CT HB06956

Establishes a panel to assess the viability of developing a sustainable community rating system in Connecticut, with members including the Secretary of Policy and Management, Commissioners of Energy and Environmental Protection, Housing, Economic and Community Development, Public Health and Transportation, a Connecticut Green Bank member, and chief elected officials from three municipalities.

Panel shall review existing sustainable community rating systems including STAR Community Rating System, New York's Climate Smart Communities Certification Program, Minnesota's Green Step Cities Program, and Sustainable Jersey.

Assessment shall address the need for state agency involvement, availability of third parties, benefits of state and third-party partnerships, current municipal sustainability efforts, and incentives for municipal participation or certification.

Panel must submit a report by January 1, 2016 to relevant joint standing committees of the General Assembly with recommendations for legislation to establish or assist in establishing a sustainable community rating system in Connecticut.