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The Trump administration officially announced its repeal of the Environmental Protection Agency’s “endangerment finding,” the bedrock scientific determination that greenhouse gas emissions endanger public health and welfare. This shortsighted retrenchment is a direct attack on public health, our economy, our communities, our planet, and our future.
This unprecedented move seeks to deny what we already know: greenhouse gas emissions are harming public health, destabilizing our planet, and costing U.S. taxpayers billions of dollars. The endangerment finding, established in 2009 based on overwhelming scientific evidence, is the legal foundation that allows the EPA to regulate climate pollution from power plants, cars, and other sources under the Clean Air Act. Here’s what we’re doing: CTLCV is committed to ensuring Connecticut does its part to curb pollution. We are working to implement CT’s Global Warming Solutions Act, which requires our state to lower climate-damaging emissions while creating jobs and improving community resilience. Curbing use of fossil fuels will lower energy bills today and into the future, and will result in greater energy independence. Through our partnerships across the state as part of the CT Coalition for Climate Action, we remain committed to ensuring that Connecticut meets its emission reduction mandates regardless of federal rollbacks. We continue to champion energy efficiency, the most cost-effective strategy to minimize waste, save money, and reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Efficiency creates in-state jobs while helping families lower their energy bills. We’re fighting to expand access to clean, renewable energy – now the lowest cost power on the planet – as well as weatherization programs that make Connecticut homes more affordable and comfortable while reducing our reliance on the fossil fuels responsible for climate change. We look forward to working with our state lawmakers and the Lamont Administration to double down – not rollback – climate action efforts. This work is more important than ever. Hartford, CT— Today, the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action released its priorities for the 2026 legislative session.
The Coalition, a broad-based and growing group of 168 health care providers, scientists, environmental organizations, religious groups, and others representing more than 300,000 members, was formed two years ago to address the climate crisis and environmental health and economic burdens facing Connecticut. “The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action brings together a variety of organizations and individuals to collectively fight for positive climate legislation at the State Capitol. Our collaborative decision-making process allows us to choose priorities that represent the most pressing matters in climate. Together, we use our voice to advocate for a healthier, safer, and cleaner Connecticut.” said Julianna McVeigh, Doherty Climate & Resilience Institute Campaigns Manager at Save the Sound. Coalition members will be working together to achieve three key policy solutions this session:
These solutions work toward the Coalition’s overarching goals of helping businesses and families save money, expanding solar, and protecting and improving health in our communities. Read more about the coalition’s proposed solutions here. Here’s what members of the coalition’s steering committee had to say: “Our state has very clear climate goals which we are required by law to meet. Do our legislators have the sense of urgency needed to put laws in place to get us there? Even in a short legislative session, we have to push for progress every single year, and we need our state’s elected leaders to make it happen,” said Lori Brown, CT League of Conservation Voters. “Almost everyone is facing the same reality right now: it costs too much to keep the lights on and our homes warm,” said Shannon Laun, Conservation Law Foundation Vice President for Connecticut. “It’s our goal to make sure no one ever has to sacrifice the necessities to pay their utility bills. Clean energy is affordable energy – and every Connecticut family and business deserves access to solutions that will cut costs and pollution.” “Energy efficiency and energy self-reliance must be at the center of any affordability discussion. Protecting and enhancing Connecticut’s efficiency programs addresses the root causes of high energy prices and delivers immediate bill relief and long-term resilience,” said Bernie Pelletier, People’s Action for Clean Energy. “Connecticut Health Professionals for Climate Action (CHPCA) stands in support of protecting the Public Benefits Charge, which funds life-saving electricity protections for our patients who depend on continuous power for medical conditions,” said Dr. Kirsten Ek, Connecticut Health Professions for Climate Action. “We support expanding affordable clean energy options for all Connecticut residents—including weatherization programs, heat pumps, thermal energy networks, wind, solar access—and innovative solutions like plug-in solar. These programs deliver a triple win: lower energy costs for families, cleaner air from reduced fossil fuel combustion, and climate protection for Connecticut’s children, whose health outcomes depend on the decisions legislators make today.” “Everyone is affected by climate change, but some are more affected than others.” said Dr. Mark Mitchell of the CT Environmental Justice Leadership Collaborative and Mitchell Environmental Health Associates. “Children, elderly, low-wealth populations and many communities of color are more exposed and less able to protect themselves from the health harms of climate change, such as extreme heat and cold weather, as well as flooding These communities are under attack from the Trump Administration, which has cut federal funding for climate adaptation as well as mitigation. This has led directly to the closure or near closure of several organizations that have been trying to address these needs. Now is the time for the State of Connecticut to step up to preserve and expand the climate protections for those who are most vulnerable.” “One of the most important things we can do during the legislative session is to pay attention to the narrative that is out there on critical issues like energy affordability and help make sure that our policymakers are working with the facts. The ‘narrative’ needs to catch up and help convey that clean energy can be cost competitive while playing a key role in providing for energy demand, energy reliability, emissions reduction, economic and job growth along with important health benefits,” said Nathan Frohling, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy of CT. “Energy efficiency and clean energy are the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and protect the environment. But even more than that, we can’t have healthy people, healthy food, healthy water, or healthy wildlife on a sick and polluted planet. We have a moral, ethical, and spiritual imperative to care for the world around us,” said Terri Eickel, Executive Director of the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network. “Connecticut’s climate future is at a critical juncture. The Trump Administration is pushing a dangerous fossil fuel agenda that leads to more pollution and higher energy bills. In 2026, our lawmakers must stand strong for our communities and our planet. To do that, lawmakers must protect Connecticut families and communities from the costs and impacts of extreme weather, and deliver more affordable and sustainable clean energy,” said Samantha Dynowski, State Director of Sierra Club Connecticut. About the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action is a statewide alliance of environmental, labor, faith, health, and community organizations representing more than 300,000 people, working together to advance equitable climate solutions that reduce pollution, lower energy costs, and build a just and resilient clean energy economy. CTLCV's national affiliate, the League of Conservation Voters, has released their latest annual Clean Energy For All: Clean Energy Success in the States report. The report shows how state-level progress, like here in Connecticut, is helping move the country forward toward clean, affordable, and reliable energy. This year, states advanced major clean energy measures, expanded low-cost technologies, and strengthened protections for consumers. These efforts are paying off: states with higher levels of wind and solar are seeing lower-than-average electric bills. Below is the excerpt highlighting Connecticut's achievements over the past year. To explore the full CEFA report, click here. Connecticut NET ZERO BY 2050 An omnibus climate law strengthened Connecticut’s emissions reductions goals and set a net-zero by 2050 target economy-wide. It also created a Clean Economy Council to develop strategies that will help the state meet emissions reduction goals, and the law offers a variety of incentives and programs promoting solar, energy-efficiency, heat pumps, and green jobs. ELECTRICITY GRID MODERNIZATION Connecticut enacted comprehensive energy affordability legislation that will cut energy costs for ratepayers, improve the electrical grid, and continue clean energy investments. CLIMATE RESILIENCY Connecticut passed a law that will proactively address climate change impacts and promote nature-based solutions, including helping municipalities prepare for sea level rise and natural disasters. CLIMATE-RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT Lawmakers approved a new State Plan of Conservation and Development that prioritizes climate change in development decisions over the next five years. In addition, the Connecticut Legislature made updates to the State Water Plan to account for climate change impacts in long-term planning. After two legislative sessions with little climate progress, Connecticut’s net-zero by 2050 goal was years in the making. Connecticut LCV (CTLCV) was at the forefront of crafting the omnibus legislation in 2023 and 2024, and they coordinated multi-year advocacy efforts with partners across the state as a member of the steering committee of the Connecticut Coalition For Climate Action. CTLCV helped organize multiple lobby days with hundreds of attendees and a climate march with over 200 participants, hosted a series of Action Hour events to engage and mobilize supporters, and drove over 2,300 constituent messages to decision makers in support of the legislation.
CTLCV worked especially closely with freshmen legislators to educate them on environmental issues and help them feel empowered to champion environmental policy at the State House. At their annual Environmental Summit, CTLCV brought together state decision makers and hundreds of supporters to help set the environmental priorities for the legislative session, including the net-zero by 2050 goal. In addition, CTLCV consistently elevated the net-zero goal to lawmakers and the public, and maintained visibility through hosting press conferences with partners, placing op-eds, running extensive digital ad campaigns, and taking out print ads in prominent newspapers. “As Co-Chair of the joint Energy & Technology Committee, I depend on Connecticut LCV as a partner to help me frame the environmental imperatives for my colleagues and the public. They are instrumental in informing our legislative priorities every session.” Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Co-Chair, Energy & Technology Committee, Connecticut General Assembly REPORT
As we gear up for the holiday season, we’re also looking ahead to the 2026 legislative session. CTLCV was at the Capitol both days of the special session, ensuring we stayed connected and engaged with legislators. We’re now coordinating with our advocate colleagues to identify top priorities for the session and begin preparations for the 2026 Environmental Summit. This week is Yes to Wind Week, and we joined Sierra Club and fellow advocates in thanking Attorney General William Tong for helping get the Revolution Wind project moving again. You can learn more about the event here. CTLCV staff also attended a press conference organized by the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network (IREJN) and Connecticut clergy members urging the Bonding Commission to release funding for energy efficiency. This would provide critical support for our state, where low-income households spend a higher percentage of their income on winter heating. We’re excited to share these R.E.A.D. updates with you, and even more grateful to have you with us as we head into the 2026 legislative session. - The CTLCV Staff ENGAGE We’re excited to announce the 2026 Environmental Summit, happening Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 in Downtown Hartford, CT at CT State College Capital. Join us for our annual event where advocates, lawmakers, policy experts and community members come together to build power for Connecticut’s environmental movement. Interested in sponsoring the Summit? Your support helps make this important event possible. Click here to learn about available opportunities. Stay tuned for more details. We can’t wait to see you there! ACT Take Action: Thank AG Tong and CT’s Delegation for Restarting Revolution Wind Recently, a federal judge lifted the Trump stop-work order on the Revolution Wind project, allowing the 70% completed construction to continue. This was in large part thanks to Attorney General Tong and Connecticut's Federal delegates. Take a moment to send them a thank you as we celebrate the Yes to Wind Week of Action in Connecticut! Send a Quick Message! DISCOVER Stay up to date with news and events from across the state. Article: Habitat for Humanity unveils 10 clean energy East Hartford homes Read It Here Event: How utility corporations in the Northeast undermine climate action Tue, Dec 9, 2025; 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM RSVP Here Book: Revolutionary Power: An Activist's Guide to Clean Energy Learn More Here Don't forget to check your library! Resource: Check out PACE's Clean Energy Action Center Build Your Town's Clean Energy Future This new resource helps you take local clean energy action. Learn More: Thermal Energy Networks Check Out Educational Resources Here Join TEN4CT's next meeting: Thursday, November 20, 12:30-1:30. Please register here. Article: CT Officials, Environmental Groups Back Wind Power In New London Event Read It Here REPORT
Since our last edition of the R.E.A.D. we have been hard at work laying the foundation for what’s ahead: building on recent climate wins, gearing up for the 2026 elections, and working with our environmental partners to shape policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session. In this update, you’ll find ways to get involved, from attending an upcoming event to learning more about environmental issues that we expect to see on the agenda at the state legislature. Our energy policy work to steer elected leaders away from fossil fuels towards clean, efficient energy also prioritizes affordability in the regulatory space and at our Statehouse. CTLCV staff recently participated in National LCV's annual Clean Energy For All Convergence in Seattle to connect with other states to discuss shared issues with rising electric costs and innovative ideas to invest in a renewable future. To thank our 2025 Environmental Champions at the state legislature and celebrate their strong scores on our annual Environmental Scorecard, we are hosting Sip & Celebrate events across the state. These gatherings with legislators and constituents spark conversations about local environmental priorities and showcase leadership in protecting Connecticut’s water, land, wildlife, and climate. Want to see how your legislator scored this year? Check out our 2025 Environmental Scorecard. Additionally, we’re proud to recognize our board members, Tenaya Taylor and Reggy Saint Fortcolin, who were honored for their outstanding leadership and dedication to equity at the Call to Action: Shaping Our Climate and Environmental Justice Future event. We’re excited to share these R.E.A.D. updates with you, and even more grateful to have you with us as we head into the 2026 legislative session. ENGAGE PACE Event: Harnessing the Power of Local Climate Action Join People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE) Friday, November 14 from 11am-2pm at The Lyceum (227 Lawrence St., Hartford) for the launch of the Clean Energy Action Center—a new, free online tool to help towns and cities take climate action. Highlights include: A greeting from Third Act’s, Bill McKibben, a panel discussion from CT Leaders on clean energy, and a closing message from Stanford Univ. professor, Mark Jacobson. Attendees will also receive a free copy of Here Comes the Sun and a free lunch. ACT Take DEEP's Climate Action Plan Survey Take the Climate Action Plan Survey to provide DEEP with your climate priorities. While DEEP will accept public comment and survey responses throughout the development of the plan, they would appreciate responses related to the October 8 meeting materials (see link below) by 11:59 pm EST on Friday, November 21 to inform their next steps in the plan process. Join the CT Environmental Rights Amendment Coalition The CT Environmental Rights Amendment would put the fundamental human rights to clean and healthy air, water, and soil and a safe climate into the CT state constitution, just like other fundamental rights such as freedom of speech or freedom of religion. A broad alliance, including the CT League of Conservation Voters, has been working to pass this amendment to our state constitution, and we expect to bring it to the CT General Assembly again next year. If you would like to get involved in putting your right to a healthy environment and climate into the CT constitution, join us on Monday, November 10, from 10 am to noon. We will have Maya van Rossum, the national leader of the movement for Green Amendments, including the CT ERA, joining us in person! You can come in person at the Atlantic Works Conference Center, 57 Charter Oak Avenue in Hartford, or you can join online by Zoom. Whether you are coming online or in person, please register here. -Kim Stoner Director of Advocacy, CT NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association) Coordinator, CT Environmental Rights Amendment Alliance DISCOVER Stay up to date with news and events from across the state. Article: Energy efficiency is reducing Northeast peak demand, electricity bills: Acadia Read It Here Tool: Check Your Property Risk Related to Climate Change Read It Here Book: Revolutionary Power: An Activist's Guide to Clean Energy Learn More Here Don't forget to check your library! Action: Go VOTE in your local elections! Check Your Ballot Early voting is available & Election Day is November 4th, 2025. Learn More: Thermal Energy Networks with Jared Rodriguez and Lianne Allen-Jacobson Check Out Educational Resources Here Join TEN4CT's next meeting: Thursday, October 30, 12:30-1:30. Please register here. Article: CT spends $5.4M to add more fast EV chargers along major highways Read It Here Article: AI can help the environment, even though it uses tremendous energy. Here are 5 ways how Read It Here Article: Data centers are booming. But there are big energy and environmental risks Read It Here REPORT
Welcome to the September edition of the READ newsletter! We’re sharing highlights from the past month in climate and environmental news, along with a look ahead at upcoming events. We’re also excited to be gearing up for our 25th Anniversary Celebration next month. September has brought several developments to Connecticut’s energy landscape. From uncertainty around the Revolution Wind offshore wind project, to the resignation of PURA Chair Marissa Gillett, there has been no shortage of important news. Looking ahead, CTLCV will continue to advocate for solutions that bring clean, reliable & affordable energy to our state. Additionally, conversations around affordable housing continue, both in your communities and at the Capitol. We believe environmental protection and affordable housing go hand in hand, not against each other. Earlier this month, our team attended the YIMBYtown conference in New Haven. Read our recap of the event here, with linked resources. We’ll also be watching the developments around the potential special session at the Capitol. ENGAGE You're invited to our 25th Anniversary Celebration! Make plans to join us on October 18th in Fairfield, CT for a night of celebration & support for CTLCV's mission. Now Open: Online Art Auction Fundraiser Bid from anywhere and support CTLCV’s work. The featured artwork will also be on display at our 25th Anniversary Celebration. ACT Tune in the CGA's Environment Committee Forum on Sept. 29th at 1:30 PM State agencies will share updates on their work and upcoming priorities. It’s open to the public and a great chance for advocates to see what’s ahead for the next legislative session. Agenda & Zoom Link DISCOVER Stay up to date with news and events from across the state. Article: Opinion: CT cannot afford Trump’s cancellation of offshore wind Read It Here Article: CT emissions rose in 2023 but cars, homes ran cleaner Read It Here Learn More: Thermal Energy Networks Check Out Educational Resources Here Join TEN4CT's next meeting: Thursday, September 25, 12:30–1:30 PM. Please register here. DEEP Event: Connecticut Climate Action Planning Public Meeting (Oct. 8, 12 - 2 PM) Learn More Here Events: Litter clean-up events with Save the Sound (all over CT!) Join an Event Here Event: CGA Environment Committee Public Forum (Sept. 29th, 1:30 PM) Agenda & Zoom Link CTLCV applauds Attorney General Tong and his office in their efforts that led to today’s preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which blocks the stop work order on the Revolution Wind project.
CTLCV Deputy Director, Connor Yakaitis, said in a statement: “This is a win for Connecticut, for the future of renewable energy in New England and, most importantly, for the hardworking individuals and their families who have spent the past few weeks uncertain about the future of their livelihood. Revolution Wind has already delivered over a thousand union jobs and, thanks to their hard work, is 80% complete. It is past time we finish the job so we can deliver clean, renewable and reliable power to 350,000 homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island.” CTLCV continues to be concerned about the future of clean energy investments in the region. “We hope this news encourages Governor Lamont to rethink Connecticut’s energy portfolio, especially when it comes to natural gas.” said Yakaitis. “Our state must keep on the path of clean, reliable, efficient energy that is available at scale from wind and solar power, not backslide into dirty gas and oil.” The resignation of Marissa Gillett is a shock to Connecticut, New England and the country as we all face rising energy costs. Her departure leaves the state with less expert knowledge and protections against needless rate increases. The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters calls upon Governor Lamont and legislative leadership to take this opportunity to fill PURA’s vacant roles with energy policy experts who will ensure affordability and who will help achieve our state’s climate goals through investing in clean energy, grid reliability, and putting ratepayers before shareholders.
Tuesday morning, September 9th, 2025, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) was proud to host “Sip & Celebrate Climate Action” with Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw (D-17). The event brought together Avon & Canton community members, advocates, and local leaders for an engaging conversation.
As House Chair of the Planning and Development committee at the state legislature, Rep. Kavros DeGraw highlighted progress she championed on a variety of issues impacting the district and the state at large. While the committee does not explicitly work on environmental legislation, she explained that there is quite a bit of overlap when it comes to thinking about the impact of climate change on the state’s future development. For example, she worked to ensure passage of the updated Plan of Conservation and Development (HJ-67), which centered on preparing for climate impacts. She also underscored the importance of transit-oriented communities (part of the vetoed HB 5002), a planning approach with many community benefits, such as reducing sprawl, air pollution and emissions. Among the session’s accomplishments, she celebrated the passage of Inland Wetlands Commission Training (Public Act No. 25-73), a measure to enhance training for town inland wetland commissioners that will strengthen local natural resources protections. Her committee also passed legislation to enable solar installations on condos. Attendees raised thoughtful questions on housing, waste reduction, composting, invasive species, and localized environmental actions. Throughout the session, Rep. Kavros DeGraw emphasized that good development planning is good for the environment, and environmental protection does not conflict with growth. She also stressed the importance of civic engagement, encouraging participants to stay in touch with their lawmakers to let them know what is important to the residents of their communities. Looking ahead, she noted that a special legislative session is expected some time in October with action anticipated on affordable housing and adjustments to the state budget due to federal funding cuts. CTLCV thanks Rep. Kavros DeGraw for her strong environmental leadership and all who joined us to help keep the momentum for climate action going. On Wednesday, August 20th, 2025, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters participated in a press conference with Sen. Richard Blumenthal and the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director, at the event said, “The science is really clear. Greenhouse gas emissions make America sick, dirty and unstable. And from extreme weather and deadly flooding, to the increased smog along I-95, air pollution has a devastating effect on the quality of life for Connecticut residents. Eliminating the Endangerment Finding goes against overwhelming scientific consensus.” Below is CTLCV’s public comment submitted to the federal government in regards to the proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency on the Reconsideration of 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standard. The public comment period will close on September 19th. Those interested in submitting public comments may do so at this link. Public comment submitted by CTLCV:
The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) urges the EPA to uphold the landmark 2009 Endangerment Finding and uphold our nation’s vehicle pollution standards. The science is clear: greenhouse gas emissions make America sick, dirty and unstable. From extreme weather and deadly flooding in Connecticut, to increased smog along I-95, air pollution has devastating effects on the quality of life for Connecticut residents. Eliminating the Endangerment Finding goes against overwhelming scientific consensus and cedes U.S. leadership on climate change on the international stage. The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and this is also true in Connecticut. This rule seeks to hide that pollution so polluters can operate unchecked. Connecticut has some of the worst air quality in the United States. Rolling back this finding could worsen this, leading to an increase in the tens of millions of dollars the state spends on healthcare every year. Additionally, in Connecticut’s many coastal towns there will be a larger impact of sea level rise and severe weather events. The Endangerment Finding helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions and keep our Connecticut communities safe. This means being able to breathe clean air for picnics in the park, commutes to work and school, and strolls along Main Street. To repeal it would endanger the health of Connecticut citizens and our quality of life every single day. The EPA must not abandon its core mission of protecting public health and the environment. We urge the Environmental Protection Agency to NOT rescind the landmark 2009 Endangerment Finding and to NOT roll back vehicle pollution standards. |
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