Rep. MJ Shannon Wants to Make Your Sky-High CT Energy Bills Even Higher
- Mar 9
- 2 min read
In a disappointing blow to affordability in the 117th District, State Rep. MJ Shannon cast a key vote to push his controversial "Climate Superfund" bill (HB 5156) out of the Environment Committee. The bill, according to a recent report, will drive gasoline, diesel, and heating oil prices up by roughly 33 cents per gallon, costs that will flow straight to consumers in the form of skyrocketing utility bills, higher grocery prices, and inflated everyday expenses.
Connecticut families already shoulder some of the highest energy costs in the nation, bills that routinely sting, especially in winter when heating demand spikes and fuel constraints drive prices up. We're talking punishing rates that hit working households and Main Street businesses hardest, year after year.
Don’t just take my word for it, listen to the people who know Connecticut’s economy best:
The Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) was unequivocal: “A fee imposed on oil and natural gas will only increase energy prices” and “Fuel prices are a primary driver of wholesale electricity costs in the regional power market … A fee imposed on oil and natural gas will only increase our energy prices in Connecticut.” They urged rejection of the bill.
The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) cut to the chase: “NFIB opposes HB-5156 as currently drafted because Connecticut's small businesses simply cannot afford higher energy, heating, or fuel costs.”
Connecticut can't afford more burdens on families already struggling with sky-high energy costs. We need practical policies that protect our environment without making life more expensive, policies that prioritize reliability, affordability, and common sense. Rep. Shannon's bill does the opposite: it would punish the fuels that kept us warm this winter and drive up bills when we can least afford it.
Residents of Orange, Milford and West Haven deserve a leader who understands our real challenges, not someone pushing plans that hit our wallets harder.
