Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont joined former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Tuesday to support an initiative from the philanthropic billionaire to back President Joe Biden’s climate goals.
Lamont said Connecticut’s steps include its role in the multistate Transportation and Climate Initiative. It puts caps on carbon emissions from gasoline, and requires gas suppliers to buy carbon credits. It would mean a five-cent increase to gas prices starting in 2023.
“We can use those revenues to do a lot of things. Electric charging stations up and down I-95 and 91. Free bus service on weekends. Poor folks who otherwise have to take two buses just to get to the grocery store. Those are the type of things we’re able to do by taking the lead at the local level,” Lamont said.
Massachusetts and Rhode Island are also part of the initiative. Eight other states — including New York — have signed a statement of support, but haven’t officially joined.
Biden has proposed to cut emissions in half by 2030. He made the pitch to more than 40 world leaders at a global climate change summit last week.
