Car Ban, Protecting Your Identity, River Update

I’m writing to let you know about major regulatory changes that will impact all of us, how to navigate an identity theft issue, and a significant development with the Wild and Scenic Upper Farmington River.

The state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting written comments on two proposed regulations, one that would ban the sales of new gas-powered passenger cars (beginning in 2035) and another that would gradually prohibit the sale of new gas-powered trucks that are used to ship goods and provide essential services.

Connecticut’s Public Act 04-84 requires the state to adopt California greenhouse gas emission standards for passenger cars, light duty trucks, and medium duty passenger vehicles. Public Act 22-25 added medium and heavy-duty vehicles and a ban on the sale of new gas-powered passenger vehicles by the year 2035.

This year, I co-sponsored H.B. 5277, which would align Connecticut emission standards with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, rather than with the overly aggressive standards of the State of California. The majority party failed to grant this bill a proper hearing, losing the opportunity for an open airing of the consequences of this policy.

I have significant concerns about the unintended consequences and negligible benefit of these restrictions. Costs will escalate for businesses and residents, who are already grappling with living in one of the nation’s most energy-expensive states.

A 2035 ban on the sales of all gas-powered passenger vehicles is just 12-years away… 

I’ve seen no evidence that Connecticut will be ready to accommodate this aggressive timeline. A simple promise that our already-vulnerable electrical grid—and ratepayers—will be ready to absorb this seismic policy change is detached from reality. You can submit your written comments to DEEP by August 23^rd. Below is information on both regulatory proposals and associated comment links and public hearing information.

You can access the proposed regulations on cars by clicking here.

You can access the proposed regulations on trucks by clicking here.

Is your identity protected?

The Dept. of Labor (CTDOL) has reported an uptick in the amount of fraudulent unemployment claims made by bad actors who have stolen people’s sensitive information. Identity theft is a major issue throughout Connecticut and here in our community. CTDOL has put together resources to protect yourself from identity theft and what you can do in the event you feel as though your information has been compromised.

Farmington River Update…

The Department of Public Health granted the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) permission to “abandon” 10 billion gallons of emergency drinking water above the Colebrook River Lake Dam. 6.5 billion gallons remain in reserve behind the two dams. You can review the decision by clicking here. Prior to the announcement of this decision, advocacy groups, legislators, and local First Selectmen supported an agreement to continue to protect about 4,300 acres of Connecticut watershed lands surrounding this precious water supply.

What remains to be resolved is handing off control of the 10 billion gallons to augment river flow to the Wild and Scenic Upper Farmington River during draught periods. I am in close contact with the parties involved, and will keep you updated on progress.