More on Dept. of Energy Issue

Hello again-

In my last Blog I mentioned the latest in a series of proposals stretching over a number of years that Connecticut recreate an Energy Dept with a boss. Today I shall give some details on this proposal.

A study was commissioned by the Clean Energy Fund to be done by the Connecticut Academy of Sciences& Engineering (CASE) which was recently completed and reported to several legislative Committees. Appointment of an independent Energy Secretary reporting directly to the Governor was highly recommended.

The present situation of multiple agencies involved in Energy matters was cited as creating a duplication of effort and there exists a need for focus and clarity. It would create a “point person" which the State now lacks. It seems to me that this was a very polite way of saying that the State's current structure of multiple overlapping agencies, Boards and Funds is an ineffective mess. In spite of the skepticism of various members of the Committees which included the Energy and Technology Committee there appear to be some positive reactions from some members of the latter body. It will be this Committee where a Bill will have to emerge to create the Energy Czar and staff.

The House Chair, Vickie Nardello seems favorably disposed. And more important two House members, Rep. Backer and Rep. O'Rourke have introduced Bill No.5989 to do just that. It reads that the general statutes be amended to consolidate clean energy and energy efficiency programs within a new Department of Clean Energy.

That's all for now--we’ll keep you posted.