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Rep. Dathan’s Strong Support for Environment Earns High Marks on CTLCV 2023 Environmental Scorecard12/19/2023
HARTFORD – State Rep. Lucy Dathan (D-142; representing Norwalk, New Canaan), a champion for pro-environment policies, scored high marks on the 2023 Environmental Scorecard published annually by the CT League of Conservation Voters.
The 2023 Environmental Scorecard is intended to hold lawmakers accountable for their votes on environmental policy. The final score for each legislator represents an average of their votes on specific bills. Rep. Dathan has been an advocate for pro-environment legislation whenever she has the opportunity to do so. As the House Chair of the Regulations Review Committee that vets regulations to ensure they comply with state law, she has recently been in the spotlight during the fight to maintain the state’s electric vehicle and clean air standards. As a leader of that committee, Rep. Dathan supported regulations prescribed in the 2004 bipartisan legislation calling for stronger emissions standards for cars, and to align regulations with a law passed last year to phase in stronger standards for trucks and buses. Those standards call for auto dealers to offer an increasing percentage of new clean-emission vehicles for sale by 2035 and incentivize the transition away from polluting fossil fuels. The emissions standards are aimed at improving air quality across the state. Connecticut’s air quality is among the worst in the nation, leading to increased cases of asthma in children and exasperating health issues for the elderly. Opponents of the regulations, supported by the fossil-fuel industry, succeeded in forcing Gov. Lamont to withdraw the regulations and send them back for legislative debate. Rep. Dathan’s voting record in favor of pro-environment bills earned a score of 91% and high praise from CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. “Rep. Dathan is a respected and important voice in the General Assembly and her support of policies advancing clean air and water is vital to creating healthier communities across Connecticut,” Brown said. “Those of us who fight for a cleaner environment every day know we can count on Rep. Dathan to advocate for strong pro-environment legislation.” Among key votes in support of the environment during the 2023 legislative session, Rep. Dathan voted to establish a state decarbonization plan through HB 6397 to guide state agencies toward goals prescribed by the Global Warming Solutions Act. The plan would provide a broad set of policies intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple agencies. This economy-wide approach would include long and short-term goals and benchmarks. She voted in favor of a statewide Carbon Budget calling for the state Department of Transportation and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to jointly establish a maximum level of greenhouse gasses emitted by the transportation sector. Rep. Dathan voted to provide grants to towns for PFAS testing and remediation to help improve drinking water quality As a member of the Appropriations Committee, Rep. Dathan also supported SB 4, a comprehensive housing bill to invest in efficiency and clean energy in communities that need it most. While the bill never made it to a full Senate vote, an element of the bill was included in the state budget to create a $125 million low-interest Housing Environmental Improvement Revolving Loan Fund to provide funding for energy efficiency upgrades to multi-family housing units in Environmental Justice communities. This year’s Environmental Scorecard covers 31 bills affecting the environment and three bills advancing voting rights. This was the first year CTLCV included a separate “Democracy” score for all lawmakers based on voting rights legislation. Rep. Dathan earned a Democracy Score of 100%. These and other important initiatives were deliberated and voted on at the CT General Assembly in 2023. More information about CTLCV’s work on behalf of the environment can be found at CTLCV.org. The public is also invited to attend CTLCV Education Fund’s annual Environmental Summit set for January 23 where advocates, lawmakers, and policy experts will preview upcoming legislative priorities for the 2024 legislative session. The day-long session will be held in person at the CT Science Center with an online option, and limited free access for students. # # # HARTFORD – State Sen. Gary Winfield (D-10, representing New Haven and West Haven), was among the top scorers in the Senate on this year’s Environmental Scorecard issued by the CT League of Conservation Voters.
The 2023 Environmental Scorecard, published annually, is intended to hold lawmakers accountable for their votes on environmental policy. The final score for each legislator represents an average of their votes on specific bills. Winfield, who co-chairs the Judiciary Committee, is known for his commitment to criminal and social justice issues throughout his long tenure in both chambers of the General Assembly. He is equally dedicated to reforms that will protect the environment. He cast pro-environment votes on 16 bills that came before committees on which he served or in the full Senate, earning a 95% rating on the League’s Scorecard. “While Sen. Winfield has been laser-focused on social justice during his years in the House and his five terms in the state Senate, he has also been a strong supporter of pro-environment legislation,” said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director. “Sen. Winfield is passionate about improving the lives of his constituents and all Connecticut residents whether through reforms to the justice system, or legislation to ensure future generations have clean air and water.” True to his nature on both of these fronts, Sen. Winfield supported Senate Bill 1147, the Environmental Justice Program of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The law now gives DEEP authority to deny permits for new polluting facilities in already overburdened communities based on the cumulative impact on public health and the environment. Sen. Winfield also voted to provide grants to towns for PFAS testing and remediation to help improve drinking water quality. He voted in favor of the Carbon-Free Schools bill to provide cleaner, healthier schools for our children and teachers. This bill would have leveraged state and federal funding to carry out cost-saving energy projects, fund solar and other energy efficiency studies, and provide technical assistance to evaluate and implement these projects. Sen. Winfield also supported wildlife protection, voting for the Seabird and Shorebird Protection Program which allows the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to designate and identify protected areas for nesting shore birds within the state’s coastal area. This year’s Scorecard covers 31 bills affecting the environment and three bills advancing voting rights. This was the first year CTLCV included a separate “Democracy” score for all lawmakers based on voting rights legislation. Senator Winfield earned a Democracy Score of 100%. These and other important initiatives were deliberated and voted on at the CT General Assembly this year with input from CTLCV. More information about CTLCV’s work on behalf of the environment can be found at CTLCV.org The public is also invited to attend CTLCV Education Fund’s annual Environmental Summit set for Jan. 23 where advocates, lawmakers, and policy experts will preview upcoming legislative priorities for the 2024 legislative session. The day-long session will be held in person at the CT Science Center with an online option, and limited free access for young people. # # # Rep. Chafee’s Pro-Environment Voting Record Earns High Marks on CTLCV 2023 Environmental Scorecard12/13/2023
HARTFORD – State Rep. Brandon Chafee (D-33; Middletown) is among legislators scoring high marks on the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters’ 2023 Environmental Scorecard.
The Environmental Scorecard is intended to hold lawmakers accountable for their votes on environmental policy. The final score for each senator or representative reflects an average of their votes on specific bills. This year’s Scorecard covers a total of 31 bills affecting the environment. Rep. Chafee’s score of 98% earned praise from CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. “Rep. Chafee made it clear from the start of his term in 2020 that he wants Connecticut to be a leader in the fight against climate change, protecting natural resources, and preserving open spaces,” Brown said. “I look forward to Rep. Chafee’s continued commitment to climate accountability and support of pro-environment policies in the 2024 legislative session.” Rep. Chafee launched the legislature’s first Climate Caucus in 2021, which has been active in supporting Connecticut’s current effort to adopt stronger clean air standards and reduce tailpipe emissions. As Vice Chair of the Planning & Development Committee and a member of the Environment Committee, Rep. Chafee is well positioned to advance policies in support of the environment. Among key votes, Rep. Chafee voted to establish a state decarbonization plan to guide state agencies toward goals prescribed by the Global Warming Solutions Act. The plan would provide a broad set of policies intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple agencies. This economy-wide approach would include long and short-term goals and benchmarks. Rep. Chafee also voted to provide grants to towns for PFAS testing and remediation to help improve drinking water quality. In addition, he voted in favor of a statewide Carbon Budget calling for the state Department of Transportation and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to jointly establish a maximum level of greenhouse gasses emitted by the transportation sector. In an effort to provide cleaner, healthier schools for our children and teachers, Rep. Chafee voted in favor of the Carbon-Free Schools bill as a member of the House Finance Committee. This bill would have leveraged state and federal funding to carry out cost-saving energy projects, fund solar and other energy efficiency studies, and provide technical assistance to evaluate and implement these projects. The legislation passed in the Senate with unanimous consent, but never made it to a House vote. This was the first year CTLCV included a separate “Democracy” score for all lawmakers based on voting rights legislation. Rep. Chafee earned a Democracy Score of 100%. These and other important initiatives were deliberated and voted on at the Connecticut General Assembly this year. For more information about the CTLCV’s work on behalf of the environment, visit CTLCV.org The public is also invited to attend CTLCV Education Fund’s annual Environmental Summit set for Jan. 23 where advocates, lawmakers, and policy experts will preview upcoming legislative priorities for the 2024 legislative session. The day-long session will be held in person at the CT Science Center with an online option and limited free access for youths. -###- Rep. Kavros-DeGraw, Advocate for EV Regulations, Earns High Praise on CTLCV Environmental Scorecard12/13/2023
State Rep. Eleni Kavros-DeGraw (D-17; Avon, Canton) ranks among the top scorers on the 2023 Environmental Scorecard published annually by the CT League of Conservation Voters.
The 2023 Environmental Scorecard is intended to hold lawmakers accountable for their votes on environmental policy. The final score for each legislator represents an average of their votes on specific bills. This year’s Scorecard covers 31 bills affecting the environment. Kavros-DeGraw, a member of the legislature’s Climate Caucus, scored 95% and earned high praise from CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. “From the moment, Rep. Kavros-DeGraw was elected the Connecticut General Assembly, she has shown a strong commitment to the environment,” said Brown. “As Co-Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, Rep. Kavros-DeGraw has brought a level of awareness for the environment to that committee’s work. Rep. Kavros-DeGraw and her Co-Chair, Sen. MD Rahman, are making environmental concerns a much higher priority in the state’s Plan of Conservation and Development, now being updated for the 2025-2030 edition.” Among key votes in support of the environment, Rep. Kavros-DeGraw voted to establish a state decarbonization plan to guide state agencies toward goals prescribed by the Global Warming Solutions Act. The plan would provide a broad set of policies intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across multiple agencies. This economy-wide approach would include long and short-term goals and benchmarks. She also voted in favor of a statewide Carbon Budget calling for the state Department of Transportation and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to jointly establish a maximum level of greenhouse gases emitted by the transportation sector. Degraw has been a vocal supporter of the effort to require manufacturers to offer more clean transportation options to consumers in order to reduce tailpipe emissions in Connecticut. “Connecticut has some of the worst air quality and high Asthma rates in the nation. We need outspoken legislators like Eleni Kavros-Degraw to stand up and fight for clean air,” said Brown. Rep. Kavros-DeGraw also voted to provide grants to towns for PFAS testing and remediation to help improve drinking water quality. In an effort to provide cleaner, healthier schools for our children and teachers, Rep. Kavros-DeGraw voted in favor of the Carbon-Free Schools bill as a member of the House Finance Committee. This bill would have leveraged state and federal funding to carry out cost-saving energy projects, fund solar and other energy efficiency studies, and provide technical assistance to evaluate and implement these projects. The legislation passed in the Senate with unanimous consent, but never made it to a House vote. These and other important initiatives were deliberated and voted on at the CT General Assembly this year. More information about the CTLCV’s work on behalf of the environment can be found at CTLCV.org. The public is also invited to attend CTLCV Education Fund’s annual Environmental Summit set for Jan. 23 where advocates, lawmakers, and policy experts will preview upcoming legislative priorities for the 2024 legislative session. The day-long session will be held in person at the CT Science Center with an online option, and limited free access for young people. # # # HARTFORD – State Sen. Christine Cohen (D-12) , who led the passage of Connecticut’s landmark Clean Air Act as chair of the Senate Environment Committee in the 2022 legislature, continued her environmental advocacy in the 2023 session and earned a 93% score on this year’s Environmental Scorecard published by the CT League of Conservation Voters.
The 2023 Environmental Scorecard, published annually, is intended to hold lawmakers accountable for their votes on environmental policy. The final score for each legislator represents an average of their votes on specific bills. Cohen, who represents Branford, Durham, East Haven, Guilford, Killingworth, Madison, Middlefield, North Branford & Rockfall, cast pro-environment votes on 12 key bills that came before committees on which she served or in the full Senate. Chief among these was due to Cohen’s leadership as co-chair of the Transportation Committee for Senate Bill 904, which included a “Carbon Budget.” This legislation sets a maximum amount of carbon dioxide emissions allowed from the transportation sector and holds the Department of Transportation to this “carbon budget” as a mechanism to help the state reach its climate goals. Among other provisions, this bill also initiated a study of the DOT’s tree-cutting practices to prevent the unnecessary loss of trees. This support continues Cohen’s work on the Clean Air Act. “Sen. Cohen established the foundation for many pro-environment bills as Chair of the Environment Committee in 2022, and to say that the CT Clean Air Act will be an important part of her legacy is not an overstatement,” said CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. “We know that Sen. Cohen will continue her advocacy by remaining vigilant in the face of current attempts to thwart passage of regulations previously endorsed when the Clean Air Act was approved.” Cohen also voted to provide grants to towns for PFAS testing and remediation to help improve drinking water quality. Cohen voted in favor of the Carbon-Free Schools bill to provide cleaner, healthier schools for our children and teachers. This bill would have leveraged state and federal funding to carry out cost-saving energy projects, fund solar and other energy efficiency studies, and provide technical assistance to evaluate and implement these projects. Wildlife management was another legislative priority as evidenced by the passage of a bill to protect migrating birds from artificial night lighting. Cohen also supported the Seabird and Shorebird Protection Program which allows the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to designate and identify protected areas for nesting shore birds within the state’s coastal area along Long Island Sound. Cohen also voted to prevent the overharvesting of Horseshoe Crabs and to restore eel grass for climate resiliency and critical habitat. This year’s Scorecard covers 31 bills affecting the environment and 3 bills advancing voting rights. This was the first year CTLCV included a separate “Democracy” score for all lawmakers based on voting rights legislation, and Sen. Cohen scored 100% in this category. These and other important initiatives were deliberated and voted on at the CT General Assembly this year. More information about CTLCV’s work on behalf of the environment can be found at CTLCV.org The public is also invited to attend CTLCV Education Fund’s annual Environmental Summit set for Jan. 23 where advocates, lawmakers, and policy experts will preview upcoming legislative priorities for the 2024 legislative session. The day-long session will be held in person at the CT Science Center with an online option, and limited free access for young people. # # # Rep. Demicco’s Pro-Environment Support Earns High Marks onCTLCV 2023 Environmental Scorecard12/12/2023
HARTFORD – State Rep. Mike Demicco (D-21; Farmington, Unionville) earned one of the
highest scores on the 2023 Environmental Scorecard published annually by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. The Environmental Scorecard is intended to hold lawmakers accountable for their votes on environmental policy. The final score for each legislator represents an average of their votes on specific bills. Demicco, a longtime member and former House Chair of the Legislature’s Environment Committee, earned 98% on the Scorecard and high praise from CTLCV’s Executive Director Lori Brown. “Rep. Demicco is one of our top go-to leaders on environmental issues at the State Capitol. He has consistently fought for policies to protect our land, air, water, and wildlife for future generations,” said Brown. As Deputy Majority Leader, Rep. Demicco is well positioned to advance policies in support of the environment and has been a strong supporter of clean energy to address climate change. Among key votes in support of the environment, Rep. Demicco voted to establish a statewide decarbonization plan to help Connecticut reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The plan would provide a broad set of policies across multiple state agencies, and take an economy-wide approach to address climate change with long and short term goals and benchmarks. He also voted in favor of a statewide Carbon Budget that requires the state Department of Transportation and Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to jointly establish a maximum level of greenhouse gasses emitted by the transportation sector. In an effort to provide cleaner, healthier schools for our children and teachers, Rep. Demicco voted in favor of the Carbon-Free Schools bill. This bill would have leveraged state and federal funding to carry out cost-saving energy projects, fund solar and other energy efficiency studies, and provide technical assistance to evaluate and implement these projects. While this legislation did not make it over the finish line, it is expected to be raised again in 2024. Some of the environmental successes that Rep. Demicco helped to pass this year include grants to towns for PFAS testing and remediation to help improve drinking water quality; stronger laws to protect shoreline nesting birds; banning the overharvesting of Horseshoe crabs; and reducing “light pollution” that is detrimental to migratory birds. This year’s Scorecard covers 31 bills affecting the environment and three bills advancing voting rights. This was the first year CTLCV included a separate “Democracy” score for all lawmakers based on voting rights legislation. Rep. Demicco earned a Democracy Score of 100%. These and other important initiatives were deliberated and voted on at the CT General Assembly this year. More information about CTLCV’s work on behalf of the environment can be found at CTLCV.org. The public is also invited to attend CTLCV Education Fund’s annual Environmental Summit set for Jan. 23 where advocates, lawmakers, and policy experts will preview upcoming legislative priorities for the 2024 legislative session. The day-long session will be held in person at the CT Science Center with an online option, and limited free access for students. Day-long session features panels, online option, limited free access for students HARTFORD – The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters will host its 2024 Environmental Summit on Tuesday, Jan. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Connecticut Science Center, 150 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford.
CTLCV’s Education Fund’s annual Environment Summit is a unique event designed to bring together citizen advocates, environmental leaders, lawmakers, and policy experts. The summit will feature panel discussions and informational briefings regarding critical environmental issues as legislators prepare for the 2024 General Assembly session, which opens Feb. 8. Registration for the event is currently open online. Tickets are $50 for members and will include lunch and refreshments. Virtual live stream registration is available for all for an access fee of $20. Lawmakers are encouraged to RSVP in advance. Students are also advised to register ahead as a limited number of complimentary tickets are available for those 25 and under. While this year’s panels continue to be finalized, those interested in attending can get a sense of the event by reviewing an archive of the 2023 agenda and panelists here: 2023 Environmental Summit. Interested sponsors may direct inquiries to Connor Yakaitis, Development Director at CTLCV Education Fund, at (860) 236-5442 or [email protected]. Tier information on funding opportunities is provided here. The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action, a broad-based group of health care providers, scientists, environmental organizations, religious groups and others, promotes cleaner transportation options that get Connecticut residents to where they live, work, learn, and play with fewer emissions.
Toward this goal, the Connecticut General Assembly adopted emission standards back in 2004 that have reduced air pollution and brought more fuel-efficient cars to our state. This legislative action put us on the path toward cleaner air, improved health, and better choices for Connecticut residents, and the legislature has recognized this success by repeatedly updating the standards. Last year, this body again reaffirmed its support, adding clean truck standards to the program. Unfortunately, Connecticut’s progress is now threatened with the withdrawal of the Clean Car regulations that were under consideration by the Regulation Review Committee. This action will put residents’ health at risk and lead to dirtier air and fewer options for Connecticut drivers. If Connecticut does not adopt these updated regulations, we will be the only Clean Cars state from Virginia to Vermont not to do so. If we listen to the misinformation spread by the fossil fuel industry, we will be out of step with the direction of the vehicle market and jeopardize the well-being of state residents. Clean vehicles are coming to Connecticut, with or without these regulations. Our current market share for EVs is 9.3%—more than NY, VT, ME, and RI, all states that have adopted or are in the process of adopting the clean vehicle regulations. What we’ll miss without these regulations is all the consumer benefits they contain, such as incentives to manufacturers to provide lower-priced vehicles (targeted at $20,275) to jurisdictions participating in the regulations, providing vehicles to low-income populations, and enhanced manufacturer warranties for batteries and other components. It is clear that all states will need to invest in our grid and EV charging capacity to meet growing market demand. Connecticut recognizes this and has a plan. The state already established an EV Managed Charging Program three years ago to expand the EV charging network and access to that network. Connecticut is also slated to receive approximately $52 million over the first five years of the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program. Connecticut has long been a leader on clean transportation, setting policy on both clean air and consumer protection. We can be again. We urge the Connecticut General Assembly to work together to adopt the California Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII), Low Emission Vehicle (LEV IV), Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT), and Heavy-Duty Omnibus regulations no later than the first 30 days of the 2024 legislative session to get Connecticut moving in the right direction again. ### The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action, a broad-based group of health care providers, scientists, environmental organizations, religious groups and others, promotes cleaner transportation options that get Connecticut residents to where they live, work, learn, and play with fewer emissions. Toward this goal, the Connecticut General Assembly adopted emission standards back in 2004 that have reduced air pollution and brought more fuel-efficient cars to our state. This legislative action put us on the path toward cleaner air, improved health, and better choices for Connecticut residents, and the legislature has recognized this success by repeatedly updating the standards. Last year, this body again reaffirmed its support, adding clean truck standards to the program. Unfortunately, Connecticut’s progress is now threatened with the withdrawal of the Clean Car regulations that were under consideration by the Regulation Review Committee. This action will put residents’ health at risk and lead to dirtier air and fewer options for Connecticut drivers. If Connecticut does not adopt these updated regulations, we will be the only Clean Cars state from Virginia to Vermont not to do so. If we listen to the misinformation spread by the fossil fuel industry, we will be out of step with the direction of the vehicle market and jeopardize the well-being of state residents. Clean vehicles are coming to Connecticut, with or without these regulations. Our current market share for EVs is 9.3%—more than NY, VT, ME, and RI, all states that have adopted or are in the process of adopting the clean vehicle regulations. What we’ll miss without these regulations is all the consumer benefits they contain, such as incentives to manufacturers to provide lower-priced vehicles (targeted at $20,275) to jurisdictions participating in the regulations, providing vehicles to low-income populations, and enhanced manufacturer warranties for batteries and other components. It is clear that all states will need to invest in our grid and EV charging capacity to meet growing market demand. Connecticut recognizes this and has a plan. The state already established an EV Managed Charging Program three years ago to expand the EV charging network and access to that network. Connecticut is also slated to receive approximately $52 million over the first five years of the federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program. Connecticut has long been a leader on clean transportation, setting policy on both clean air and consumer protection. We can be again. We urge the Connecticut General Assembly to work together to adopt the California Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII), Low Emission Vehicle (LEV IV), Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT), and Heavy-Duty Omnibus regulations no later than the first 30 days of the 2024 legislative session to get Connecticut moving in the right direction again. ### |
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