State GOP Amps Up Opposition To Proposed Gas and Climate Law

CONNECTICUT — Republicans in the State Senate have amped up their opposition to proposed legislation that would require gas and on-road diesel fuel wholesalers to purchase "allowances" to cover the environmental costs of the emissions from those fuels.

Supporters of the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program, which include Gov. Ned Lamont, say it could raise a $1 billion over the next decade, and reduce road-related carbon dioxide emissions by about 25 percent.

Opponents say the cost of the allowances would only be offset by higher fuel costs for Connecticut residents at the pump, effectively making the legislation a "gas tax" under a different name. Proponents of the program have said it will increase pump prices a nickel a gallon, starting in 2023, but critics say the damage could be greater.

The proposed legislation stipulates that at least 50 percent of the proceeds garnered by the state in the auction of the emission allowances be invested into communities overburdened by air pollution or underserved by the transportation system.

TCI is a multi-jurisdictional program. In December, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to implement it in their regions.

But it's not a done deal. Republicans in the State Senate have started an online petition and begun organizing opposition rallies throughout the state. The most recent was last Saturday, at a Waterbury gas station. The next is scheduled for Vernon on Friday.

"The Governor and legislative Democrats have a plan that would increase the price of gas and another that would result in you paying more for everyday services and goods such as groceries. With help from dozens of residents, we sent them a very public message in Waterbury last week: 'Knock it off,'" organizers wrote in a letter to supporters on Wednesday.

The letter was signed by Republican lawmakers Sen. Eric Berthel, Rep. Dave Labriola, Rep. John Piscopo, Rep. Joe Polletta and Rep. Lezlye Zupkus.

"Make no mistake, these are regressive proposals and will further prevent the middle class's recovery from a 14-month pandemic that resulted in shuttered businesses and tens of thousands unemployed ... These controversial proposals will be decided in the next two weeks when the legislative session ends."

The 2021 Connecticut legislative session is scheduled to adjourn on June 9.