Connecticut passed two new laws as it continues to try and bolster its threatened coastline.
An article in the Yale Daily News reported on a positive step toward a more climate-resilient future for the state. The Connecticut General Assembly passed Senate Bill 9 and House Bill 5004, which are two laws with a focus on the environment.
Senate Bill 9 addressed financial losses caused by natural disasters. According to a press release by Save the Sound, this law requires "developers to reevaluate construction plans for homes along possible coastal flood zones," disclose the flood risk of areas to potential homebuyers, and strengthen towns against flood risks.
House Bill 5004, on the other hand, focuses on carbon pollution goals. In 2008, the state had promised to reduce 80% of carbon pollution by 2050, but the new law aims to achieve net zero by then, instead. It sets out that by 2040, the state should have a 70% reduction in pollution compared to the levels in 2016.
This can only be beneficial for Connecticut residents. According to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, 61% of the state's population, or around 1.9 million people, live in areas prone to flooding.
Since 1880, global average sea level has increased by 8-9 inches, with the rate accelerating over the last few decades, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Our reliance on burning dirty energy sources — such as oil, coal, and gas — means the production of huge quantities of heat-trapping gases that dramatically warm the planet and melt ice caps. The melting of these ice stores, in turn, drives sea level rise.
Bills such as Senate Bill 9 and House Bill 5004 highlight the importance of governments and corporations in protecting local communities and the planet. Now that both bills have passed, Connecticut residents can feel assured that their state is working toward a cleaner, safer future for all.
Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said, per Yale Daily News: "Connecticut is proud to be a climate leader, and this legislation helps keep our state on track to improve our air quality and meet our climate goals."
Save the Sound's climate and resilience campaigns manager, Julianna McVeigh, commented: "In the end, we saw legislation pass that has the potential to make life in Connecticut safer, healthier, and more affordable for all residents."
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