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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. Hartford, CT - This summer, as the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) and the CTLCV Education Fund celebrate 25 years of environmental advocacy, we are proud to welcome four new members to our Boards of Directors. Two new members have joined each organization, bringing fresh perspectives and deep expertise to help advance our mission at this milestone moment. “It’s important that we continue to bring in fresh perspectives as we navigate both the challenges and opportunities ahead in Connecticut. I'm grateful for these new board members who have chosen to give their time to our community, organization, and state efforts.” says Mike Urgo, CTLCV President. The new board members are:
Brandalyn Fulton Williams is a civic leader and communications strategist with a passion for equity in education and disability advocacy. She currently serves as Manager of Communications at Norwalk ACTS, where she drives public engagement and visibility for collective impact work. Brandalyn brings over a decade of experience in news media, production and academia, including 10 years as an adjunct professor at Purchase College. Her leadership includes service on the State Advisory Council for Special Education, the Policy & Advocacy Committee of the CT Cradle to Career Coalition, and various parent leadership groups across Norwalk. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in Theater & Design Production and Sociology. Tenaya Taylor is a Hartford-based social justice advocate and the Founder of the Nonprofit Accountability Group (NAG). Through NAG, Tenaya leads community-driven work in mutual aid, housing advocacy, environmental justice, and health equity, including campaigns for tenant rights and efforts to rehouse families. A Capital Community College graduate, Tenaya also writes regularly for CT Mirror Viewpoints and uses music as a form of activism, performing at festivals and infusing their lyrics with messages about justice and policy. Tenaya founded NAG in 2020 to meet urgent pandemic-era needs and continues to guide its expansion with a focus on empowering youth and sustaining grassroots change. Earl Brecks is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, specializing in accounting, process improvement and strategic program management. Throughout his career, Earl has been consistently recognized for driving impactful results with a thoughtful and collaborative approach toward problem solving. He now brings his wide array of skills to the CTLCV to aid in its continued success. Although now a long-time New Englander, Earl is a transplant from the greater St. Louis area and a proud graduate of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, with degrees in both Accounting and Management. He lives in Cromwell with his wife Jennifer and their two sons, spending much of his leisure time coaching youth basketball and soccer. Reggy Saint Fortcolin is a conservationist, community organizer, and food justice advocate working at the intersection of land access, food security, and environmental equity. He is the founder and Executive Director of Sovereign Land Trust, where he advances sustainable agriculture and generational land stewardship for marginalized communities. Reggy also leads statewide efforts like Fridgeport and the CT Food Sovereignty Collective, which provide direct food access to over 1,200 people each week. He has spearheaded food policy initiatives at the state level, including legislation to establish a Food and Nutrition Policy Analyst, and currently serves as Farm Bill Policy Lead for the New CT Farmers Alliance. Reggy is also a member of the CEEJAC Land Subcommittee and a founding member of the Liberated Land Cooperative.   Hartford, CT- The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, the state's leading environmental convener, released its annual Scorecard today. The Scorecard, which grades state senators and representatives on a 0% to 100% scale based on how they vote on important environmental legislation, has been an important tool for voters during the past 25 years. Holding legislators accountable on a variety of environmental issues, this year’s edition features a high level of engagement among freshmen legislators and illustrates the growing partisan divide over the funding and oversight related to environmental issues.
This year’s Scorecard graded votes on 23 environmental bills during this year's four-month legislative session. Two major bills scored that earned a high degree of public interest and engagement include HB 5004, which targets energy and emissions, and SB 9, which addresses municipal and state planning for climate resiliency. Lobby efforts and advocacy by CTLCV and its partners played a key role in helping to pass these and eight other pro-environment bills. The group was also able to help stop or amend all but one of the seven hostile bills. 50% of legislators received a rating of 90% or higher. In the previous scorecard, 54% of legislators achieved such a score indicating a sustained effort to advance environmental initiatives. Based on this year’s Scorecard, the League identified nine freshmen lawmakers who represent Connecticut’s newest upcoming champions and named 21 lawmakers as environmental champions this year. Representative John Michael Parker, the Democratic lawmaker from Connecticut’s 101st House District has received the group’s highest honor as the 2025 Key Environmental Champion. CTLCV’s Executive Director, Lori Brown, says “Rep. John-Michael Parker has emerged as a true climate leader at the Capitol. As House Chair of the Environment Committee, he played a key role in passing HB 5004 and has been instrumental in advancing legislation that puts Connecticut on track to meet its climate goals. His collaborative approach and commitment to success make him our Key Environmental Champion this year.” While CTLCV is a nonpartisan organization, just one of the 21 champions is a member of the Republican Party. Senator Tony Hwang, the Republican Senator from Connecticut’s 28th District, has been a longtime ally on environmental issues and is the sole Republican to receive the group’s endorsement. In celebration of CTLCV’s 25th anniversary, the organization is on a mission to build bridges to conservative audiences. While concerns about regulations and spending remain, there are also opportunities for common ground. Environmentally responsible policies can lead to long-term savings in areas like waste management, healthcare, and energy—benefits that serve all communities across Connecticut. Board Chairman Joe McGee of Fairfield, on the board with the release of the first Scorecard 25 years ago says, “The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters was founded on a commitment to protect and conserve our natural resources and to fight for a healthy environment and healthy communities. Our founding Board Chairs, Julie Belaga, a Republican, and Russ Brenneman, a Democrat, knew how important it was to find common ground across the partisan divide. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, the urgency to address the challenges of climate change and a warming planet has become critical. It is our fervent hope and guiding principle that environmental solutions will be science-based and advanced after open, vigorous debate that respects different points of view. We invite Democrats and Republicans, conservatives and liberals, to advance Connecticut as a global leader in the fight to save our planet. Economic growth and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. In fact, economic innovation that enhances our environment will be the foundation of the 21st-century economy. We believe common ground exists—and that people of goodwill can find it”. The public can read and download the 2025 Scorecard at www.ctlcv.org/scorecard. In addition to providing legislators’ scores, the Scorecard provides additional information about CTLCV’s priorities and the bills the group supported and opposed this year. Constituents can use the Scorecard to see where their state lawmakers stand on the issues they care about—and to follow up, whether to ask questions or say thank you. That’s what makes the Scorecard such a powerful accountability tool: it reminds legislators that their constituents are paying attention.  Happy Pride Month! At CTLCV, we believe in a future where everyone can thrive in a healthy environment, and that includes celebrating the diversity and strength of the LGBTQ+ community.
The environmental movement and the LGBTQ+ rights movement are deeply interconnected. We both fight for a just and sustainable future for all. We believe that environmental justice is social justice, and that means standing in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ family, friends, and neighbors. Together, we can create a world where everyone is proud to be who they are and where all can breathe clean air, drink clean water, and enjoy a healthy environment. -The CTLCV Team We commend the legislature for taking bold action on climate resilience with the final passage of SB 9. This marks a vital step toward meeting Connecticut’s climate goals and builds on the strong environmental agenda advancing this session. As the final week unfolds, we urge lawmakers to keep up the momentum to ensure our communities are safeguarded and ready for the growing environmental challenges ahead.
- Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director Connecticut League of Conservation Voters
5/2/2025 Press Statement “This is what climate leadership looks like. With the passage of HB 5004, the House has set the tone that climate action is a top priority in Connecticut. Now, the Senate must carry that momentum forward,” Lori Brown, Executive Director CTLCV. Passing HB 5004 is a positive move forward as we work to address climate change. It is part of a larger legislative effort to put Connecticut back on track to meet our climate goals. CTLCV applauds the leadership of Rep. John Michael Parker in moving this legislation forward and CTLCV is encouraged by the continued open communication and collaboration that is taking place this session between the Environment and Energy Committees, as well as the House and Senate. Media Contact: Gracie Pope, Communications Manager [email protected] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2025 Climate Bill HB 5004 Passes the Connecticut State House Hartford, CT—Today the Connecticut State House voted 98-47 to pass this year’s main climate mitigation bill, House Bill 5004. This comes on the heels of a recent American Lung Association report which showed that Fairfield County is among the worst in New England for ozone pollution, exposing 25% of Connecticut’s population to unhealthy air. HB 5004 takes steps in the right direction to improve air quality and address the causes of climate change by stopping greenhouse gas emissions at the source. It would update the Global Warming Solutions Act with a net-zero-by-2050 target, support the economy through workforce development and local sustainable purchasing, and leverage nature-based solutions to protect our shoreline communities and sequester carbon. These are all important pieces to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities. At the time of passage, the bill had 59 co-sponsors, representing mounting support for climate action across the state. Members of the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action applauded the House’s passage and urged the Senate to follow. “HB 5004 is a step in the right direction to get Connecticut back on track toward meeting our climate goals and reclaiming our role as a climate leader in the region,” said Julianna McVeigh, Climate and Resilience Campaign Manager at Save the Sound. “We hope that this bill is one piece in a larger puzzle of climate legislation that will be passed this session.” “After two years without action on climate in the Connecticut legislature, we hope that House Bill 5004 is the beginning of a new commitment to address the causes of climate change and its costly impacts on people in our state,” said Samantha Dynowski, State Director of Sierra Club’s Connecticut Chapter. “Passing HB 5004 is a positive move forward as we work to address climate change. It is part of a larger legislative effort to put Connecticut back on track to meet our climate goals. We thank Rep. John Michael Parker for his leadership in moving this legislation forward and hope to see continued communication and collaboration between the Environment and Energy Committees and the House and Senate to pass a strong set of climate and resilience bills this year,” Lori Brown, Executive Director of Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. “HB 5004 is an important step forward in addressing climate change. Houses of worship across Connecticut incorporate environmental ministry with their other ministries because they recognize that how we care for the planet impacts everyone and everything. IREJN is happy that Connecticut is renewing its commitment to energy efficiency and clean energy and we look forward to helping religious communities access programs that will help people reduce their energy cost and improve their quality of life,” said Terri Eickel, Executive Director, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network. “We can’t forget that the changing climate is the greatest existential challenge we face despite the many immediate concerns that keep us so busy. This bill helps get Connecticut back on track for the larger work that still lies ahead—some of which is contained in other bills the legislature can still work on and pass this year,” said Nathan Frohling, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in CT. “HB 5004 is a modest first step. We hope it is a first step towards the legislature accepting the challenge to enact substantive policies to grow clean energy and mitigate climate change,” said Environment Connecticut Director Chris Phelps. Other key bills that have yet to get a vote include:
The CT Coalition for Climate Action comprises environmental advocates, health experts, labor and municipal representatives, and others advocating for climate action in Connecticut. Formed in 2023, the Coalition’s central demand is that Connecticut keep its promise to cut climate pollution and protect our future. Members of the coalition’s steering committee are Save the Sound, American College of Physicians – CT Chapter, ConnPIRG, 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, Sierra Club CT, and the Nature Conservancy in CT. More information at www.climateactionct.org Contact: Killian Duborg, [email protected], 720-319-1324 Julianna McVeigh, [email protected], 973-767-8800 |
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