Sec. 23-32a. Study re sustainable harvesting of forests. Plan based on study results. Report.

(a) On or before July 1, 2009, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection may, within existing budgetary resources and in consultation with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, The University of Connecticut and any other entities deemed appropriate by the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection, complete a study regarding sustainable harvesting of forests in this state.

(b) If a study is conducted in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, in consultation with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, The University of Connecticut and any other such entities deemed appropriate by said commissioner, shall develop a sustainable forest harvesting plan based on the results of such study. The plan shall take into account carbon credit opportunities, the potential for maintaining a sustainable supply of biomass fuels, and the agricultural and silvicultural capability of the region.

(c) If a study is conducted in accordance with subsection (a) of this section, not later than July 1, 2009, the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection shall report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to the environment the conclusions of such study.

(P.A. 08-172, S. 2; P.A. 11-80, S. 1.)

History: P.A. 08-172 effective June 6, 2008; pursuant to P.A. 11-80, “Commissioner of Environmental Protection” and “Department of Environmental Protection” were changed editorially by the Revisors to “Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection” and “Department of Energy and Environmental Protection”, respectively, effective July 1, 2011.