Bond Commission and Lamont approve funding
Hartford, CT — The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action applauds Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving $18 million in climate-related investments authorized by the General Assembly through Public Act 25-125 (House Bill 5004), which was signed into law earlier this year. The funding includes $12 million for efficiency retrofit loans and $6 million to expand the Residential Energy Preparation Services (REPS) program to reduce barriers to accessing energy efficiency programs. These investments represent an important step forward in reducing energy costs for residents and working towards the state goal of weatherizing 80 percent of Connecticut’s residential units by 2030.
The $12 million allocation for retrofit loans will support energy efficiency upgrades in existing multifamily affordable housing, helping homeowners and building owners install more efficient heating and cooling systems and reduce wasted energy. These upgrades will lower utility bills, reduce emissions, and help families across the state that face high energy costs.
The additional $6 million for the REPS program will address health and safety barriers that prevent income-eligible households from accessing state and federal energy efficiency programs. These barriers, which can delay or disqualify homes from weatherization work, include asbestos, knob-and-tube wiring, mold, and moisture. In 2024, approximately 30 percent of Home Energy Solutions Income Eligible homes and 50 percent of Weatherization Assistance Program homes were deferred due to such barriers.
“Religious communities across CT are helping people who are struggling this winter. Energy efficiency is the most effective way to reduce energy costs and improve quality of life. IREJN is especially pleased that the Residential Energy Preparation Services program, which helps income-eligible residents remove health and safety hazards like mold, lead, and asbestos, has been funded. Investing in these programs is one way that we can live out the call to care for the planet and those who live on it,” said Terri Eickel, Executive Director, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network.
“As Connecticut works to meet its statutory climate targets, investments like these play a critical role in accelerating emissions reductions, modernizing buildings, and strengthening the state’s clean energy economy—all while making everyday life more comfortable for residents,” said Julianna McVeigh, Doherty Climate and Resilience Institute Campaigns Manager at Save the Sound.
“We are very pleased to see this funding move forward where it can do tangible good in reducing energy costs while helping address climate change,” said Nathan Frohling, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in CT. “As we know, the energy we don’t use is the cheapest energy there is,” he added.
“The REPS program paves the way for homes to become energy efficient. Efficiency is the gift that keeps on giving,” said Bernie Pelletier, People’s Action for Clean Energy
“This $18 million investment is a critical step toward tackling the climate crisis while lowering energy costs for Connecticut families,” said Julianna Larue Organizer, Sierra Club Connecticut. “By prioritizing affordable multifamily housing and removing health and safety barriers through the REPS program, the state is ensuring climate solutions reach the communities that need them most. These investments will cut pollution, lower utility bills, and make homes safer and more resilient. We applaud Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for advancing climate action rooted in equity and justice.”
“Investing in climate is investing in health. In Connecticut we are seeing rising heat-related health injuries, increased asthma attacks from air pollution, and health impacts from floods and wildfires. We are delighted to see clean, sustainable energy programs that will save families money, protect health, and preserve our environment. Connecticut Health Professionals for Climate Action salutes Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for its forward-looking action,” said Dr. Kirsten Ek, Connecticut Health Professions for Climate Action.
“We are glad that Governor Lamont is hearing what his constituents are asking for. Connecticut families need, and want, affordable energy and solutions to cut carbon pollution – now,” said Shannon Laun, CLF Vice President for Connecticut. “The programs this investment funds are critical to slashing bills and emissions. This is a good first step – now the administration needs to continue the momentum this brings in making clean energy solutions more accessible to all residents and businesses.”
About the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action
The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action is a statewide alliance of environmental, labor, faith, health, and community organizations representing more than 300,000 people, working together to advance equitable climate solutions that reduce pollution, lower energy costs, and build a just and resilient clean energy economy.
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