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The General Assembly’s Environment Committee is holding a public hearing this Friday, January 31st at 10:00 AM in Room 2C at the state Legislative Office building. You can also watch it on YouTube Live.
This hearing covers multiple bills & topics and the Committee needs to hear from YOU. Please testify either in person (via zoom) or in writing (or both) IN SUPPORT of: These six bills being heard on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify no LATER than 3 PM, Thursday, Jan. 30th. 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 website after the 3pm deadline has passed. Any written testimony submitted before the meeting will be published in time for the hearing. Learn more about Testifying at Public Hearings on the CGA website. More information on these bills: H.B. 5012 AN ACT PROHIBITING THE PRACTICE OF SHARK FINNING. Purpose: To prohibit the practice of shark finning. H.B. 5013 AN ACT ADDING CERTAIN PLANTS TO THE INVASIVE PLANTS LIST. Purpose: To prohibit the sale, use and distribution of certain invasive plants in the state. H.B. 5017 AN ACT CONCERNING PARTICIPATION IN THE TIRE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM BY TIRE RETAILERS. Purpose: To require tire retailers to participate in the tire stewardship program. S.B. 63 AN ACT CONCERNING THE MITIGATION OF EFFECTS ON WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES FROM FUTURE OFFSHORE WIND PROJECTS. Purpose: To require the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to adopt regulations regarding the mitigation of future offshore wind project proposals on wildlife and fisheries. S.B. 80 AN ACT CONCERNING THE BURNING OF MEDICAL WASTE. Purpose: To prohibit the burning of medical waste by facilities that do not meet EPA standards for the burning of such waste. S.B. 1154 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALE OF CERTAIN LIGHTER-THAN-AIR BALLOONS. Purpose: To prohibit the sale of certain lighter-than-air balloons. Contact our office at (860)236-5442 to let us know if you need more information. Thank you for your advocacy! - Lori Brown, Executive Director Hartford, CT – Today, the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action (CCCA) released its priorities for the 2025 Connecticut legislative session. The Coalition, a broad-based and growing group of 52 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 burdens facing Connecticut.
“The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action (CCCA) is a powerful example of what can be achieved when diverse groups—healthcare providers, scientists, environmentalists, and communities—come together with a shared purpose. Representing over 300,000 residents, this coalition of over 50 groups is a testament to the strength of collaboration, driving forward solutions to improve both our environment and public health. By uniting behind a common goal, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for all of Connecticut,” said Leah Lopez Schmalz, President, Save the Sound. The Coalition supports legislation this session that will contribute to safer, healthier communities throughout Connecticut. Coalition members will be working together to achieve three key goals this session:
The coalition has proposed a series of solutions that would help Connecticut achieve these goals. Read more about the Coalition’s proposals here. Here’s what members of the Coalition’s steering committee had to say: “Fires, floods, and heat waves are just some of the costly climate impacts Connecticut experienced in 2024. The sad and concerning reality is that this is just the beginning and Connecticut is not prepared,” said Samantha Dynowski, State Director, Sierra Club Connecticut. “The legislature must protect residents, communities and businesses with real solutions to this serious problem.” “Connecticut has effective programs in place to achieve safer, healthier communities by promoting energy efficiency, heat pumps, EVs, solar, storage and an Equitable Modern Grid. We know how to do this; we now need to focus on rapidly accelerating each of these programs. Doing so will put the state onto a path of lower, more stable energy costs,” said Mark Scully, President, People’s Action for Clean Energy. “Climate change and the health of our state’s residents, communities, and wildlife are inextricably connected. In 2024, it hit CT hard with historic floods, hail, heatwaves, and drought that damaged crops & homes and took lives. The CCCA’s member orgs are ready to defend our communities and demand that the legislature hold polluters accountable, build a clean & healthy economy for the future, and keep energy costs in check,” said Scott Redfern, Senior Manager of the Doherty Climate & Resilience Institute at Save the Sound. “Connecticut’s future depends on the actions we take today to protect our environment. With rising sea levels threatening coastal communities, stronger storms fueled by fossil fuel pollution, and more frequent extreme heat, we need the legislature to craft bold solutions that ensure clean air, resilient neighborhoods, and thriving ecosystems,” said Shannon Laun, Conservation Law Foundation Vice President for Connecticut. “The existential issue of this century – climate change –seriously threatens all we care about – from our children’s future to the basic welling-being of the natural world that we rely on for sustenance. Addressing climate change in CT is critical because we who live and work here will be affected by what happens and because CT can inspire other states to do the right thing as well. The 2025 Legislative Session is a key opportunity for our political leadership to stand up to the threats posed by climate change and take action. We’re proud that the CCCA will be contributing directly to that effort,” said Nathan Frohling, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in CT. “Clean energy saves money, cleans our air and reduces the risks to our lives and property from dangerous climate events,” said Chris Phelps, Environment Connecticut State Director. “Energy efficient appliances like heat pump furnaces and air conditioners help families cut both winter heating and summer cooling bills. Clean electric vehicles emit no smog-forming tailpipe pollution. Renewable solar and wind energy power our economy without fueling climate change. Connecticut’s leaders should reduce energy bills, clean our air and fight climate change with serious and significant clean energy legislation in 2025.” “Investing in energy efficiency retrofitting is a win for everyone: families, businesses, and communities alike. These initiatives reduce costs, improve health outcomes, and strengthen our economy. This is the kind of forward-thinking action that can be implemented right now for the benefit of all Connecticut residents,” said Lori Brown, Executive Director of Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. The Coalition Steering Committee includes the American College of Physicians, CT Chapter, Conservation Law Foundation, CT Health Professionals for Climate Action, CT League of Conservation Voters, Environment Connecticut, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, Mitchell Environmental Health Associates, People’s Action for Clean Energy, Save the Sound, Sierra Club Connecticut, The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut. More information about the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action can be found at www.climateactionct.org. |
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