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LCV 2024 National Environmental Scorecard Shows Connecticut Delegation Championed Our Environment, Fought Extremism and Chaos
Hartford, CT – Today, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) released the Connecticut delegation’s scores for the League of Conservation Voters’ 2024 National Environmental Scorecard, highlighting our state’s leaders and their work to protect our environment despite the extremism and chaos from anti-environmental 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 here, in Spanish here, and online in both languages at scorecard.lcv.org. The 2024 Scorecard shows that our state’s delegation fought back against attacks on our democracy and environmental protections. In stark contrast to Connecticut’s members of Congress, for the second year in a row, extreme Republicans in the House of Representatives embraced chaos. They pushed messaging bills and radical amendments on government funding that were so harmful their own leadership pulled them on more than one occasion — resulting in the least productive Congress in recent history. Connecticut’s delegation stood up for our values, voting against cuts to clean energy investments and a House Republican agenda that catered to Big Polluters and corporate interests. Despite intentional gridlock caused by the most extreme members of the House, our senators continued to confirm strong, well-qualified federal judges, more than any other president and Senate in a recent four-year period. “Connecticut residents should be proud to have leaders who stand up against big polluters and attacks on our environment - and consistently have the scores to show for it,” said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director. “Despite this administration trying to ban clean energy, raising energy costs for everyday people, we know that our federal lawmakers are working every day to ensure Connecticut a sustainable future. We know the stakes are high. Here at home, we are fighting to pass major climate legislation in Hartford this session that fosters that future of public health, clean energy & conservation. At the same time, we need our elected leaders to keep fighting for everyone in our state.” “2024 saw the most extreme members of the House Republicans again manufacturing wasteful, cruel chaos at the expense of the health and safety of our environment, our democracy, and our economy,” said LCV Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Tiernan Sittenfeld. “Unfortunately, we must look at 2024’s mostly fruitless attempts to provide more giveaways to Big Oil and other polluters while leaving communities across the country less safe as a trial run for what Trump and his captured Congressional leadership will do in 2025.” For the third year, the 2024 Scorecard highlights the leadership of the Tri-Caucus. Leadership of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) scored an average of 97% on the 2024 Scorecard. These champions in Congress led and supported many of the climate, conservation, environmental justice, and equitable democracy bills and initiatives in 2024, in addition to helping to educate constituents and connect communities to the transformational investments within the affordable clean energy plan. This year, Connecticut faced catastrophic floods, a result of increasingly chaotic weather patterns. We know if we do not protect the progress we have made and keep working in our own communities, these problems will only get worse for Connecticut residents. This year, the 2024 Scorecard includes eight Senate votes, half of which were confirmations of qualified, diverse judges and other nominees and half were attacks on environmental protections. In the House, LCV scored 33 votes, 14 of which were poison pill policy amendments on government funding bills or the extreme underlying bills themselves, two of which were using or further weaponizing the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to block environmental safeguards, and the rest undermined programs and laws that advance a safe climate, environment, and democracy. The full delegation’s scores for 2024 are: Senator Blumenthal - 100% Senator C. Murphy - 100% Representative Larson, J. - 94% Representative Courtney - 97% Representative DeLauro - 100% Representative Himes - 94% Representative Hayes - 100% 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. How to Fight Back: Strategies to fight the national funding freeze w/ House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rep. Rosa DeLauro
Monday, February 24 | 8PM | Virtual Event organized by: League of Conservation Voters & Climate Action Campaign With the current chaos of the Trump Administration raging all around us, many of us are wondering what we can do to help fight back. Join CTLCV, LCV & Climate Action Campaign, with House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rep. Rosa DeLauro this Monday to discuss the Trump Administration’s egregious attacks on climate and democracy via the national funding freeze. This unconstitutional funding freeze is harming everyday people nationwide and it is critical that activists like you and me mobilize to fight back. Join us to hear how you can contribute to the fight, and how uplifting real stories of the human consequences of the freeze helps Members of Congress to push back. There will be a Q&A with Rep. DeLauro, so submit your questions when you register or come with some prepared! The General Assembly’s Energy & Technology Committee is holding a public hearing on Thursday, February 27th. Your testimony is needed in support of energy efficiency.
Energy & Technology Public Hearing: Thursday, February 27 at 10:30 AM in Room 2E at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live. CTLCV will be testifying in support of this bill on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify for the E&T Public Hearing no LATER than 3 PM, Wednesday, February 26th. 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 at 6 PM. 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. Today, Marissa Gillett’s renomination is on track to advance following an affirmative vote by the Legislative and Executive Nominations Committee, following an over 5-hour testimony, where she faced rigorous questioning from legislators. Her reappointment is especially critical at a time when corporate profits continue to be prioritized at the expense of ratepayers and conservation efforts. The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) supports Chairman Gillett as a qualified leader to continue fighting back against utility companies and efforts to weaken PURA’s authority.
Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director, states, “Marissa Gillett’s testimony today was nothing short of extraordinary. She was questioned for hours, with legislators nitpicking every detail of PURA’s work, her leadership as chair, the ins and outs of how utilities operate, and even her personal decision-making. Many legislators voiced their frustrations with high rates, and Marissa responded to each concern with clarity, providing well-reasoned explanations. The utility regulation process is intensely complex, and it’s natural for legislators to seek someone to blame when they are receiving a high volume of complaints. But Marissa’s answers reflected her deep understanding of the system and reaffirmed that PURA is working tirelessly to protect ratepayers. Her ability to handle such intense scrutiny and provide clear, accurate answers demonstrates the exceptional leadership she brings to PURA. We also want to recognize Co-Chair Senator Duff’s leadership throughout this process, supporting Chairman Gillett’s hard work on behalf of ratepayers and a sustainable energy future.” The General Assembly’s Energy & Technology and Environment Committees are holding public hearings on Tuesday (2/18) & Wednesday (2/19). Your testimony is needed for the bills outlined below.
Additionally, Sierra Club CT is organizing a Lobby Day on Wednesday the 19th at the Legislative Office Building (LOB) in Hartford, CT. Find out more here. TUESDAY Energy & Technology Public Hearing: Tuesday, February 18 at 11:00 AM in Room 1D at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live. CTLCV will be testifying in support of these 3 bills on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify for the E&T Public Hearing no LATER than 3 PM, Monday, February 17th. 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 at 6 PM. 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. WEDNESDAY Environment Committee Public Hearing: Wednesday, February 19th at 12:00 PM in Room 2B at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live. CTLCV will be testifying in support of these 3 bills on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify for the ENV Public Hearing no LATER than 3 PM, Tuesday, February 18th. Please submit written testimony using this On-line Testimony Submission Form. The speaker order will be posted on the day before the hearing 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. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement: CTLCV Supports a PURA Leader that Holds CT Utilities Accountable “The upcoming vote to confirm Marissa Gillett’s reappointment as Commissioner of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is critical to maintaining accountability and oversight in Connecticut’s energy policies. PURA exists to protect Connecticut ratepayers, hold utilities accountable, and advance the state’s environmental and public health goals. As stated on its website, PURA is committed to ensuring that “utilities provide safe, clean, reliable, and affordable utility service and infrastructure.” Gillett has effectively upheld these principles, making her the target of efforts by utility companies to discredit her leadership. Removing a commissioner focused on the state’s clean energy and environmental goals weakens PURA’s ability to fulfill its mission and puts corporate profits over public well-being. Under Gillett’s leadership, PURA has delivered real results. Energy efficiencyand renewable energy programs, funded by the Public Benefits Charge, have driven down emissions, reduced hospital stays and illnesses, and saved Connecticut between $218 and $494 million in public health costs (according to the CT Green Bank’s Annual Report). These programs help residents, schools, and businesses cut energy waste, lower bills, and build a more sustainable future. They are also critical for advancing environmental justice by ensuring that low-income and historically marginalized communities benefit from cleaner air, healthier homes, and lower energy costs. A confirmation vote against Marissa Gillett is a vote against ratepayers. If the utilities succeed in dismantling PURA’s ability to regulate effectively, they will be in charge of Connecticut’s environmental future. That means higher costs, fewer consumer protections, and policies that prioritize profit over people & planet. PURA is working as intended. The fact that utilities are fighting this system so aggressively is proof that it is working. Connecticut cannot afford to let the fox guard the henhouse. Our energy and climate future depends on maintaining strong, independent oversight, not caving to corporate pressure. We strongly support Marissa Gillett as a diligent and effective leader at the helm of PURA.” Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director ### The CT League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) is a nonpartisan statewide organization dedicated to protecting Connecticut's environment. CTLCV works to pass equitable and sustainable legislation that impacts our air, land, water, wildlife, and climate and holds all state legislators accountable with an annual Environmental Scorecard. Visit ctlcv.org for more information on CTLCV. PBC FACT SHEET The General Assembly’s Government Administration & Elections Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Friday, February 7th at 12 PM in Room 2B at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live.
Your testimony is needed for the proposed Environmental Rights Amendment. NOTE: There will be a testimony training TONIGHT, Feb 4th from 7-8 PM in preparation for this legislation. Register here. CTLCV SUPPORTS this bill on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify for the GAE Public Hearing NO LATER than 3 PM, Thursday, February 6th. 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 at 6 PM. 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. RESOURCES: Environmental Rights Amendment Talking Points Environmental Rights Briefing Paper Testimony Training for Environmental Rights Amendment on Feb 4, 7-8 PM The General Assembly’s Planning & Development and Energy & Technology Committees are holding public hearings on Monday (2/3) & Tuesday (2/4). Your testimony is needed for the bills outlined below.
MONDAY Planning & Development Committee Public Hearing: Monday, February 3rd at 10:30 AM in Room 2B at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live. CTLCV SUPPORTS these 3 bills on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify for the P&D Public Hearing no LATER than 3 PM, Sunday, February 2nd. 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 at 6 PM. 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. TUESDAY Energy & Technology Committee Public Hearing: Tuesday, February 4th at 10:30 AM in Room 1D at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live. CTLCV SUPPORTS these 2 bills on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify for the E&T Public Hearing 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. Contact our office at (860) 236-5442 to let us know if you need more information. Don't forget, we post all of our watched bills to our website on our Watchlist page on our website. Thank you for your advocacy! - Lori Brown, Executive Director |
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