT and other NE and Mid-Atlantic states sign memorandum of understanding on Low Carbon Fuel Standard.

2008

CT participates in first auction of CO₂ allowances in United States under RGGI.
CT Global Warming Solutions Act (PA 08-98) establishes mandatory GHG targets for CT (10% below 1990 levels by 2020, 80% below 2001 levels by 2050), requires establishment of GSC Adaptation Subcommittee, sets other requirements for GHG inventory updates, energy savings from state agencies, additional GHG reduction strategies.

2007

An Act Concerning Electricity and Energy Efficiency (PA 07-242) requires energy efficiency to be treated as a resource of first choice in meeting electricity demand, increases the RPS to 20% by 2020 from Class I sources, creates home heating oil efficiency program, and expands appliance efficiency standards.

2006

GSC awards 1^st annual CT Climate Change Leadership Awards.
1^st annual Keep CT Cool competition held – CT middle and high school students develop climate change solutions for their schools and communities.
An Act Concerning Clean Cars (PA 06-161) establishes a GHG labeling program for cars.
CT Office of Responsible Growth created to address sprawl and reduce energy waste and GHG emissions.
Governor’s CT Energy Vision plan sets statewide goals for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
CT GHG Inventory updated to 1990 – 2001.
CT holds workshop with state agencies and technical experts to measure progress in reducing GHG emissions.

2005

Connecticut and six other states Northeastern states (Delaware, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont) sign a Memorandum of Understanding to implement the first GHG cap-and-trade program in the US: the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
CT Climate Change Action Plan submitted to and endorsed by four committees of the CT General Assembly.
CT adopts California’s greenhouse gas tailpipe vehicle emissions standards (often referred to as the “Pavley Standards”).
CT Clean Energy Options program launched allowing CT electricity customers to support renewable energy.
CT Energy Independence Act expands CT Renewable Portfolio Standard by creating a mandatory Class III requirement for energy efficiency and combined heat and power.
Project 100 stimulated the development of Class I renewable resources by requiring electric distribution companies to enter into long-term power purchase contracts for renewable energy.
CT Legislature commits $1 billion to mass transit program.
Legislation creates permanent fund to preserve farmland.
CT Science Center Collaborative fully launched to incorporate climate science and solutions into museum programming and exhibits.
CT holds major summit for insurance industry on the business risks and opportunities of climate change.
EPA 2005 Climate Protection Award presented to the CT Governor’s Steering Committee on Climate Change.
CT Clean Energy Communities program launched by the CT Clean Energy Fund.

2004

An Act Concerning Climate Change (PA 04-252) codifies the NEG/ECP GHG goals as Connecticut law, requiring submission of CT Climate Change Action Plan, progress reports, planning for GHG registry, GHG reporting, emissions inventory updates, environmental purchasing requirements, etc.
CT adopts California’s Low Emission Vehicle standards (LEV II) for CT.
Other laws adopted to provide tax incentives for hybrid vehicles, set efficiency standards for products and appliances, promote the purchase of CT-grown foods
Governor’s Executive Order 32 requires the state to purchase renewable energy in increasing amounts, leading to 100% clean energy by 2050.
“CT Climate Change Stakeholder Dialogue: Recommendations to the Governor’s Steering Committee” report includes 55 actions to reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2010 and 10% below by 2020.

2003

CT GHG Inventory 1990 – 2000 published. Includes emissions of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride from all major GHG sources in Connecticut, totaling more than 48 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2000.
Eight-month public stakeholder dialogue commences; the dialogue includes over 80 participants from state agencies, businesses, towns, academia, non-profit organizations.
Connecticut and eight other Northeastern states begin discussions to develop a regional cap-and-trade program addressing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.
ctclimatechange.com website launched.

2002

Governor appoints the Governor’s Steering Committee on Climate Change (GSC) to oversee the direction and coordination of Connecticut’s actions on climate change. GSC includes agency heads from the Departments of Environmental Protection, Public Utility Control, Transportation, and Administrative Services, the Office of Policy and Management, and the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund.
Climate Change Action Plan Summit sets a process for developing a GHG emissions reduction plan. The summit included participants from 13 state agencies.

2001

Governor signs a resolution accepting the New England Governors/Eastern Canadian Premiers Climate Change Action Plan 2001, a regional plan with a goal of reducing regional GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2010, 10% below 1990 levels by 2020, and a long-term goal of reductions to eliminate any dangerous threat to the climate (75-85%).