Malloy applauds passage of comprehensive energy bill

On the final day of the legislative session, the General Assembly approved Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s comprehensive energy bill, which sets the state up for a major increase in natural gas usage.

The bill, which is based on a comprehensive energy strategy developed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, aims to provide Connecticut residents with more energy source options, with the goal of reducing costs and encouraging the use cleaner energy.

The legislation also calls for roughly 900 miles of natural gas pipeline to be constructed.

“Connecticut consumers have been paying among the highest energy costs in the nation, and this bill will help reduce that burden and create good paying jobs with good benefits, all with an eye on protecting our environment and reducing greenhouse gas pollution,” Malloy said in a statement. “This marks an important change in how we address our energy needs in Connecticut, and the beginning of a holistic approach to meeting our long-term energy goals.”

Mark LeBel, an energy fellow of Connecticut Fund for the Environment, said he was happy to see the state embrace natural gas as a cleaner and cheaper alternative to oil, but cautioned that the plan seems to view natural gas as a permanent solution, when he says it shouldn’t be.

“We are pleased that the state will be taking steps to integrate energy efficiency measures when people convert from heating oil to gas,” LeBel said in a statement. “But we remain concerned that some aspects of the infrastructure associated with the natural gas expansion may keep Connecticut locked in past the point where it makes sense.”