Now that the legislative committees have wrapped up their work, we want to share important updates on some of the priority environmental bills we've been tracking on our Watchlist. Your ongoing advocacy has helped to move these bills, but there's still important work to be done.
CLIMATE HB 5004: This is the major climate bill of the session. It generated huge turnout at the public hearing and was voted out of the Environment Committee. The bill declares a climate crisis and aims to update emissions targets, support green businesses, invest in clean energy, plan for the transition away from fossil fuels, and leverage nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change. PLEASE SEE OUR ACTION ALERT SENT TO YOU EARLIER TODAY. FOOD WASTE SB 191: This bill was moved out of the Environment committee intact, but still needs funding to ensure its goals are met to help municipalities set up the food scrap diversion and donation programs that will reduce our overflowing waste stream. RODENTICIDES HB 5217: This bill was stronger than last year and was passed out of the Environment committee, but DEEP has attached a large fiscal note on the bill (ie, what it will cost to implement the bill). Because of this, it was referred to the Appropriations committee which has not acted on the bill. NEONICS SB 190: Unfortunately, this extremely important legislation was abandoned by the Environment committee. It is still critical for our state to reduce the use of this toxic pesticide and we encourage people to continue to express their support for this legislation. PFAS SB 292: Despite some last minute changes, this legislation is still in a strong position after passing out of the Environment Committee. It will phase out a broad array of consumer products that are contaminating our water and endangering our health due to the toxic PFAS chemicals used in the products. ELECTRIC VEHICLES SB 5485: As previously reported, this legislation is an effort to more fully address the issues raised in opposition to the clean cars and truck legislation we have been fighting for. At its core, this new initiative creates an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council. The bill passed out of the Transportation Committee and awaits action in the House. ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS SJ 193: The Environmental Rights Amendment passed the Government Administration & Election Committee and continues to advance. This bill calls for a ballot referendum to amend our State Constitution that would guarantee the public’s right to a clean and healthy environment and empower all Connecticut residents to hold the state accountable for environmental protection. Be sure to check our Watchlist for the latest updates on these bills and others we are following. We will continue to send alerts on how you can support these bills and contact your lawmakers. Thank you in advance for responding to our Action Alerts and speaking up for Connecticut’s environment! -Lori Brown
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