CTLCV Applauds Rep. Lesser for Environmental Leadership

Hartford, CT - Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) commended State Rep. Matthew Lesser (D-100 Middletown) for his leadership on environmental issues throughout his time in the Connecticut General Assembly. 
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"Rep. Lesser has been a champion for clean water, climate change education, wildlife protection, and land conservation," said CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. "He fought hard for the State Water Plan and public trust in water, and has been a tireless champion for green spaces and conservation. Throughout his time in the General Assembly, Rep. Lesser has kept the door open to his constituents. He heard their concerns about the environment and put their words into action. We at CTLCV are deeply proud of the work he has done to keep our air and water clean and protect our environment for generations to come."
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"Here in Middletown, we've seen the benefits of Rep. Lesser's hard work and commitment to our citizens," said John Hall, local environmental advocate and Portland resident.  "When we discovered snapping turtle traps in the Floating Meadows back in 2012, Rep. Lesser heard our distress and leapt into action. He convened DEEP wildlife personnel, biologists, advocates, and legislators. He worked with the citizens of Middletown and his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ban the commercial trade of those turtles. This year, his bill passed, one of his many achievements fighting for Middletown's environment.”

“Matt has been an ardent leader and a go-to person for us in the county as he supported legislative initiatives that protect our environment,” said Tony Marino, a long-time advocate for the Connecticut River lower valley.  “The District that Matt currently represents is concentrated in the northern part of the county in Middletown, but he has been an environmental leader for all of Middlesex County.”  
During the last legislative session, Rep. Lesser co-sponsored and worked to pass:

• Critical protections for wildlife, including snapping turtles
• Legislation calling for constitutional amendment to protect publicly held land
• Strategies for combating climate change now and into the future

Rep. Lesser authored important legislation to ban the disposal of fracking waste in Connecticut. CTLCV has repeatedly recognized him as an Environmental Champion for his tireless efforts to protect our clean water and air, wildlife, and open spaces. More information on Rep. Lesser is available here. 

As the federal government continues to weaken safeguards and regulations, CTLCV is strengthening its commitment to work with leaders across the state to make the environment a priority. 
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