Legistlative Affairs
The collective strength of our membership provides the platform by which the petroleum industry can continue to flourish, by working with government regulators to promote, preserve and protect our industry in today’s business climate.
Recent Legislative News
CEMA President Chris Herb Sounds Alarm on Proposed Bill That Could Let Utilities Control Home Thermostats
“Next thing you know, it’s 96 degrees out, 85% humidity — and they’re taking your air conditioning and turning it up to 78,” Herb said. “This has already happened in Washington State. People couldn’t override it.”
Connecticut Energy Marketers Association Urges Governor Lamont to Pause State’s Heat Pump Push Amid Soaring Costs and Grid Reliability Concerns
“Real people are seeing their heating bills more than double and the grid is being pushed to a breaking point.”
Proposed Connecticut Bill Could Give Utilities and Government Unprecedented Control Over Homes Power Usage and Electric Vehicles
“This legislation is a slippery slope toward centralized, government control of private energy use,” said Christ Herb, CEO and President of Connecticut Energy Marketers Association. “It erodes personal choice, home comfort, and the basic right to control appliances and vehicles you paid for with your own money. When does it end?”
Mission Possible: Steven J. Levy
For more than a century and a half, Sprague has consistently evolved. “We’ve seen dramatic changes in our industry,” notes Levy. “Heating fuels have shifted from high-sulfur to ultra-low-sulfur, with the goal of reducing carbon emissions.” Sprague has often been at the forefront of these shifts.
Big Brother in Your Basement? Two Connecticut Bills Could Invade Your Privacy and Spark Lawsuits Between Neighbors!
These two bills, if passed, could create a nightmare for homeowners. The combination of easily accessible personal data and the right to sue over environmental violations could spark endless lawsuits.
Urgent: Connecticut’s Climate Change Superfund Would Cost Consumers $13 Billion
“It’s unjust and baffling that anyone in the legislature would consider raising energy costs in Connecticut after profiting from every single gallon sold. It’s another money grab by the state government and they won’t stop until they get every last penny.”
New ‘Public Benefit Charge’ in the Works in Connecticut?
“This social cost is simply another public benefits charge—new name, same outcome. People will pay more at the pump and to heat their homes, in addition to already high electricity prices…This is how they begin, hidden in a bill under the guise of helping the environment.” — Chris Herb, President and CEO, Connecticut Energy Marketers Association
Adding Thousands of Electric Heat Pumps to the Grid Could Cause Brownouts, Blackouts
CEMA applauds Governor Ned Lamont regarding comments made yesterday during political show, CT Politics TV.
During the show, Lamont told host, Dan Newmyer, that he thinks following federal emissions standards, and not California, is a better fit for Connecticut. Lamont also softened his stance regarding an EV mandate. "It was a question about freedom: 'You can't take away...