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Connecticut ranks among the top states in the nation when it comes to energy efficiency, Governor M. Jodi Rell said today.
An October 6 report by The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranks California, Connecticut and Oregon at the top of a list of states that have improved energy efficiency in response to high prices, energy security and global warming. The report rated the states on a wide range of efficiency strategies, including building codes, transportation and land-use policies, utilities' efficiency programs, financial incentives and support for research.
“Connecticut continues to lead by example in our environmental and energy efficiency efforts,” Governor Rell said. “For many years I have pushed for our state to become more energy efficient. We are making progress, and we will continue to take the necessary steps to become less dependent and more efficient.
“We want Connecticut to be a global leader in energy efficiency, clean energy technology, energy research and the use of alternative fuels. That means we need to address our energy challenges in the near-term and determine what actions must be taken to steer Connecticut toward a cleaner and more secure energy future.”
In June, Governor Rell signed a tough new bill requiring drastic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions connected to global warming. The new law requires state agencies to calculate and list greenhouse gases produced in the state, come up with strategies to meet the new reduction goals and start measuring the state's progress. The new law creates mandatory global warming pollution caps and requires the state to cut emissions 10 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent below 2001 levels by 2050.
At a conference at Yale University in April, Governor Rell signed a resolution backed by 18 governors urging the federal government to join with states in a national effort toward curbing energy appetites and finding cleaner power sources.
The Governor noted that Connecticut’s “OneThing” Web site, www.OneThingCT.com, is now viewed as a national model. The site offers tips for saving energy and conserving resources, information on rebates and tax advantages available to consumers and a new opportunity to join the Governor in doing OneThing, each day, to change Connecticut’s energy future. A new carbon footprint calculator, available at www.onethingct.com, offers an opportunity for people to explore the effect of their behaviors and choices in the home, in their cars, in their yards and even in terms of what they eat. It also gives visitors the chance to see how they compare with others’ energy use and what they can do to change their impact.
In 2007, Governor Rell signed a bill into law that makes a number of substantial and beneficial changes to Connecticut’s long-term energy policy. The law sets “green” building standards for new state buildings, while authorizing up to $30 million in state bonding so that the Department of Public Works can make existing state buildings and facilities more energy efficient. It provides a variety of other incentives to promote the use of renewable and alternative energy strategies in the state.
In 2006 Governor Rell instructed all state and quasi-public agencies to become leaders in energy efficiency by reducing energy consumption in all buildings by 10 percent. Some specific instructions included a directive to develop and adhere to an energy efficiency plan, assign designated staff to energy awareness training and purchase clean-fuel, low emission and/or hybrid-electric vehicles and energy-efficient products, when feasible.
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