Sec. 22a-186c. Nature-based solutions. Integration in programs. Best practices. Public comment.
Sec. 22a-200b. Greenhouse gas emissions. Regulations.
Sec. 22a-200f. State agency greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal.
Sec. 22a-200g. Clean Economy Council. Established. Purpose. Duties. Members. Report.
Sec. 22a-202. Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate program.
Sec. 22a-186c. Nature-based solutions. Integration in programs. Best practices. Public comment. (a) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall evaluate how to integrate and advance nature-based solutions in the state that support climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, ecosystem resilience and biodiversity through (1) the microgrid and resilience grant and loan pilot program authorized pursuant to section 16-243y, (2) the open space and watershed land acquisition program authorized pursuant to sections 7-131d to 7-131k, inclusive, and (3) other applicable state and federal programs administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection that advance nature-based solutions, including, but not limited to, (A) federal Clean Water Act programs, (B) the Long Island Sound Study program, and (C) the Urban Forestry program. The department's efforts to advance such nature-based solutions shall be known as the nature-based solutions initiative.
(b) The commissioner shall, as part of such evaluation, consider best practices that encourage the use of the state's ecosystems to naturally sequester and store carbon, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase biodiversity and protect against climate change impacts including: (1) Increasing carbon sequestration through increased forest acreage, including reforestation, (2) controlling invasive species, (3) encouraging soil health across all landscapes, (4) protecting carbon stocks through avoiding the conversion of forests and wetlands to other purposes, (5) restoring habitats to improve biodiversity, (6) increasing climate-smart agriculture and soil conservation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving habitat and protecting biodiversity, (7) increasing community resilience by improving water quality and addressing flooding and drought through nature-based stormwater management and shoreline protection that uses nature-based approaches such as living shorelines, (8) improving air quality and reducing urban heat island effects through urban forestry and increasing green spaces, and (9) increase access to open space for public health benefits.
(c) Not later than July 1, 2026, the commissioner shall post such nature-based solutions initiative program evaluation on the department's Internet web site for review and written comment. As part of that evaluation, the commissioner shall seek review and input from the Departments of Agriculture, Public Health, Housing, Transportation, the Insurance Department, the Connecticut Green Bank and the Office of Policy and Management. In addition, the commissioner shall host one listening session before such nature-based solutions initiative is so posted in order to seek public comment.
(P.A. 25-125, S. 12.)
History: P.A. 25-125 effective July 1, 2025.
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Sec. 22a-200a. Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: Mandated levels. Inventory of sources and carbon sequestered. Reports. (a) The state shall reduce the level of emissions of greenhouse gas:
(1) Not later than January 1, 2020, to a level at least ten per cent below the level emitted in 1990;
(2) Not later than January 1, 2030, to a level at least forty-five per cent below the level emitted in 2001;
(3) Not later than January 1, 2040, to a level at least sixty-five per cent below the level emitted in 2001, including to a level of zero per cent from electricity supplied to electric customers in the state;
(4) Not later than January 1, 2050, to an economy-wide net-zero level, provided direct and indirect emissions of greenhouse gases are at least eighty per cent below the level emitted in 2001; and
(5) All of the levels referenced in this subsection shall be determined by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection.
(b) On or before January 1, 2010, and biannually thereafter, the state agencies that are members of the Governor's Steering Committee on Climate Change shall submit a report to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection. The report shall identify existing and proposed activities and improvements to the facilities of such agencies that are designed to meet state agency energy savings goals established by the Governor. The report shall also identify policies and regulations that could be adopted in the near future by such agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
(c) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall, not later than January 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, publish an inventory of greenhouse gas emissions sources and carbon sequestered to (1) establish a baseline for such emissions for the state, and (2) report on the quantifiable emissions reductions and carbon sequestration achieved in pursuit of the greenhouse gas emissions levels specified in this section.
(d) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall, not later than January 1, 2026, and not more than every three years thereafter, in consultation with the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and the Governor's Council on Climate Change, produce a report, with an opportunity for public comment, on the quantifiable emissions reductions and carbon sequestration achieved in pursuit of the greenhouse gas emissions levels specified in this section. The report shall include (1) a schedule of proposed regulations, policies and strategies designed to achieve the limits of greenhouse gas emissions specified in this section, by the relevant date provided, (2) an assessment of the latest scientific information and relevant data regarding global climate change, and (3) the status of greenhouse gas emission reduction efforts in other states and countries. Such proposed regulations, policies and strategies may include carbon sequestration. The commissioner may engage a consultant to assist in preparing such report or portions of such report. The commissioner shall submit such report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment, energy and technology and transportation.
(e) At least one year prior to the effective date of any federally mandated greenhouse cap and trade program including greenhouse gas emissions subject to any state cap and trade requirements adopted pursuant to this section, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment, energy and technology and transportation. Such report shall explain the differences between such federal and state requirements and shall identify any further regulatory or legislative actions needed to achieve consistency with such federal program.
(P.A. 04-252, S. 2; P.A. 05-288, S. 103; P.A. 08-98, S. 2; P.A. 11-80, S. 1; P.A. 18-82, S. 7; P.A. 22-5, S. 1; P.A. 25-125, S. 2.)
History: P.A. 05-288 made a technical change in Subsec. (b), effective July 13, 2005; P.A. 08-98 replaced former Subsecs. (a) to (d) with new Subsecs. (a) to (d) re greenhouse gas emission limits and reporting requirements; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection”, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 18-82 amended Subsec. (a) by adding new Subdiv. (2) re January 1, 2030 level and redesignating existing Subdivs. (2) and (3) as Subdivs. (3) and (4), effective June 6, 2018; P.A. 22-5 amended Subsec. (a) by adding new Subdiv. (3) re January 1, 2040, level for electricity supplied to electric customers and redesignating existing Subdivs. (3) and (4) as Subdivs. (4) and (5), effective July 1, 2022; P.A. 25-125 amended Subsec. (a)(3) to add reference to level that is 65 per cent below the level emitted in 2001, Subsec. (a)(4) to add reference to an economy-wide net zero level, Subsec. (c) to delete reporting requirement and add requirement concerning publication of greenhouse gas emission sources and carbon sequestered, added new Subsec. (d) re requirement for report on emissions reductions and carbon sequestered, and redesignated existing Subsec. (d) as Subsec. (e), effective July 1, 2025.
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Sec. 22a-200b. Greenhouse gas emissions. Regulations. The commissioner may adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of subsection (d) of section 22a-200a. Nothing in section 4a-67h, 22a-200 or 22a-200a or this section shall limit a state agency from adopting any regulation within its authority in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54.
(P.A. 04-252, S. 3; P.A. 05-288, S. 104; P.A. 08-98, S. 3; P.A. 11-80, S. 1; P.A. 25-125, S. 3.)
History: P.A. 05-288 made technical changes in Subsec. (e), effective July 13, 2005; P.A. 08-98 replaced former Subsecs. (a) to (f) re greenhouse gas registry with new Subsec. (a) re development of inventory, modeling scenarios, strategies and policies to achieve reduced greenhouse gas emissions and redesignated existing Subsec. (g) as Subsec. (b); pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” and “Department of Environmental Protection” were changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” and “Department of Energy and Environmental Protection”, respectively, in Subsec. (a), effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 25-125 deleted former Subsec. (a) re publication of a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, made technical changes and added reference to Sec. 22a-200a(d), effective July 1, 2025.
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Sec. 22a-200c. Implementation of Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Regional Greenhouse Gas account. Auctioning of allowances. (a) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to implement the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative.
(b) The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection shall auction all emissions allowances and invest the proceeds, which shall be deposited into a Regional Greenhouse Gas account established by the Comptroller as a separate, nonlapsing account, on behalf of electric ratepayers in energy conservation, load management, Class I renewable energy programs and programs that reduce transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions. In making such investments, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall consider strategies that maximize cost effective reductions in greenhouse gas emission. Allowances shall be auctioned under the oversight of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection by a contractor or trustee on behalf of the electric ratepayers.
(c) The regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section may include provisions to cover the reasonable administrative costs associated with the implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in Connecticut and to fund the assessment, planning and implementation of measures to reduce emissions, mitigate the impacts of climate change and to cover the reasonable administrative costs of state agencies associated with the adoption of regulations, plans and policies in accordance with section 22a-200a. Such costs shall not exceed seven and one-half per cent of the total projected allowance value. Such regulations may also set aside a portion of the allowances to support the voluntary renewable energy provisions of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative model rule and combined heat and power.
(d) Any allowances or allowance value allocated to the energy conservation load management program on behalf of electric ratepayers shall be incorporated into the planning and procurement process in sections 16a-3a and 16a-3b.
(e) Beginning with the first auction occurring on or after January 1, 2023, and notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section and subdivision (6) of subsection (f) of section 22a-174-31 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies, auction proceeds annually calculated and allocated in accordance with subdivision (6) of subsection (f) of section 22a-174-31 of the regulations of Connecticut state agencies to the Connecticut Green Bank may be utilized by the Connecticut Green Bank, in consultation with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, for clean energy resources that do not emit greenhouse gas emissions, provided that any proceeds calculated and allocated to the Connecticut Green Bank in excess of five million two hundred thousand dollars in any fiscal year shall be diverted for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, and each fiscal year thereafter, to the department to provide funding for the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate program established pursuant to section 22a-202 and other programs established to support the department's engagement with environmental justice communities. For the purposes of this subsection, “clean energy” has the same meaning as provided in section 16-245n and “environmental justice community” has the same meaning as provided in section 22a-20a.
(P.A. 07-242, S. 93; P.A. 08-98, S. 4; Sept. Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-8, S. 36; P.A. 11-80, S. 1, 64; P.A. 13-247, S. 131; P.A. 14-94, S. 29; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 16-3, S. 181; P.A. 22-25, S. 18; P.A. 24-81, S. 55; P.A. 25-110, S. 86.)
History: P.A. 07-242 effective July 1, 2007; P.A. 08-98 amended Subsec. (c) to permit allowances to be used to cover certain administrative costs of state agencies; Sept. Sp. Sess. P.A. 09-8 amended Subsec. (b) to add provision re deposit into Regional Greenhouse Gas account, effective October 5, 2009; P.A. 11-80 changed “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” and “Department of Environmental Protection” to “Department of Energy and Environmental Protection” and deleted references to Department of Public Utility Control, effective July 1, 2011; P.A. 13-247 amended Subsec. (b) to add provision re allocation of excess auction proceeds to Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority by commissioner, effective July 1, 2013; pursuant to P.A. 14-94, “Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority” was changed editorially by the Revisors to “Connecticut Green Bank” in Subsec. (b), effective June 6, 2014; May Sp. Sess. P.A. 16-3 added Subsec. (e) re diversion of $3,300,000 of auction proceeds to General Fund in fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, and calculation and allocation of auction proceeds and diversion, effective June 2, 2016; P.A. 22-25 amended Subsec. (b) by adding provision re programs that reduce transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions and deleting provision re allocation of auction proceeds on or before July 1, 2015, amended Subsec. (c) by adding “and implementation”, amended Subsec. (e) by replacing reference to January 1, 2017, with reference to January 1, 2023, adding reference to Subsec. (a), deleting provision re funds diverted to the General Fund in fiscal year ending June 30, 2017, adding provision re proceeds allocated to Connecticut Green Bank, adding provision re proceeds in excess of $5,200,000 diverted to Connecticut hydrogen and electric automobile purchase rebate program account and defining “clean energy”, and made technical changes, effective July 1, 2022; P.A. 24-81 amended Subsec. (e) to replace reference to Connecticut hydrogen and electric automobile purchase rebate program account with reference to Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate program, replace reference to Sec. 22a-202(h) with reference to Sec. 22a-202, add provision re funding for programs established to support environmental justice communities, define “environmental justice community” and make conforming changes, effective May 30, 2024; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (b) to delete reference to General Fund, effective July 1, 2025.
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Sec. 22a-200f. State agency greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal. (a) In the aggregate, state agencies shall have the following greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals: (1) A forty-five per cent reduction from 2001 levels by 2030; (2) a seventy per cent reduction from 2016 levels by 2040; and (3) achieving a level determined to be net-zero by 2050.
(b) Such state agencies shall have the goal of only utilizing zero-carbon generating electricity by 2030.
(c) Such state agencies may use the social cost of greenhouse gas emissions when evaluating the costs and benefits of activities and improvements to the facilities of such agencies to meet the goals in this section. For purposes of this section, “social cost” includes, but is not limited to, net agricultural productivity, harms to human health, property damage and the value of ecosystem services.
(d) Not later than January 1, 2026, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall publish guidelines for such state agencies on the social cost of greenhouse gas emissions on the department's Internet web site.
(P.A. 25-125, S. 1.)
History: P.A. 25-125 effective July 1, 2025.
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Sec. 22a-200g. Clean Economy Council. Established. Purpose. Duties. Members. Report. (a) There is established a Connecticut Clean Economy Council that shall advise on economic development strategies and policies that strengthen the state's climate mitigation, clean energy, resilience and sustainability programs, in particular for vulnerable communities, as defined in section 16-243y.
(b) Such council shall meet not less than quarterly, at dates, times and locations to be established by the cochairpersons of such council. The council shall: (1) Identify opportunities to leverage state and federal funding to scale economic development and workforce opportunities associated with climate mitigation, clean energy, resilience and sustainability investments, (2) serve as a central coordinating body for climate mitigation, clean energy, resilience and sustainability workforce efforts and opportunities state-wide for a technically advanced, enduring labor force, (3) develop economic development and workforce strategies that support investment and growth of climate mitigation, clean energy, resilience and sustainability job growth, and (4) advise the Governor on any state-wide economic or workforce action plan in clean energy, climate and sustainability.
(c) Such council shall develop a plan to facilitate the transition of workers from fossil-fuel-based employment to clean economy jobs consistent with the provisions of subsection (b) of this section. Such plan shall be submitted not later than July 1, 2026, to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment, energy and technology and commerce, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a.
(d) Such council shall be composed of the following members: (1) The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development, or the commissioner's designee, who shall also serve as a cochairperson of the council, (2) the Chief Workforce Officer, or said officer's designee, who shall also serve as a cochairperson of the council, (3) the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, or the commissioner's designee, who shall also serve as cochairperson of the council, (4) the Commissioner of Transportation, or the commissioner's designee, (5) the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management, or the secretary's designee, (6) a representative from the office of the Governor, (7) the chief executive officer of the Connecticut Green Bank, or the chief executive officer's designee, (8) the chief executive officer of Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, or the chief executive officer's designee, (9) the Labor Commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, (10) the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, or the commissioner's designee, (11) one member appointed by the Chief Workforce Officer who shall be a representative of a regional workforce development board, (12) one member appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives, (13) one member appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate, (14) one member appointed by the majority leader of the Senate, (15) one member appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives, (16) one member appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, (17) one member appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives, and (18) any other member so designated by the cochairpersons. Members appointed pursuant to subdivisions (12) to (17), inclusive, of this subsection shall have one or more of the following backgrounds or qualifications: (A) Be a member of the Connecticut Technical Education Career System, (B) be a representative of a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping people overcome barriers to workforce participation, (C) have expertise in hiring and training employees in the trades related to green technologies, (D) be a representative of a higher education institution and have expertise in technical education, or (E) be a member of the Connecticut State Building Trades Council. Any member appointed pursuant to subdivision (18) of this subsection shall serve at the pleasure of the cochairpersons of the council.
(e) A majority of the members of the council shall constitute a quorum.
(f) The cochairpersons shall, in addition to their general duties, have the following specific responsibilities: The cochairperson from the Department of Economic and Community Development shall lead the activities specified in subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of this section and the cochairperson from the Office of Workforce Strategy shall lead the activities specified in subdivision (2) of subsection (b) of this section.
(g) Not later than February 15, 2026, and biannually thereafter, the council shall report on its work, findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Office of Policy and Management, and the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment, energy and technology, higher education and commerce, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a.
(P.A. 25-125, S. 6.)
History: P.A. 25-125 effective July 1, 2025.
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Sec. 22a-202. Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate program. (a) As used in this section, (1) “environmental justice community” has the same meaning as provided in subsection (a) of section 22a-20a, (2) “battery electric vehicle”, “electric vehicle”, “fuel cell electric vehicle” and “plug-in hybrid electric vehicle” have the same meanings as provided in section 16-19eee, and (3) “electric bicycle” has the same meaning as provided in section 14-1.
(b) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall establish and administer a Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate program.
(c) There is established a Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate Advisory Board, which shall be within the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection for administrative purposes only. The advisory board shall advise the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection concerning priorities for the allocation, distribution and utilization of funds for the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate program. The advisory board shall consist of the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection or the commissioner's designee, the Commissioner of Consumer Protection or the commissioner's designee, the president of the Connecticut Green Bank or the president's designee, the chairperson of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority or the chairperson's designee and ten members appointed as follows: (1) One representative of an environmental organization knowledgeable in electric vehicle policy appointed by the speaker of the House of Representatives; (2) one member who is an owner or manager of a business engaged in the sale or repair of bicycles appointed by the president pro tempore of the Senate; (3) one representative of an organization that represents the interests of an environmental justice community appointed by the majority leader of the House of Representatives; (4) one representative of an association representing automotive retailers in the state appointed by the majority leader of the Senate; (5) one representative of an association representing electric vehicle consumers appointed by the minority leader of the House of Representatives; (6) one member appointed by the minority leader of the Senate; (7) one representative of an organization interested in the promotion of walking or bicycling appointed by the House chairperson of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation; (8) one member appointed by the Senate chairperson of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation; (9) one representative of an association representing electric vehicle manufacturers appointed by the House ranking member of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation; and (10) one member appointed by the Senate ranking member of the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to transportation. The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection may appoint to the advisory board not more than three additional representatives from other industrial fleet or transportation companies. Each member appointed pursuant to subdivisions (1) to (10), inclusive, of this subsection or appointed by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall serve for a term of two years and may continue to serve until such member's successor is appointed. The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, or the commissioner's designee, shall serve as chairperson of the advisory board. The advisory board shall meet at such times as it deems necessary and may establish rules governing its internal procedures.
(d) On and after July 1, 2022, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall establish and administer a program to provide rebates or vouchers to residents, municipalities, businesses, nonprofit organizations and tribal entities located in this state when such residents, municipalities, businesses, organizations or tribal entities purchase or lease a new or used battery electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or fuel cell electric vehicle. The commissioner, in consultation with the advisory board, shall establish and revise, as necessary, appropriate rebate levels, voucher amounts and maximum income eligibility for such rebates or vouchers. The commissioner shall prioritize the granting of rebates or vouchers to residents of environmental justice communities, residents having household incomes at or below three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level and residents who participate in state and federal assistance programs, including, but not limited to, the state-administered federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state-administered federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, a Head Start program established pursuant to section 10-16n or assistance provided by Operation Fuel, Incorporated. Any such rebate or voucher awarded to a resident of an environmental justice community shall be in an amount not less than two hundred per cent more than the standard rebate level or voucher amount. An eligible municipality, business, nonprofit organization or tribal entity may receive not more than ten rebates or vouchers a year, within available funds, and not more than a total of twenty rebates or vouchers, except the commissioner may issue additional rebates or vouchers to an eligible business or nonprofit organization that operates a fleet of motor vehicles exclusively in an environmental justice community. On and after July 1, 2022, and until June 30, 2027, inclusive, a battery electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or fuel cell electric vehicle that is eligible for a rebate or voucher under the program shall have a base manufacturer's suggested retail price of not more than fifty thousand dollars.
(e) (1) As a part of the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate program, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall also establish and administer a program to provide rebates or vouchers to residents of the state who purchase an electric bicycle. The commissioner, in consultation with the advisory board, shall establish and revise, as necessary, maximum income eligibility for such rebates or vouchers. Any such rebate or voucher amount shall be in an amount not less than five hundred dollars. The rebate or voucher program shall be designed to maximize the air quality benefits associated with the deployment of electric bicycles and prioritize providing vouchers to (A) residents of environmental justice communities, (B) residents having household incomes at or below three hundred per cent of the federal poverty level, (C) residents who participate in state and federal assistance programs, including, but not limited to, the state-administered federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, state-administered federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or a federal Head Start program, or who receive assistance provided by Operation Fuel, Incorporated, and (D) residents with physical disabilities.
(2) On and after July 1, 2022, and until June 30, 2027, inclusive, an electric bicycle that is eligible for a rebate or voucher under the program shall have a base manufacturer's suggested retail price of not more than three thousand dollars. The provisions of this subdivision shall not apply to an adaptive electric bicycle to be used by a resident with a physical disability.
(f) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall evaluate the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate program on an annual basis. Not later than June 20, 2024, and annually thereafter, the commissioner shall submit a report to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment and transportation regarding the status and effectiveness of such program. Such report shall include information on program participation and the environmental benefits accruing to environmental justice communities and communities overburdened by air pollution.
(g) The Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall conduct outreach programs and implement a marketing campaign for the promotion of the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate program.
(h) There is established an account to be known as the “Connecticut hydrogen and electric automobile purchase rebate program account”, which shall be a separate, nonlapsing account. The account shall contain any moneys required by law to be deposited in the account. Moneys in the account shall be expended by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection for the purposes of (1) administering the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate program and the voucher program established pursuant to section 22a-201e, and (2) paying the staffing needs associated with administering the grant program for zero-emission buses and providing administrative and technical assistance for such grant program pursuant to section 22a-201d.
(P.A. 19-117, S. 94; P.A. 22-25, S. 7; P.A. 23-40, S. 41; P.A. 24-81, S. 54; P.A. 25-65, S. 24; 25-110, S. 87.)
History: P.A. 22-25 added new Subsec. (a) re definitions, added new Subsec. (b) re establishing and administering program, redesignated existing Subsec. (a) as Subsec. (c) and substantially amended same to replace Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate Program Board with Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate Program Advisory Board and add provisions re advising commissioner, members to advisory board and terms of service, redesignated existing Subsec. (b) as Subsec. (d) and substantially amended same to replace reference to January 1, 2022, until December 31, 2025, with reference to July 1, 2022, replace reference to board with reference to commissioner and add provisions re prioritization of and eligibility for rebates and vouchers, added Subsec. (e) re rebates or vouchers to residents who purchase electric bicycle, designated existing provision re evaluation of program as Subsec. (f) and amended same to add provision re report, added Subsec. (g) re outreach programs and marketing campaign, redesignated existing Subsec. (c) as Subsec. (h) and amended same to replace Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate Board with commissioner, designate existing provision re program as Subdiv. (1) and amend same to add provision re voucher program and add Subdiv. (2) re staffing needs, effective July 1, 2022, and applicable to appointments made on and after said date; P.A. 23-40 amended Subsec. (c) to replace “service” with “continue to serve”, effective July 1, 2023; P.A. 24-81 amended Subsec. (d) to replace provision re amount up to 100 per cent with provision re amount not less than 200 per cent re rebate or voucher awarded to resident of environmental justice community, effective May 30, 2024; P.A. 25-65 amended Subsec. (e) by adding Subdiv. designators (1) and (2), amending Subdiv. (1) to add Subpara. designators (A) to (C), replace reference to Head Start program established pursuant to Sec. 10-16 with reference to federal Head Start program and add Subpara. (D) re residents with physical disabilities and amending Subdiv. (2) to add provision re subdivision not applicable to adaptive electric bicycle used by resident with physical disability, effective July 1, 2025; P.A. 25-110 amended Subsec. (h) to delete reference to General Fund and make a technical change, effective July 1, 2025.
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