| Contact: Lori Brown, CTLCV Exec. Dir.
(Office) 860.236.5442
(Mobile) 860.214.0345
(Email) lori.brown@ctlcv.org
| CTLCV Press Releases | | CTLCV in the NewsFeb 22, 2010: Weston Forum reports on Connecticut's federal delegation's perfect scores on National LCV Environmental Scorecard Feb 2, 2010: Sustainable Energy Jobs reproduced our post Keep the Momentum Going: Green Jobs Oct 27, 2008 - The Register Citizen online notes Michelle Cook's endorsement by CTLCV. Oct 25, 2008 - On Sen. Bob Duff, the Real Estate Forum Blog notes that "After the 2002, 2004, and 2006 legislative sessions, CTLCV cited Bob for his positive voting record on environmental issues. Oct 22, 2008 - The Weston Forum reports CTLCV's recognition of Sen. John McKinney as a 2008 environmental champion, in League of Conservation Voters: Weston legislators make the grade Oct 17, 2008 - The Litchfield Enquirer runs "League Rates the Legislators," reporting on CTLCV's 2008 Environmental Scorecard Oct 16, 2008 - Litchfield County Times story, Scorecard for Legislators, covers CTLCV's Environmental Scorecard and features Sen. Roraback and Rep. Willis as the league's Environmental Champions. Oct 14, 2008 - The Quad Town Advisor reports CTLCV's endorsement of Steve Fontana (D-North Haven, House Dist. 87). CTLCV has praised Fontana for grappling with difficult issues as co-chair of the legislature's Energy & Technology Committee. Oct 14, 2008 - A Middletown Press story notes Rep. Kalinowksi's environmental record Oct 5, 2008 - The Sunday Republican's article entitled "Creed, Miner Spar on Environment Votes," Nick Creed criticizes opponent Craig Miner's 43% score in CTLCV's 2008 Environmental Scorecard. The article also reports Creed's CTLCV endorsement. Creed is taking on Miner for the House seat for Litchfield's 66th District. Oct 2, 2008 - The Glastonbury Citizen reports Rep. Tom Kehoe's 2008 Environmental Score of 100%. Kehoe stated that "Now more than ever it is imperative that we protect our natural environment. I am committed to supporting legislation and doing everything I can to help us preserve a healthy environment for our children and our future generations." Oct 2, 2008 - Rep. Jason Bartlett (D-Bethel) writes about his 2008 Environmental Score of 95% in the Redding Pilot Sept 17, 2008 - The release of CTLCV's Environmental Scorecard is reported in Chris Zurcher's CT Environmental Headlines blog. Aug 24, 2008 - CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown was quoted in a Waterbury Republican American story on The Free Speech Loophole. Aug 20, 2008 - CTLCV's Environmental Scorecard is noted in a Fairfield Citizen-News story reporting State Representative Tom Drew's public transportation award. Drew scored 97% in CTLCV's 2007 Environmental Scorecard. Aug 18, 2008 - CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown was quoted in an AP story, "Primaries Expose Loopholes in System," carried in the Greenwich Time: "Lori Brown, executive director of the League of Conservation Voters, set up a new political action committee. Eco Vote Connecticut, to handle independent expenditures. She said campaign spending by groups like hers is important. 'You can't muzzle people,' she said. 'If somebody wants to know if my 'rep' or senator is performing on the environment in the way 1 would like them to vote, we should be able to say that.' "
Aug 18, 2008 - CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown was quoted in an AP story, Primaries Expose Loopholes in System, carried in the Hartford Business Journal. Aug 18, 2008 - CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown was quoted in a Waterbury Republican American story entitled Independent Expenditures Offer Way Around Campaign Laws Aug 18, 2008 - CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown was quoted in an AP story, Primaries Expose Loopholes in System, carried in the Norwalk Hour: "Lori Brown, executive director of the League of Conservation Voters, set up a new political action committee, Eco Vote Connecticut, to handle independent expenditures. She said campaign spending by groups like hers is important. 'You can't muzzle people,' she said. 'If somebody wants to know if my 'rep' or senator is performing on the environment in the way 1 would like them to vote, we should be able to say that.' "
Aug 18, 2008 - Executive Director Lori Brown was quoted in Cash Slips Through Campaign Finance Loophole, in the Journal Inquirer May 8, 2008 - WNPR talked with Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director, about the close of the 2008 legislative session. The story reported that: "... Environmental advocates champion a wide range of causes, from clean transportation to open space protection. This year the environment committee reported more than 70 bills out of committee. Some environmental advocates say next year if environmental groups prioritize fewer bills they might get more bills passed. Lori Brown of the League of Conservation Voters says in other states this has been an effective strategy for environmentalists. 'I think to really help legislators and guide them we need to get together better as a community and work together and determine what are the top 3 to 5 priorities that we know have to get passed this session to make a significant impact on Connecticut environmental policy.' Brown says several groups are leaning towards this 'less is more' strategy. This year out of fourteen bills supported by her group only six passed."
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| | | For Immediate Release February 22, 2010 Contact: Kate Geller, National LCV (202.454.4573 or kate_geller@lcv.org)
Lori Brown, CTLCV (860.214.0345 or lori.brown@ctlcv.org)
2009 National Environmental Scorecard available at www.lcv.org/scorecard Press Release: CTLCV Announces Connecticut Delegation Scores from National Environmental Scorecard
Hartford, CT - Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) joined the national League of Conservations Voters in releasing the 2009 National Environmental Scorecard, unveiling scores for the Connecticut delegation in the first session of the 111th Congress. For 30 years, the LCV's National Environmental Scorecard has been the nationally-accepted yardstick used to rate members of Congress on environmental, public health and energy issues. In Connecticut, all five House members and two senators earned a perfect 100 percent score in 2009. Only Connecticut and Hawaii earned perfect scores in both chambers. "We applaud Connecticut's entire federal delegation for fighting in 2009 to bring clean energy jobs to the state and reduce our national dependence on foreign oil," said CTLCV's Executive Director, Lori Brown. "Now we need our state lawmakers to take equal note of their constituents' overriding concerns with protecting our environment, moving toward a clean energy future, and creating jobs to get us there." The 2009 National Environmental Scorecard includes 11 Senate and 13 House votes dominated by clean energy and climate but also encompassing other environmental issues such as public lands, water and wildlife conservation. "The 2009 National Environmental Scorecard illustrates the extent to which the Obama administration and the 111th Congress began to move our nation towards a clean energy future that will create new jobs, make America more energy independent and curb global warming pollution," said LCV President Gene Karpinski. "However, it also makes clear that there is still much work to be done, first and foremost to finish the work started in the House by swiftly passing a comprehensive clean energy and climate bill in the Senate." Connecticut Delegation 2009 National Environmental Scores Senate
Dodd (D ) 100%
Lieberman (I ) 100%
House
Larson, J. (D- Dist 1) 100%
Courtney (D-Dist 2) 100%
DeLauro (D-Dist 3) 100%
Himes (D-Dist 4) 100%
Murphy, C. (D-Dist 5) 100% Representatives Larson, Courtney, DeLauro, Himes and Murphy all voted for the landmark American Clean Energy and Security Act. That bill would help bring more than 16,741 clean energy jobs to Connecticut, according to the Center for American Progress & Political Economy Research Institute's clean energy jobs map. In Connecticut, state lawmakers were graded by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Environmental Scorecard (CTLCV) for votes taken during the 2009 session of the Connecticut General Assembly. Connecticut's state lawmakers' environmental voting records are available in CTLCV's 2009 Environmental Scorecard, online at www.ctlcv.org/scorecard. ### > back to top
| For Immediate Release February 11, 2010 Contact: Lori Brown, office 860.236.5442; mobile 860.214.0345 or lori.brown@ctlcv.org
Press Release: CTLCV Gears Up for Next Environmental Scorecard; Early Assault on Environment is Duly Noted Hartford, CT - February 11, 2010 - Connecticut is only one week into its 2010 legislative session, and already its environment is under attack. No Shortage of Bad Ideas
Short-sighted and ill-conceived legislative proposals have emerged that would: Sell off state land without following rules requiring public disclosure and public comment; Rob clean energy and energy efficiency accounts in order to pay the costs of borrowing money to plug our current $1.3 billion budget gap; Allow a takeover of the Department of Environmental Protection by the Department of Community & Economic Development; and Form a commission to expedite the environmental permitting process--without designating a single environmental specialist seat on the commission.
CTLCV will continue to fulfill its mission as a legislative watchdog and track these and other environmental issues closely throughout the session and report them on our online Watchlist (www.ctlcv.org/watchlist.htm). Wanted: Green Jobs, Clean Energy and Transportation Alternatives
In addition to fending off destructive bills that would compromise Connecticut's land, air, water and wildlife, CTLCV will also be watching for constructive, proactive, pro-environment measures--especially those that can be implemented at low or no cost. CTLCV will be particularly attentive to bills that create jobs that are good for the air, water, land, wildlife, build a clean energy economy, reform muncipal revenue mechanisms, impair environmental funding, or support transportation alternatives. Bipartisan, Environmental Champions Sought for 2010
CTLCV will look to last session's pro-environment freshman class and to the environmental champions from both parties that we highlighted in our 2009 Environmental Scorecard to continue to earn their titles. To make real progress, we're also expecting them to demonstrate bipartisan leadership of the highest caliber. We're Here to Help!
As always, CTLCV staff is available to field your questions on environmental legislation throughout the session. Please call on us at 860.236.5442 if we may be of assistance. ### About CTLCV
Formed in 2000, the bipartisan Connecticut League of Conservation Voters focuses on getting smart, sustainable environmental policies enacted in Connecticut. CTLCV works with Connecticut's environmental advocates to promote important bills that affect Connecticut's air, water, wildlife, open space, transportation, energy choices and health. CTLCV educates state legislators about these bills through Scorecard Alerts and urges them to cast a pro-environment vote. In election years, CTLCV researches positions taken by political candidates and endorses those who demonstrate leadership and pledge to make the environment a high legislative priority. CTLCV's endorsements have become widely sought by candidates of all parties. These endorsements give environment-minded voters the information they need to make informed choices at election time. > back to top | Press Release: 2009 Legislative Session: What Happened to Energy & Water Protection? Hartford, CT - June 4, 2009 - When the Connecticut General Assembly ended its 2009 session at midnight on June 3rd, environmental leaders were dismayed by devastating losses in two areas-energy and water -but grateful for promises that the upcoming budget will have at least some funds for dairy farms, open space, and other environmental causes. There were also modest gains relating to toxins in consumer products, pesticides, recycling, land-use planning, and "smart growth" (policies designed to halt and roll back sprawling development). Low Points: No Senate Vote on Solar; Water Quality Ignored
The General Assembly's failure to adopt comprehensive policies on energy marks one of the lowest points of the 2009 session. A major bill to develop a solar energy industry in Connecticut (HB6635) passed in the House by a vote of 145-0. The bill would have helped Connecticut businesses compete and thrive as the world begins the inevitable shift to an alternative energy economy. But the Senate did not bring the bill to a vote.
"The state desperately needs leadership and comprehensive reform of energy planning and administration," said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director. "But inertia and the famously strained relations between the Senate Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee and the last two House Chairs have blocked progress."
Almost as disappointing, a bill to protect inland wetlands and water courses (SB569) died in the last hour of the House session after passing the Senate unanimously. A companion bill to save natural vegetation buffering the state's waters (HB5934) made it through three committees but died in the House without coming to a vote. Attacks on Environmental Safeguards Foiled
At the start of the year, it seemed that the economic recession might be used successfully as a wedge to open the door to bills waiving, evading, and undermining basic environmental laws. Advocates had to defend the Clean Water Act against a bill exempting copper-laden wastewater washed off boat hulls from regulation; the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act from bills exempting an airport expansion and federally funded construction projects from normal environmental review; and from bills overriding the authority of the Department of Environmental Protection to regulate construction in a floodplain and new hydropower construction on state-owned dams.
"Environmentalists came together as a team to meet these challenges, and we were almost fully successful," said CTLCV Board Member Margaret Miner. "But this entire session highlighted the struggle to protect the state's remaining high-quality resources as good land and good water diminish."
Wins for the Environment: Recycling, Smart Growth, Complete Streets, Toxics Bans, Dairy Farms
Pro-environment bills passed in Connecticut's 2009 legislative session include measures to: Add water bottles in the recycling deposit program (PA 09-2) Ban Bisphenol-A from children's products sold in Connecticut (PA 09-103 Require environment-friendly cleaning products in schools (PA 09-81) Keep limits on the use of pesticides at day-care facilities and elementary schools (PA 09-20) Make streets and roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians (SB735) Expand the Community Investment Act to encompass dairy farms, open space and historic urban centers (SB 891) Advance smart growth principles (HB6467)
It's Not Over Until It's Over: The Budget
All of the laws and policies passed in the regular legislative session are entirely or partly dependent on how shrinking state funds are allocated in the state budget. Many of the bills passed reflect intentions for future action rather than firm commitments. Legislators are now poised to take on the all-important budget during a Special Session anticipated to begin later this month. Environmental advocates will be working to promote funding that helps the twin goals of a sustainable environment and a prosperous economy.
For more information on any of these bills or upcoming environmental budget priorities, please contact Lori Brown, Executive Director, at 860.236.5442 or lori.brown@ctlcv.org. For our complete 2009 watchlist, visit www.ctlcv.org/watchlist.
About the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters
The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (www.ctlcv.org) is a bipartisan environmental advocacy group that focuses on getting smart, sustainable environmental policies enacted in Connecticut. Its affiliates include the CTLCV Education Fund (conservationeducation.org) and the CTLCV PAC. ### > back to top
| Press Release: Transportation Beats Energy & Global Warming as Candidates' Top Enviro Issues
For Immediate Release: Oct 27, 2008 (HARTFORD, CT) - State elections are just around the corner, so we're sharing our analysis of the state candidates' responses to our annual survey. It'll help your readers see where the candidates stand on Connecticut's top environmental issues, and where political party sets them apart. And how they'll square with Governor Rell's plans to cancel certain environmental investments remains to be seen. Survey Identifies Four Clear Priorities
CTLCV's survey identified clear priorities among candidates. All together, the top four issues accounted for 72% of the candidates' priorities. They are 1) transportation and mass transit, 2) energy and global warming, 3) DEP Funding, and 4) the "Face of Connecticut." > MORE... About CTLCV's Survey
In election years, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters surveys candidates for state office about their positions on pressing environmental issues.
Our 2008 candidate survey focused on ten different legislative measures pertaining to the environment, which we identified through discussions with numerous environmental advocacy groups.
We asked candidates to state specifically whether they would lead on, co-sponsor, support, or oppose those initiatives. We also asked candidates to prioritize among those ten environmental issues or offer another.
LINKS: Details On Candidates' Support for legislation on: ### > back to top | Press Release: Legislators’ Grades Getting Greener, But Many Still Out of Touch with Public Sentiment HARTFORD, CT – You might think your Connecticut legislators vote pro-environment, but you can’t be sure if you don’t know the score. In its just-released 2008 Environmental Scorecard, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters graded Connecticut lawmakers on their environmental voting records. The League graded lawmakers according to their votes on 15 different bills related to the environment, including bills on global warming, open space, bottle recycling, toxic chemicals in consumer products, rivers and water quality, among others.  Legislators’ scores ranged from a low of 25% to a high of 100%, with 37 of Connecticut’s legislators earning a perfect score. “If you’re a voter and you care about the environment, the Scorecard is a great tool to help you see if the people who represent you at the Capitol are in sync with your pro-environment philosophy, or off the mark,” said Lori Brown, the League’s Executive Director. League Highlights Environmental Champions
The 2008 Environmental Scorecard highlights Connecticut’s environmental champions in the legislature. The League bestowed that honor on eleven lawmakers this year for their persistent efforts to protect the environment. For that, the League commends Senator Don Williams (D-Brooklyn), Senate President; Senator John McKinney (R-Southport), Senate Minority Leader; Senator Ed Meyer (D-Guilford), Senate Chair, Environment Committee; Senator Andrew Roraback (R-Goshen); Representative Denise Merrill (D-Mansfield), House Chair, Appropriations Committee; Representative Roberta Willis (D-Lakeville); Representative Patricia Widlitz (D-Guilford); Representative Livvy Floren (R-Greenwich); Representative Bryan Hurlburt (D-Tolland); Senator Andrew Maynard (D-Stonington); and Representative Jack Hennessey (D-Bridgeport). Scores of Both Houses Up Since Last Year
The State Senate brought its grades up considerably this year, with its average score coming in at 88%, up from 70% in 2007. The State House of Representatives brought its average scores up almost as much, to 83% from 71% in 2007. To calculate the scores, the League assigned one point for pro-environment votes, no points for anti-environment votes, and a half point for absences. Legislators’ votes on bills at the committee level, as well as at the House and Senate levels, figured into their overall scores. 31 Lawmakers Still Getting Low Marks
In contrast to Connecticut’s A-team of high-scoring, pro-environment legislators, the state still has a sizeable contingent of legislators who, if this were school, would be flunking out. Sixteen legislators earned failing scores of 25% to 59% on their environmental records, the equivalent of an F. Another 15 legislators earned the equivalent of a D, with scores of 60% to 69%. “The public’s getting more and more savvy about environmental issues like energy, global warming, recycling, sprawl, and water quality. People from every part of Connecticut get it. And they’re increasingly alarmed and annoyed that our government is nowhere near where it needs to be on protecting the environment,” said Brown. “We know the environment counts for a lot among Connecticut voters. We really hope the Environmental Scorecard will help them make informed decisions come election time, and hold lawmakers accountable.” Connecticut’s TOP SCORERS for 2008 | Senate Democrats | Score | Votes | | Senate Republicans | Score | Votes | Andrea Stillman (D-Waterford) | 100% | 8 | | Andrew Roraback (R-Goshen) | 100% | 8 | Eric Coleman (D-Bloomfield) | 100% | 7 | | Anthony Guglielmo (R-Old Saybrook) | 100% | 8 | Mary Ann Handley (D-Manchester) | 100% | 6 | | John Kissel (R-Enfield) | 100% | 6 | Donald Williams (D-Brooklyn) | 100% | 4 | | Robert Russo (R- Bridgeport) | 100% | 5 | Joseph Crisco (D-Woodbridge) | 100% | 4 | | David Cappiello (R-Danbury) | 88% | 13 | Martin Looney (D-New Haven) | 100% | 4 | | | | | Edward Meyer (D-Guilford)
| 96% | 23 | | | | | House Democrats | Score | Votes | | House Republicans | Score | Votes | Jack Hennessy (D-Bridgeport) | 100% | 24 | | William Aman (R-South Windsor) | 92% | 11 | Bryan Hurlburt (D-Tolland) | 100% | 23 | | John Frey (R-Ridgefield) | 90% | 9 | Emil Altobello (D-Meriden) | 100% | 12 | | Janice Giegler (R-Danbury) | 90% | 9 | Thomas Kehoe (D-S.Glastonbury) | 100% | 12 | | Claudia Powers (R-Riverside) | 90% | 9 | David McCluskey (D-West Hartford) | 100% | 12 | | Livvy Floren (R-Greenwich) | 89% | 10 | | | | | | | | Ten LOWEST SCORERS for 2008 | | Score | Votes | | | | | John Piscopo (R-Thomaston) | 25% | 23 | | | | | Ruth Fahrbach (R-Windsor) | 33% | 24 | | | | | Leonard Greene (R-Beacon Falls) | 33% | 12 | | | | | Craig Miner (R-Litchfield) | 43% | 24 | | | | | Richard Ferrari (R-East Granby) | 48% | 19 | | | | | Selim Noujaim (R-Waterbury) | 50% | 23 | | | | | Edward Moukawsher (D-Groton) | 50% | 10 | | | | | Clark Chapin (R-New Milford) | 53% | 29 | | | | | Jason Perillo (R-Shelton) | 55% | 30 | | | | | Shawn Johnston (D-N.Grosvenordale) | 56% | 10 | | | | |
For an electronic copy of the 2008 Environmental Scorecard, a full listing of legislators’ scores, and details on their votes on environmental legislation, please visit www.ctlcv.org. The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters is a bipartisan environmental advocacy group that focuses on getting smart, sustainable environmental policies enacted in Connecticut.
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| Press Release: 2008 Legislative Session: Some Significant Victories, But Many Missed OpportunitiesFor Immediate Release:
May 8, 2008 Hartford, CT – With nine pro-environment victories and eight missed opportunities, Connecticut’s 2008 legislative session was marginally successful from the standpoint of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV), a legislative watchdog for the environment. CTLCV is taking stock of legislators’ 2008 voting records for and against the environment for its annual Environmental Scorecard, scheduled for release in late June. Victories: By orchestrating a united front at the Capitol, environmental advocates worked together to win the passage of six pro-environment bills and defeated three anti-environment bills. The global warming bill is widely regarded as this year’s overwhelming winner. The bill caps emissions of global warming pollution and requires emissions cuts to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% emissions reductions from 2001 levels by 2050. Connecticut is the fifth state after California, New Jersey, Hawaii and Washington, to adopt mandatory limits on global warming pollution. Other significant pro-environment bills that passed include bills that limit toxins in toys, promote environmental justice, preserve the “face of Connecticut,” protect land trust tax exemptions, and promote sustainable forestry. The three anti-environmental bills that were defeated would have weakened municipal authority to promote conservation and contain development, allowed riding ATVs on public land, and undermined the Governor’s limitations on billboards. Disappointments: CTLCV Board Chair Julie Belaga had hoped for more pro-environment measures to be enacted this year. She lamented that “State revenue projections certainly put a damper on what we could tackle. But failing to provide the Department of Environmental Protection with the very modest amount of funding we recommended, just so the agency can be adequately staffed, is untenable.” Belaga is a former Connecticut legislator who held top management positions with the Environmental Protection Agency and the Export-Import Bank of the United States. In addition to shortchanging the Department of Environmental Protection, legislators dropped the ball on eight high-priority environmental bills that would have set policy and, for the most part, would not have impacted the budget. Important environmental bills that went nowhere in this year’s legislative session include measures on inland wetlands, fuel cells and other renewable energy sources, riverfront protection, deposits on throw-away water bottles, tax credits for conservation, time limits on vehicle idling, packaged sewage treatment systems, and outdoor clotheslines. CTLCV is a bipartisan, statewide nonprofit organization focused on making Connecticut’s environment a priority for our elected leaders. CTLCV works with Connecticut’s environmental advocates to highlight important legislation that affects our air, water, wildlife, open space and health. CTLCV supports pro-environment candidates for political office and holds state legislators accountable for their votes in an annual Environmental Scorecard.
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553 Farmington Avenue, Suite 201, Hartford, CT 06105 860.236.5442 ctlcv@ctlcv.org |
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