The controversial major overhaul of electric regulations passed the Connecticut state Senate tonight on a 20 to 14 vote.
The measure, which is opposed to by Republican Governor M. Jody Rell, was brought up last weekend without any hearings or testimony and opponents say it could drive Connecticut’s high electric rates even higher.
But others, including the Conn Fund for the environment endorses the legislation.
“This bill is an important first step in addressing a broken energy infrastructure, and a way for the state to move towards cleaner energy and a stronger economy,†commented Connecticut Fund for the Environment staff attorney Charles Rothenberger. “Lawmakers stood up for consumers against industry rhetoric and passed a bill that will protect the environment at the same time it encourages innovation and advancement in energy efficiency. The future is about finding ways to use energy intelligently and to reduce our carbon footprint—now we are one step closer in bringing renewable energy into more homes and businesses in the state, which means cleaner air, fewer health risks, and a better quality of life.â€
From my point of view, we can’t have a major restruction of our energy policies without getting input from all sides and to learn the unintended consequences of such legislation that was sprung on us a couple of days before the General Assembly adjourns.
I think the proponents are playing with fire.
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This legislation is just another way to punish the residents of CT and drive business to other states. Just another reason for term limits. Please publish the names of the twenty Senators who voted in favor of this new tax so that we will know who not to reelect.
I am all for energy efficiency and have proven it in my home and business, all without the aid of an additional tax. I just installed a condensing gas boiler in my home and will be adding 2″ of rigid foam under new siding, after blowing in insulation in the walls. Any attempt to rationalize this new tax is a fraud and our elected officials underestimate our intelligence.
It is time to cut government expenses, not increase taxes.
This characterization of the bill is not accurate. This bill is supported by consumer advocacy groups including AARP, ConnPIRG and CT Citizen Action Group.
The components of the bill were all heard as part of other bills earlier in the session. That includes the creation of an energy authority with greater planning powers,, a discount rate for low-income customers, clean energy financing help, incentives to help consumer install solar panels and reforms to protect consumers from unscrupulous marketing practices competitive suppliers (slamming, misrepresenting themselves or their products, etc).
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Any legislation that is foisted on us at the last minute with no public input is beyond shameful. In the rush for deregulation during the Enron era, nobody vetted the consequences and you know what we got – tremendous cost and the highest electrical rates in the country.
To claim this bill stands up for consumers is a fraudulent statement. A bill that lowers our cost is pro-family, pro-business. Anything less is pro-special interest by a bunch of tree hugging nutcases who at any cost to our families will shove their rhetoric down our throats along with the bill to do so.