Party Walls

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Written by Carmel Pratt, Sustainability Consultant

If you live in Connecticut and are as obsessed with energy-related news as we are, you’ve probably already heard about the proposed cuts (to the tune of ~$22 million) from the state’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) clean energy program. RGGI is a nine-state agreement between CT, DL, ME, MD, MA, NH, NY, RI, & VT to cap and reduce power sector CO₂ emissions. In other words, the program is designed to be a set of guidelines for regulating, budgeting, and trading emissions from electric power plants in the cooperating states. This initiative is the first of its kind in the nation, being a mandatory (as set forth by each state’s program design) and market-based emissions reduction program. The nine states are currently in the process of gathering input from stakeholders and experts for the 2016 program review.

Following the RGGI model rule, Connecticut had allotted 72% of its RGGI proceeds to the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund (CEEF) back in 2013. CEEF “supports a variety of programs that provide financial incentives to help CT consumers reduce the amount of energy used in their homes and businesses”. Some of these programs include the Residential New Construction program, for which SWA has been performing energy rating services. Thanks to the 2013 investment of RGGI proceeds into these efficiency programs, the funds served over 39,000 homes and 4,040 businesses. Another 23% of the RGGI proceeds were invested in renewable energy programs supported by the Connecticut Green Bank (another first of its kind in the nation!) to attract and encourage private investment in clean and renewable resources in the state. All of these investments have played a major role in the state’s recognition as a leader in the clean energy initiative on a national scale.

Now, isn’t that something to be proud of?! But wait a minute, what about the $22 million? What will happen to all of these programs and initiatives once their funding is cut off? The info-graphic below (credit: CTGBC) illustrates some of the harm that diverting these monies would do, as well as how the programs in place have paid off exponentially in the past few years.

If you’re as concerned as we are, SWA would like to urge you to contact your local legislators, and tell them why you oppose this short-sighted decision. Or even better, contact Governor Malloy directly.

Here’s some example language to help guide your message to officials:
“Proposing cuts to clean energy and efficiency programs funded by the RGGI is extremely shortsighted in a time where global climate and economies are already in crisis. Investing in these programs not only keeps money in the wallets of Connecticut families and creates jobs for our local residents, but also keeps Connecticut on the right track to meeting our climate goals and continuing to lead the way towards a clean energy future. We saw the effects of this type of decision in 2003, after cuts to the renewable energy funds in the state budget resulted in large-scale layoffs in that job sector. These RGGI funds are supporting over 10,000 jobs. A decision like this has multiple negative effects to the health and sustainability of not only the environment, but of people’s livelihoods. Please consider your support for these programs, the state of Connecticut, and its residents. I would like to continue to be proud of my state’s commitment to a better future and I hope you would too.”

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