The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV), an environmental advocacy nonprofit, recently unveiled its endorsements for the 2024 election cycle. Within their endorsement, however, was a glimpse into the group’s 2025 legislative priorities: another push for Connecticut to adopt California’s emission standards.
The emission standards, which failed to pass this past legislative session, would introduce regulations requiring all vehicles sold starting in 2035 to be zero-emission like electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids. Additionally, 40-75% of new trucks would be expected to meet the zero-emission standard. If adopted, the state would effectively ban the sale of new gas-powered cars and trucks.
With the endorsement, candidates seeking elected office “will advocate for strong environmental policy,” such as the emission standards, according to CTLCV’s website.
CTLCV’s support is hard to ignore: the organization actively campaigns for candidates through canvassing efforts, direct mail campaigns and targeted digital advertisements, aiming to bolster the campaigns of those committed to championing their environmental priorities.
To receive CTLCV’s endorsement, candidates must fill out its 2024 Survey on the Environment, which asked whether they supported Connecticut adopting California’s standards. (The survey explained how the current standards are set to expire in 2025, and without updates, the state will revert to federal rules.)
Most of the 76 respondents, not all of whom received an endorsement, gave a predictable “yes” to adopting California’s emissions standards, but a few had more to say on the matter.
Sen. Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) enthusiastically endorsed the proposal, claiming she is “eager to return to the legislature to continue this fight for common sense and effective solutions to the carbon emissions from the transportation cycle.”
Pointing out that she is Chair of the Transportation Committee, Sen. Cohen wrote, “I have been focused on decreasing the carbon emissions from the Transportation sector and ushering in a speedy transition to electric vehicles.”
She reminded the CTLCV of her unwavering support for California’s emission standards, emphasizing that she had been “a fierce and vocal advocate” for their adoption. Expressing her frustration, she noted her disappointment over the initiative’s failure last year.
Some lawmakers took a more cautious approach in their support. Sen. Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) acknowledged the hefty price tag that comes with “vehicles that are best for the environment,” and suggested the government “work to reduce costs.” In other words, taxpayers, including those who can’t afford these expensive vehicles, might be left to foot the bill for those who can. (This is not an unreasonable concern as wealthier communities are benefiting more from EV charging stations subsidies, as Yankee Institute previously reported.)
Echoing these concerns, Rep. Christopher Rosario (D-Bridgeport) said he would back the plan “as long as measures are taken to address these concerns and make the transition to cleaner vehicles accessible and affordable for all.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Anne Hughes (D-Easton) took it a step further, admitting she “begged leadership and Governor for inclusion of these in Special Session,” signaling just how aggressively she is pushing for California’s green mandates to become Connecticut law.
Defending the need for strict emission standards, Rep. Rachel Khanna (D-Greenwich), claims that “Connecticut cannot afford to adopt looser emission standards,” due to high levels of particle pollution and ozone in her district. She is a proponent of Connecticut joining other northeastern states in adopting California’s stringent regulations.
Rep. Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield) shared that she had specifically requested a transfer to the Environment Committee in 2024 to be a “passionate voice” for adopting California’s standards and moving away from combustion engines. She expressed her disappointment when the issue was struck from the committee’s agenda, admitting she was “heartbroken” by the setback.
Recognizing that the market is currently working to transition over to making more EVs available, Rep. Lucy Dathan (D-New Canaan) still feels the government needs to intervene by throwing her support for the California regulation.
It’s clear these lawmakers are fully committed to imposing California’s emissions mandates, ignoring the significant concerns around affordability and practicality. This push persists despite strong opposition from Connecticut residents, who largely rejected the government’s plan to phase out gas-powered vehicles during the last legislative session.
Other concerning questions in the survey reveal just how far the “green” agenda could reach, including the addition of an Environmental Rights Amendment to the Connecticut Constitution, claiming that while there are existing environmental laws, there is no constitutional statement of environmental rights.
Proponents argue that the amendment would “equitably” protect the right to a healthy environment, empowering communities and future generations to hold the state accountable. In reality, the amendment is another way to inject environmental activism into every level of government decision-making while opening the state and municipalities up to lawsuits by those who feel their rights have been violated.
Another question, filled with buzzwords like “clean energy” and “sustainable business incentives,” asked candidates if they would back increased spending on clean energy and electric grid infrastructure. The claim is these investments would ensure a “healthy environment” and reduce reliance on fossil fuels and nuclear energy “and ultimately reduce cost to ratepayers.”
But that’s a pretty questionable assertion, especially given Connecticut’s recent stance to delay making a decision on a multi-state offshore wind procurement deal. Even Gov. Ned Lamont voiced concerns in an interview with CT Mirror, citing the steep price tag of offshore wind projects as a reason for his hesitation, saying the high costs would only add to the state’s already sky-high electric rates.
Meanwhile, aside from pushing environmental policies, CTLCV asked whether candidates supported Ranked Choice Voting (RCV). With RCV, voters rank candidates by preference, and if someone gets over half of the “first-choice” votes, they win — just like in traditional election. CTLCV claims its mission relies on voter engagement, and they argue that supporting pro-environment candidates means removing “unnecessary obstacles” to voting.
They tout RCV as a system that supposedly boosts voter choice and turnout, reduces partisanship and eliminates the fear of “wasting” votes on preferred candidates.
It is possible CTLCV’s push for RCV is because they recognize that it could be a powerful tool in advancing their green agenda. By allowing voters to rank candidates in order of preference, RCV can help ensure that environmental candidates — who might not otherwise win in a traditional election — stay in the race longer. RCV can make it easier to elect candidates aligned with their extreme environmental priorities, while silencing the influence of more centrist or opposing voices.
For CTLCV, RCV isn’t just about voter choice — it’s about reshaping the political landscape in favor of their policy goals.
CTLCV’s goal is simple: back and elect pro-environment candidates who will push their green agenda through the legislature. They’re looking for allies to champion their policies on sustainability, clean energy and environmental justice.
Endorsements are handed out based on how candidates respond to their survey, their voting record, CTLCV’s scorecard and any past leadership on key issues. It is all about finding politicians who will carry the torch for their agenda.
Hope to See You There!
Yankee Institute invites you to join us at our second annual “Let Connecticut Work!” Conference on Oct. 10, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Hartford Club (46 Prospect Street, Hartford).
We’re hosting this event again because YOU told us this was important — getting everyone in the same room for a friendly, commonsense discussion about ways Connecticut can work better for our small and medium-sized businesses. This is the perfect time for YOU to connect with state officials and business leaders about reforms that will let our small and medium-sized employers (and our state!) thrive.
Click here to reserve you seat
