Environment Committee Approves ‘Green Monster’

The General Assembly’s Environment Committee has approved wide-ranging climate legislation dubbed the “Green Monster” by its proponents.

The committee sent HB 5004 to the House floor on a 23-11 party line vote March 20.

This 21-section, 17-page measure contains incentives promoting business investment in sustainable practices and updates the state’s greenhouse gas emissions goals. 

CBIA voiced its support for several pieces of this legislation in the public hearing and with committee leadership.

In the public hearing, CBIA’s Pete Myers highlighted the business community’s support for Section 14 of the bill, which increases battery storage availability.

“Increasing battery storage to improve grid resiliency is part of CBIA’s Transform Connecticut policy solutions package,” he said.

Committee vice-chair Rep. Christine Palm (D-Chester), who worked with the business community to properly incentivize businesses in the bill, called the legislation “all carrot and no stick.”

Business groups voiced support for certain incentives, including those outlined in Section 10, which instructs the Department of Revenue Services and the Department of Economic and Community Development to work together to identify appropriate waiver fees for B Corporations and farms.

CBIA also suggested expanding business fee waivers to any company investing in sustainable practices. 

HB 5004 awaits further action in the state House. 

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For more information, contact CBIA’s Pete Myers (860.244.1921).