File photo

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed a sweeping executive order aimed at reducing pollution and addressing climate change Thursday, a month after pulling back his support of a regional climate initiative amid concerns it would further increase gas prices.

Under the order, the state will review all public buildings for energy efficiency, develop home appliance standards and building codes aimed at reducing energy costs, seek to make the state transit bus fleet all electric by 2035 and expand air quality monitoring statewide.

There will also be a new Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council to address higher pollution levels and climate change mitigation, particularly in poorer and more racially diverse communities. The panel will advise the commissioner of the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection on what steps the agency can take.

State officials will also assess whether California’s stricter emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles can be adopted in Connecticut. And the order directs state officials to work with cities and towns on projects to guard against the effects of climate change, including flooding.

Residential home heating, concrete and steel used in commercial construction and private trucks and cars are the leading sources of carbon emissions in Connecticut. Lamont had tried to include a voluntary “stretch” green building code for municipalities to adopt in his 2021 budget, but the move met stiff opposition from developers.