Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a resolution that specifies that proposed regulations repealing the existing regulatory scheme governing state participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative program are not consistent with legislative intent.

Highlights:

• Specifies that rules and regulations proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection are not consistent with legislative intent, which requires the DEP to establish rules and regulations to govern the state’s potential participation in a greenhouse gas cap and trade program.

• Specifies that the legislative intent is not contingent upon the state’s participation in a regional, national, or international program such as the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Therefore, the department is still required to maintain rules and regulations according to the legislative intent despite the state’s withdrawal from the program.

• Requires the Commissioner of Environmental Protection to amend or withdraw the proposed rules and regulations within 30 days of the transmittal of this resolution.

• Authorizes the Legislature to invalidate or prohibit from going into effect the proposed DEP rules and regulations if the Commissioner of Environmental Protection does not amend or withdraw them within the allotted 30 days. 

Full Bill Text