Environment Committee Targets Climate Change, PFAS

01.30.2025
Issues & Policies

The General Assembly’s Environment Committee has referred a wide number of bills this session, ranging from eliminating PFAS in drinking water to addressing climate change.

Senate Democrats recently hosted a press conference announcing that policies making the state more resilient to climate change will be a priority this year.

The caucus will introduce SB 9, which will largely resemble a bill with the same number from the 2024 session.

This proposal allows cities and towns to improve coastline resiliency and develop a plan to prepare for rising sea levels.

Additionally, the bill will address PFAS in drinking water. 

Climate Resiliency

The committee’s new House chair, Rep. John-Michael Parker (D-Madison), will be tasked with addressing his caucus priorities in the committee. 

Over this past summer, businesses in western Connecticut were devastated by flooding, resulting in millions of dollars in damage.

The legislature will be aiming this year to better prepare businesses and residents for flooding risks. 

“Our state’s businesses are located in every community, and making those communities more resilient to climate change is a premise that CBIA supports,” said CBIA senior public policy associate Pete Myers.

HB 6280, modeled after New York legislation, creates a climate change super fund paid for by businesses.

Myers said the business community opposes HB 6280, modeled after legislation that passed recently in New York creating a climate change super fund.

This fund would be used to address climate change and be primarily paid for by businesses.

“This legislation will drastically increase the costs for businesses in Connecticut and significantly impact our competitiveness,” he said.

The committee will also address climate change and incentivize businesses to invest in sustainable business practices with HB 5004.

Similar legislation was introduced last session, with CBIA actively involved in negotiating issues impacting businesses.


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

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