New York State passes sweeping renewable energy measure that could provide a model for Connecticut

Stay up to date on Connecticut politics. Subscribe to the Capitol Watch newsletter here

The New York state Senate early Wednesday passed a sweeping green energy bill with a strong environmental justice component.

The measure, which is expected to pass the House and be signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, sets a goal of zero net emissions by 2050. According to Politico New York, it would be the nation’s most ambitious state-level legislation to combat the effects of climate change.

“I’m pleased to see they are such a leader in this,” said Sen. Christine Cohen, co-chairwoman of the Connecticut legislature’s environment committee. “As our neighboring state, we often look to them as they look to us.”

Connecticut has also made major strides this past legislative session on bills that address the impact of climate change, Cohen said. She cited approval of a bipartisan bill that could lead to the establishment of 1,000 wind turbines 40 to 60 miles of the Connecticut coast, among other measures.

“Our bills aren’t packaged in an omnibus like the Green New Deal, but I do think Connecticut is moving in the right direction,” Cohen said.

The New York legislation includes an environmental justice component: According to Politico New York, 35 percent of clean energy and energy efficiency money must be allocated to low-income, minority and historically polluted areas.

In Connecticut, a limited environmental justice bill that would have required anyone chocsing to develop property in an environmental justice community to engage in a public participation process.

The measure was approved by the House but failed to come up for a vote in the Senate before the legislature adjourned on June 5.