‘Green Monster’ Stalls in Senate

The state Senate did not act on wide-ranging climate change mitigation legislation before the General Assembly’s May 8 deadline.

Dubbed the “Green Monster” by proponents, HB 5004 passed the House May 1 on a 94-56 vote, with all Republicans and a handful of moderate Democrats opposed. 

The multi-section bill was promoted by advocates as an incentive-based approach to offset the impacts of climate change. 

Opposition to the legislation centered on the prospect of increased electric rates, needed to fund the measure’s greenhouse gas emission goals.

The bill includes the creation of several studies, including one to study potential improvements to electric transmission and grid reliability.

Emissions Goals

As originally drafted, the bill required the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority to determine the future of natural gas and potentially recommend banning it.

Additionally, the bill updated the state’s emissions goals to match other states, potentially increasing ratepayer costs.

“We did not love everything about this bill, especially the parts that would potentially rate increases for residents and businesses,” CBIA’s Pete Myers said.

“Going forward we hope the legislature will incentivize rather than mandate sustainable practices.”

CBIA opposed several sections of the bill at the public hearing and worked with the proponents to ensure that business concerns were addressed. 

PFAS Legislation

Another piece of legislation with a major impact for the business community was successfully amended.

SB 292 would have banned the sale of any product in the state by 2032 that contained intentionally added PFAS.

Additionally, this legislation would have required strenuous reporting requirements on biotechs and small manufacturers for any product that contains intentionally added PFAS as of 2026.

SB 292 now bans PFAS in 14 products that come in direct contact with people as of 2028. There will be a phase-in via a reporting requirement and labeling of those 14 products by 2026. 

CBIA anticipates facing an expanded PFAS legislation next session as the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is working with other states to craft a regional approach.

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