Since the end of last year’s legislative session, we have been working non-stop with the many environmental leaders, citizen advocates, and state legislators who are fighting for a clean and healthy environment.
Together, we are prepared with a slate of legislative priorities to protect Connecticut’s environment through stronger state laws and policies. Protections for the environment — especially climate — did not make the progress we had hoped for in the last session of the Connecticut legislature. We are now in the position of catching up with our neighboring states. We are facing intense opposition from the gas and oil industries, who have been fueling misinformation and distrust to block the transition to clean energy and clean transportation in Connecticut and across the nation. It is our job to hold lawmakers accountable to do all they can to reduce air pollution, protect our forests, waters, and wildlife, and to address the overarching environmental threat of climate change. These are some of the top priorities of many different coalitions of groups working together year after year. These leaders are the driving force behind CT’s climate and environmental agenda for the 2024 session ahead: CLIMATE CHANGE A major focus will be updating the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act to set higher standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that will achieve science-based climate goals, and the need to address CT’s poor air quality. Nature-based solutions to climate change are essential to comprehensive climate planning and provide many ecosystem benefits. We need to align with science-based goals for a clean environment by advancing the full potential ofsolar energy, expanding clean heating and cooling technology such as heat pumps, and creating carbon-free schools. We need legislators to replenish energy efficiency programs, which also will support environmental justice efforts by updating urban and low income housing infrastructure so people can access energy efficiency programs. We strongly support offshore wind as a key component for reaching the state’s decarbonization goals. VEHICLE EMISSIONS The state must pass legislation to update CT’s vehicle emissions standards to reduce tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks. Vehicle emissions are considered a significant and measurable threat to public health and the environment. A key to cleaner air and reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change is for Connecticut to adopt regulations that would equitably phase in sales of electric vehicles matched with investments in charging infrastructure for clean cars and trucks by 2035. FOOD WASTE PREVENTION Legislation is long overdue to help reduce the state’s waste stream by reducing and diverting food waste away from our trash. Food waste is estimated to make up 22% of the waste stream, which currently ends up incinerated, added to landfills, or shipped out of state at great cost to taxpayers. This is a statewide waste crisis that lawmakers must address by state action. PESTICIDES We must urge legislators to adopt policies to reduce or eliminate the widespread use of pesticides. This includes rodenticides which are lethal to birds of prey, and neonicotinoids (“neonics”) which are linked to widespread decline of pollinators. There has been legislation for several years to stop the damage from these poisonous chemicals and lawmakers must not further delay passage of these bills. PFAS Another toxic chemical known as PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) must be entirely eliminated from our environment, most urgently from our drinking water. PFAS are commonly used in countless consumer products, including non-stick cookware, water repellent clothing, stain resistant fabrics and carpets, cosmetics, toys, and food packaging. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment and are highly toxic to humans and wildlife. This year, we have a great deal of work to accomplish in a short amount of time. The 2024 session is short, ending on May 8, which means we must be well prepared and ready to go from day one. We will be looking for large turnouts during public hearings from advocates across the state, and support from our legislative champions during committee debates in the Assembly. STAY TUNED FOR UPCOMING ACTION ALERTS!!
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