LWVCT letter to Editor Urging Approval of Greenhouse Gas Regulations 6/30/08
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To the Editor
On Wednesday, June 26th the Council on Environmental Quality issued its annual report on the state's environment. Although we have been making steady progress in concert with other New England States and eastern Canadian provinces to reduce harmful emissions, Connecticut only earned a C+ grade. That is not the kind of grade you would expect for a state that is serious about reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2007, the DEP was required to adopt regulations to implement RGGI - the so-called Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. These regulations would allow DPUC to auction off emission allowances that reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants to below 1990 levels. The proceeds of the auction would be invested in energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy resources. The regulations were approved by the Attorney General on May lst and rejected without prejudice by the Regulation Review Committee on June 24th. Regulation Review will reconsider the matter at their July meeting. However, without committee approval, Connecticut will lose the opportunity to participate in a regional emissions auction this September.
More importantly, Connecticut will lose a significant source of funding for energy efficiency and conservation. We have a tried and true way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by helping people reduce their energy use. Last year, I used 803 gallons of oil to heat my home. This year, I used only 496. Conservation reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Regulation Review can’t delay these critical regulations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants. As leading members of the Committee, Representative Arthur O'Neill and Senator Andrew Roraback can demonstrate their savvy by voting to approve the plan so that Connecticut residents can benefit from increased funding for energy programs and reduced emissions from power plants. To contact the Regulation Review Committee, call 860-240-0580.
Lynn Taborsak LWVCT Climate Specialist 110 Hayestown Road Danbury, CT 06811 203-748-0822
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