Gov. Ned Lamont Thursday signed a sweeping new climate change order for Connecticut to reduce carbon emissions.

Super storms are happening more often in Connecticut.

"What we weren't able to do through legislation here in Connecticut over the last, you know, year or two, we're taking the lead right now with this executive order," said Lamont.

The governor's executive order is sweeping, with 23 actions, including tougher building codes and new standards for household appliances.

It aims to make state agencies carbon-zero by the year 2030.

"It's really important that we lead by example -- state government leads by example," Lamont said.

When it comes to gas-guzzling vehicles, the state will once again look at upgrading to California's strict emissions standards.

Lamont wants all electric buses by 2035. The state will also fortify highway culverts that are likely to flood.

"Will this solve climate change? Will this ensure that we meet our Global Warming Solutions Act goals? Well, no," said Katie Dykes, commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Republicans say the actions are vague and will make goods more expensive.

“This is pandering in its truest form,” said state Rep. Vin Candelora, the top Republican in the Connecticut House. “Gov. Lamont is going around the General Assembly by installing concepts that failed to make it through the committee process, all in a bid to appease the frustrated environmentalists in his political base.”

Environmentalists say it doesn't go far enough.

The Transportation Climate Initiative would have capped carbon emissions, but it's on the shelf over gas price concerns. Lamont says he's not giving up on TCI.

"I don't think we're going to see it in this current session. I think you'll see it the future," said Lamont.