HARTFORD, Conn. — Climate change is once again front and center at the state Capitol, as the public spoke out on a bill to declare a “climate emergency” and set goals for reducing emissions.
“We know it's real. We know it's urgent,” said state Rep. Christine Palm, (D-Chester). “We know it's the existential problem of young people.”
It was a packed house Friday, as hundreds testified in front of the legislature’s Environment Committee.
“Climate change is the most important issue we are facing today,” said Trumbull High School senior Brianna Jackson. “Its effects are already present and will only become stronger if no action is taken. Please support this bill to save our futures.”
Many young people spoke in support of a new, omnibus climate bill, dubbed the Connecticut Climate Protection Act of 2024.
“This is indeed an ambitious bill, one might even say monstrous and that is because the monster of climate change, global warming, climate chaos, whatever you choose to call it is very real,” added Palm.
The 22-section-long proposal aims to implement certain measures relating to climate change.
It would declare a “climate emergency” in the state, as well as work to improve damage to the environment moving forward.
“Climate change is real and the only way that we can make a proper change is by not only acknowledging what's happening, but by caring about it, taking a step forward, and truly trying to make a difference,” Common Ground High School sophomore Aaliyah Jones said.
This legislation would also make Connecticut’s greenhouse gas emissions targets more in line with other states in the region, create new incentives — like tax credits — for businesses that participate in environmentally friendly practices, provide workforce training to transition to a clean economy, and support “nature-based” solutions.
“By failing to address climate change adequately within our state, we compromise future economic opportunities and compromise the life and safety of our future generations,” said Brett Hurley, a senior at the University of Connecticut.
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Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle echoed that sentiment.
“It is important for us to fulfill our role, to ensure that we provide them an environmental future that is sustainable, maintained and as we have inherited it in our generation, we have a responsibility to ensure that they have the same access to the environment so truly environmental considerations are critically important,” state Sen. Tony Hwang, (R-Fairfield) continued.
This bill is co-sponsored by more than 30 House and Senate Democrats, led by Palm.
She does say this measure could be challenging to get through in the short session, but is hopeful she can get bipartisan support. \
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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