Connecticut

Population:	3.4 million (2000)
GHG Emissions:	43.65 MtCO₂e (2001)

Targets and Goals

Mandatory greenhouse gas (GHG) limits:

The CT Energy Efficiency Fund, funded by a surcharge on electricity bills, supports efficiency initiatives including lighting, air conditioners, and heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) for commercial, industrial and residential customers. 2007 investments resulted in a US$4 return on every US$1 invested and lifetime savings of 4.3 billion kWh and 2.6 million tonnes of CO₂ avoided.
Public and private commercial and residential buildings must meet or exceed LEED silver rating. This applies to new construction costing greater than US$5 million (effective 2009) and renovations greater than US$2 million (effective 2010), except residential buildings with no more than 4 units.

Connecticut has a renewable portfolio standard for 27% renewable energy by 2020.
The CT Clean Energy Fund, funded by a surcharge on electricity bills, supports the construction and operation of 150 MW of new clean energy generation in Connecticut, rebates and a loan program for residential solar photovoltaic (PV), rebates for commercial clean distributed generation, support for operational demonstration projects, education, and incentives for clean energy communities. Investments in 2007 resulted in 13 commercial and 155 residential solar installations that will generate more than 2.5 GWh annually, avoiding more than 30,760 tonnes of GHGs over their lifetimes.
The CT Clean Energy Options program allows electricity customers in Connecticut to support clean energy. To date over 18,000 customers have enrolled in the program, resulting in more than 116.8 GWh of clean energy and more than 52,000 tons of avoided greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, over 80 CT towns have committed to support 20% clean energy by 2010, expected to result in over 80 GWh of clean energy by the year 2010.

Connecticut adopted California Low Emission Vehicle II standards, effective for 2008 model year vehicles. Connecticut also adopted California tailpipe standards for greenhouse gas vehicle emissions, which would lower GHG emissions by 30% if implementation is allowed.
Connecticut is developing a GHG labelling program for new vehicles sold or leased in the state beginning with the 2009 model year.

Connecticut is a participant in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), first-in-the nation carbon cap and trade program. RGGI will stabilize CO₂ emissions from power plants in the northeast through 2014 and achieve a 10% reduction by 2018.