June 8, 2011
SWEEPING ENERGY REFORM APPROVED
Bill clears way for lower rates, promotes clean energy and grows energy industry
State Representative Larry B. Butler (D-Waterbury) joined with a bipartisan group of legislators who voiced their support and passed Senate Bill 1243, An Act Concerning the Establishment of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Planning for Connecticut’s Energy Future, formerly
Senate Bill 1. The bill received overwhelming support in the House of Representatives and passed 139 to 8. This legislation will chart a new course in energy policy, making Connecticut a national leader in embracing clean energy, lowering energy costs, and developing energy jobs, industries and businesses.
“This legislation will build Connecticut’s energy future by lowering energy costs and opening up job and business opportunities across a wide spectrum of energy industries,” said Rep. Butler. “With this bill, Connecticut becomes a national leader in energy policy, embracing clean energy as the path to success in the 21st century economy.”
In its major components, the legislation:
The broad aim of Senate Bill 1243 is to lower Connecticut’s energy costs and electric rates (amongst the highest in the nation), while moving the state toward clean and efficient energy. The bill seeks to help create the industries, jobs and businesses necessary to facilitate this kind of transformation in Connecticut, and then export those products, technologies and services elsewhere in the world.
The bill, having passed both the House and Senate now goes to the Governor who is expected to sign the bill.
Read a fact sheet on Senate Bill 1243.