From State Rep. Hector Arzeno, (District 151, Greenwich)
In 2023 Rep. Christine Palm (D-Chester), vice chair of Environment Committee, approached Rep. Arzeno (D- Greenwich) to work on a task force with other legislators with the goal of creating legislation, H.B.
5004, to address climate change.
By leveraging their diverse perspectives and expertise, the task force crafted legislation that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while also promoting resiliency, sustainability, and equity.
Picture left to right State Rep. Dominique Johnson (D-Norwalk), Rep. Hector Arzeno (D-Greenwich), Rep. Christine Palm (D-Chester), Rep. Andre Bumgardner (D-Groton), Rep. Moira Rader (D-Gilford), Rep. Mary Mushinsky (D-Wallingford), and Rep. John-Michael Parker (D-Durham) celebrate the passage of H.B. 5004 through the CT House of Representatives. The bill now heads to the Senate. Contributed photo
Dubbed the “Big Green Monster” by the conservative think tank the Yankee Institute (Environmentalists Reveal “Green Monster” Bill for the 2024 Session), this piece of legislation seeks to respond to the climate crisis by: updating the Global Warming Solutions Act to make Connecticut’s greenhouse gas emissions targets more in line with other states in the region, creating incentives for businesses that engage in clean economy sectors or employ environmentally sustainable practices, developing plans for transitioning to a clean economy, including workforce training, and supporting nature-based- solutions, such as preserving marshlands and forests.
Throughout the early part of winter Rep. Palm and Rep. Arzeno worked closely with the task force, legislative staff, and summer interns to cobble together the bits and pieces that would become H.B. 5004. Their commitment was unwavering and their dedication to this piece of legislation’s success is inspiring.
Elected in 2022, Representative Arzeno has been a champion for addressing climate change during his tenure in the House as a member of the Environment Committee.
“We owe it to our constituents to address the existential threat that is climate change so we can ensure our children and grandchildren will have a clean and safe future right here in Connecticut,” said Rep. Arzeno.
The bill now moves to the State Senate, awaiting further action.