As the 2024 legislative session continues, we encourage our members to keep an eye on our Watchlist as a resource to remain informed about important environmental and voting rights legislation on the agenda this year.
The Capitol has seen a flurry of activity these last few weeks. CTLCV has already testified on a number of bills this session, and we're committed to keeping you informed as these bills progress. Once the committees begin to vote on these measures, we will continue to update you with the information you need to take action. Stay tuned! Thank you for your advocacy and support. -The CTLCV Team
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This year’s priority climate legislation HB 5004 is scheduled for a public hearing THIS FRIDAY, March 8th at 11 AM in Room 2B of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. We need YOUR voice to make this bill a top priority with our elected leaders!
Here's how to make a powerful impact:
Please feel free to use this fact sheet on HB 5004 and this sample language that you can draw from to submit your own testimony. (Personalized testimony is always more powerful, so we recommend customizing your message). Other key environmental bills are also up Friday – let's flood the hearings with support for a greener CT! -Lori Brown This is a critical week for environmental legislation, and your voice is needed more than ever! Several important bills are receiving public hearings, and we want to make sure you have all the information you need to participate.
Public Hearings This Week: Energy & Technology Committee Hearing Thursday, March 7th at 11:30 AM. Sign up to testify Submit written testimony Bills: HB 5358, An Act Concerning A Study on Geothermal Energy (support with changes) HB 300, An Act Concerning Natural Gas Capacity and the Renewable Portfolio Standard (oppose) Environment Committee Hearing Friday, March 8th at 11 AM. Sign up to testify Submit testimony Bills: HB 5004, An Act Concerning Certain Climate Change Measures (support) SB 190, An Act Concerning the Use of Neonicotinoids (support with changes) SB 191, An Act Concerning Food Scrap Diversion from the Solid Waste Stream and the Redemption of Out-of-State Beverage Containers (support) SB 292, An Act Concerning the Use of PFAS in Certain Products (support) Additionally, join the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN) for a webinar TONIGHT, March 4th from 7-8:30 PM on environmental legislation. You will hear about the bills mentioned above, plus updates on other bills. RSVP here. You can also still join us TOMORROW, March 5th for our Testimony Training webinar from 5-6 PM. It's not too late to RSVP here! Keep an eye out for our additional follow-up on how to take action on key priority bills being heard this week. -The CTLCV Team As part of our ongoing commitment to keeping you informed and engaged, we're excited to share the latest updates and upcoming events going on around the state. Each week we will be featuring “Action Hours”, short one hour learning opportunities about different issues that CTLCV or one of our many friends are hosting. These Action Hours can help you become involved and informed in current environmental and democracy issues.
Upcoming Action Hours: CTLCV is hosting a "Testimony Writing Training" Tuesday, March 5th from 5- 6 PM. During this session, we will hear from two seasoned advocates, CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown and Shoreline Indivisible Co-Founder Carol Rizzolo, who will share their expertise and insights on effective testimony writing. Join us as we learn strategies for crafting testimonies that effectively communicate our concerns and advocate for positive change in this year's legislative session. To register for this event, click here. Third Act is hosting an "All-In Call" Wednesday, March 6th at 8 PM. Former Vice President and climate activist, Al Gore will be a featured speaker, joined in conversation with Third Act Lead Advisor, Akaya Windwood, and Third Act Founder, Bill McKibben. They will share campaign updates, hear from our local elder activists, and gain insight into what is coming up next! To register for this event, click here. In addition to these Action Hours, there are several other exciting events planned for the upcoming two weeks we would like to share. Upcoming Events: The Connecticut Coalition for Pesticide Reform is hosting a conference titled “Neonics, The New DDT — What You Need to Know About the Pesticides Harming Connecticut’s Birds, Bees, Wildlife & People” on Monday, March 11th from 12- 5 PM. The event will take place at the McCook Auditorium at Trinity College, Hartford, and will also be accessible via Zoom. This conference aims to educate and engage advocates, residents, and government officials interested in reducing the use of neonicotinoid pesticides in the state, highlighting the impact of these chemicals on the environment and public health. To register for this event, click here. The Climate Health Professionals is hosting a Lobby Day on Wednesday March 13th at 9AM, Legislative Office Building Room 1B, Hartford, CT. With the approaching 2024 legislative session, bills are already being drafted to shape the future of our climate and health in Connecticut. To connect with key stakeholders, decision-makers, and like-minded advocates. Sierra Club is hosting a Climate & Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on Friday, March 15th from 9 - 10:30 AM. At this event you will hear from speakers about bills before the legislature on topics including climate, clean energy, pollution reduction, toxics, and waste reduction. There will be materials available for you to share with your legislators following the program. To register for this event, click here. These events are fantastic opportunities to connect with fellow advocates, learn more about current efforts, and get involved in meaningful ways. -The CTLCV Team Our partners at the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) just released the 2023 National Environmental Scorecard and we’re excited to share Connecticut’s scores with you.
The 2023 National Environmental Scorecard highlights our state leaders' tremendous action to protect our environment. Since 1970, LCV’s Scorecard has been the primary yardstick for evaluating the environmental records of members of Congress. Since 1970, LCV’s Scorecard has been the primary yardstick for evaluating the environmental records of members of Congress. It is available for download in English, in Spanish, and online with additional info at scorecard.lcv.org. CTLCV is proud to have leaders who stand up against big polluters and attacks on our environment. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, and Representatives John Larson, Joe Courtney, Jim Himes, Rosa DeLauro, and Jahana Hayes worked every day to protect our air and water, and build a clean energy future for all of Connecticut. We know the work is not done. The 2023 Scorecard includes a near record-high 36 votes in the House. The Senate in contrast approved four bipartisan appropriations bills and 69 lifetime federal judges with exceptional environmental records. The full delegation’s scores for 2023 are: Senator Murphy- 100% Senator Blumenthal - 100% Representative Larson - 100% Representative Courtney - 100% Representative Himes - 100% Representative Hayes - 97% Representative DeLauro - 100% Check out the 2023 National Environmental Scorecard here, and learn more about how your representatives and others across the country voted on critical issues. LCV has published a National Environmental Scorecard every Congress since 1970. The Scorecard represents the consensus of experts from more than 20 respected environmental and conservation organizations who selected the key votes on which members of Congress should be scored. LCV scores votes on the most important issues of the year, including energy, climate change, environmental justice, public health, public lands and wildlife conservation, democracy, and spending for environmental programs. The votes included in the Scorecard presented members of Congress with a real choice and helped distinguish which legislators are working for environmental protection. More information on individual votes and the Scorecard archive can be found at scorecard.lcv.org. CTLCV works in close partnership with LCV in our mission to protect the environment. We also produce Connecticut’s Environmental and Democracy Scorecard annually to report on our state legislature's progress and hold our elected leaders accountable for their votes. The General Assembly’s Energy & Technology Committee is holding its public hearing this Tuesday, February 27th at 10:00 AM in Room 1A at the state Legislative Office building. You can also watch it on Youtube Live. There is still time to act!
This hearing is entirely devoted to Solar Energy and the Committee needs to hear from YOU🌞 The three solar bills being heard on the AGENDA include:
Here are some background briefing papers that you can draw from for your own testimony: In addition, we are including here some sample language that you mayuse as a template to submit your own testimony. Register to testify for the Energy & Technology Committee hearing. You must register to testify no LATER than 3 PM TODAY, Monday, Feb. 26th. Please submit written testimony using this On-line Testimony Submission Form. The speaker order will be posted on the day before the hearing on the CT General Assembly Schedule of Events calendar after the 3pm deadline has passed. Any written testimony submitted before the meeting will be published in time for the hearing. Contact our office at (860)236-5442 to let us know if you need more information. Thank you for your advocacy! Lori Brown Now that legislative committees of the CT General Assembly have identified issues to take up this year, the public hearings have begun on important environmental bills!
There are two public hearings next week: Energy & Technology Committee Hearing Date: February 27 Time: 10:00 AM Room 1A of the LOB or watch live via Youtube Register to testify HERE Submit comments HERE AGENDA Environment Committee Hearing Date: February 28 Time: 10:00 AM Room 2B of LOB or watch live via Youtube Register to testify HERE Submit comments HERE AGENDA CTLCV will be submitting testimony on many of the bills being heard, and we encourage you to do the same. Our next communication will include more information on legislative proposals, as well as information on a testimony training we will be hosting in the upcoming weeks. The deadline for registration to testify in person or by zoom is 3pm the day before the hearing. The speaker order will be posted on the day before the hearing on the CT General Assembly Schedule of Events calendar after the 3pm deadline has passed. Any written testimony submitted before the meeting will be published in time for the hearing. As many of our longstanding members know, this is one of the best times to have your voice heard by our elected leaders and decision-makers on issues you care about. There will be more hearings, but there is a very short time to get bills voted out of committee and on to the full legislature. Most of the committee deadlines are the last week in March, so get your testimony ready! Thank you for your continued support and advocacy. -The CTLCV Team As the 2024 legislative session moves ahead, one of our top priorities alongside other environmental organizations is addressing food waste.
We invite you to join us for a virtual webinar hosted by the Sierra Club TOMORROW, February 21st at 12 PM. The webinar will feature experts discussing how Connecticut can pass legislation to assist municipalities and individuals in reducing food waste, and how YOU can contribute to these efforts. For more information and to register click here. We look forward to your participation and engagement in this critical issue. -The CTLCV Team On January 23rd, CTLCV held our annual Environmental Summit at the Connecticut Science Center. We are grateful to everyone who participated in the event!
For anyone who could not attend the Summit but wants to watch individual panels or presenters, visit the 2024 Summit page for the recordings. You can also access briefing papers on key issues and a photo gallery capturing moments from the event. CTLCV will be working hard to make progress on the many issues that were discussed at the Summit on behalf of all Connecticut residents. Stay tuned for action alerts and upcoming opportunities to help make a difference for our environment in the weeks ahead. Thank you for your activism and support! -The CTLCV Team Last week, February 2nd, CTLCV joined advocates and environmental organizations at the Keep Connecticut’s Climate Promise March. Together, we marched from Founders Plaza to the State Capitol in Hartford to demand climate action now from our state leaders.
February marks Black History Month, a time when we reflect on the profound contributions of Black Americans to our society. It's important to recognize that Hartford, along with other Environmental Justice communities in Connecticut, bear a disproportionate burden of potential health risks from polluting facilities in our state. Black and brown communities, in particular, are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. This reality underscores the urgency of our mission to advocate for equitable and sustainable solutions in our state. Throughout history, Black Americans have been at the forefront of environmental advocacy, fighting for clean air, water, and land. This month, we celebrate their contributions and amplify their voices in our ongoing efforts to protect our planet and our democracy here at CTLCV. As we commemorate Black History Month, we remain committed to advancing environmental justice, advocating for policies that uplift marginalized communities, and fostering a healthier planet for all. Let us stand together unified in our work to improve our communities with action and compassion. -The CTLCV Team 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!! In just one week, on February 2nd, the Sierra Club is organizing Keep Connecticut’s Climate Promise March! Many Environmental Organizations will unite to demand climate action now from our state leaders. This is an opportunity to let your voice be heard. The details for the march are as follows:.
Date: February 2, 2024 Time: 12:00 PM (Noon) Location: Plaza behind the Old State House (800 Main Street), Hartford This march will take us through the streets of Hartford, stopping at key locations such as Eversource, Travelers, and the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection and end at the State Capitol. Along the way, we'll hear from advocates such as Jayson Velazquez from Acadia Center, Quanishe Flippin from Connecticut Citizens Action Group, Sharon Lewis from Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice, and Rabbi Joshua Ratner from Congregation Beth El Fairfield. For more information and to RSVP click here. This is a critical moment for us to come together, raise awareness about the climate crisis, and advocate for practical solutions that can make a real difference here in Connecticut. We hope you can join us next Friday! -The CTLCV Team We would like to inform you that in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, CTLCV will be closed on Monday, January 15th.
As an organization dedicated to environmental conservation and social justice, we believe it is crucial to recognize and pay homage to the profound contributions of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His tireless efforts and leadership played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights and fostering a more inclusive and equitable society. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is not only a day of remembrance but also an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing work towards equality and justice. Dr. King's legacy serves as an inspiration as we strive to promote environmental protection and advocate for sustainable policies in Connecticut. In honoring this day, we acknowledge the interconnectedness of social justice and environmental issues. Environmental justice calls for the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all individuals, irrespective of race, color, national origin, or income, in the development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies. This day prompts us to address historical and persistent environmental injustices that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. We encourage everyone to take a moment on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to reflect on the significance of his contributions and the relevance of his ideals to our environmental mission. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we can collectively work towards a more just and sustainable future for all. Please be advised that our office will resume operations on Tuesday, January 16th, and we will promptly respond to any pending inquiries or requests. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. -CTLCV Staff There has been some exciting progress made in New York to protect people and wildlife from harmful pesticides.
Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed into law the Birds and Bees Protection Act, marking a significant stride in protecting New Yorkers and their environment from potentially harmful toxins, specifically neonicotinoid pesticides, aka “neonics”. The legislation prohibits the use of this pesticide on certain seeds and on lawns and ornamental landscaping, prioritizing the well-being of birds, pollinators, pets, and people. This proactive measure restricts the use of neonics and allows time for a smooth transition to more economically and environmentally sustainable alternatives. In light of the successful legislation in New York, we encourage you to consider how similar measures could benefit Connecticut. As we approach Connecticut’s upcoming 2024 legislative session, advocates are working hard to pass legislation that would ban this dangerous poison. To find out more about neonics and other pressing environmental priorities, we invite you to participate in the 2024 Environmental Summit on January 23rd at the CT Science Center. Join us to find out how YOU can help advance environmental protection in our state! We are so excited to reconvene in-person for our Environmental Summit on January 23rd at the Connecticut Science Center. This will be a great event to connect with lawmakers, advocates and community members alike to discuss our environmental priorities.
Our Summit is also a great opportunity for businesses to be featured in front of our environmental community. We invite you to consider the variety of sponsorship and advertising options we are offering. The sooner a sponsor is confirmed, the more exposure a company will have as people register for the event and visit our webpage for details. Please click here to find more details about these opportunities. We are proud to announce that with each sponsorship and advertisement placed, CTLCV will plant a number of trees through the One Tree Planted organization, who is dedicated to improving climate change resilience and mitigation. We hope you will consider a sponsorship or advertisement to promote your business or organization and support our Summit. If you know someone else who might be interested becoming a sponsor, feel free to pass this email along to them. |
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