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A Connecticut effort to curb carbon-spewing emissions from large trucks by adopting California’s clean air regulations moved forward March 28, despite heavy criticism from opponents who said it could lead to higher costs on Connecticut businesses.

With the state budget surplus hitting record-breaking levels, Connecticut legislators voted unanimously March 23 to cut gasoline taxes — and talked about reducing more taxes in the future.

The Connecticut General Assembly approved a bill that would impose a highway use fee on heavy commercial trucks.

HARTFORD, Conn. — Republican state lawmakers, along with trucking and food-distribution executives, on April 28 declared war on Gov. Ned Lamont’s proposed regional climate initiative and user tax for heavy trucks on state highways.

In his recent budget address, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont proposed a mileage-based fee on tractor-trailers estimated to raise $90 million annually.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation released its $9.7 billion capital plan, which includes investments across various modes of transportation over the next five years.

Gov. Ned Lamont has called for a pause on the vote for trucks-only tolls in Connecticut after repeated delays from lawmakers to convene for a vote.

With Connecticut state legislators deeply distrustful of each other, lawmakers are considering a new plan for Gov. Ned Lamont’s proposal to toll trucks only at 12 bridges — offering two separate bills with six tolls each and forcing the House of Representatives and Senate to vote twice.

The Connecticut Office of Policy and Management released an analysis revealing that funding has been diverted from the General Fund to support the Special Transportation Fund in nearly every state budget since 2003.

A trucks-only tolling system in Connecticut is part of the latest iteration of Gov. Ned Lamont’s transportation investment plan.