HARTFORD- State Rep. Holly Cheeseman (R-37) along with House Republican leader Vincent Candelora and Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly today raised questions and concerns regarding the Lamont administration’s plan to enact new emissions mandates that would require all new passenger vehicle sales to be electric vehicles by 2035.
“This is an issue that will affect every resident who lives in the state of Connecticut. There are too many unanswered questions, and many residents are uneasy with the potential costs to their family budgets,” said Rep. Cheeseman.
The lawmakers said the mandates, if enacted, will make the state more unaffordable for low- and middle -income residents, bankrupt Connecticut small businesses, and put thousands of people out of work.
The Republican lawmakers said while they support efforts to protect the environment and to make the air cleaner, the multiple question marks and contradictions surrounding the mandate’s achievability, affordability, and budgetary impact are all reasons to take a pause in order to understand their full ramifications.
The public comment period on the mandates remains open until Aug. 23. The lawmakers urged residents to send comments and questions to deep.mobilesources@ct.gov . A public hearing is scheduled for Aug. 22 at 9:00 A.M. via Zoom. See more information on how to register to speak at the hearing HERE.