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Hartford, CT - Today, the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action joined Rep. Christine Palm, Rep. Geraldo Reyes, Rep. Aundré Baumgardner, Rep. Dominique Johnson, Rep. John Michael Parker, Rep. Sarah Keitt, Rep. Jennifer Leeper, Rep. David Michel, Rep. Amy Morrin Bello, and Rep. Anne Hughes along with business leaders, health care professionals, students, and others in support of Raised Bill HB 5004. The Coalition, a broad-based group of more than 40 health care providers, scientists, environmental organizations, religious groups, and others representing more than 300,000 members, was formed one year ago to address the climate crisis, public health, and environmental justice concerns facing Connecticut.
HB 5004 seeks to advance the state's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by investing in renewable energy, incentivizing green economy startup businesses, planning for the phase-out of our reliance on natural gas, accelerating a shift away from fossil fuel heating to clean electric heat pumps, supporting local sustainable purchasing, and leveraging nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change. The legislation builds on Connecticut’s long history of innovation and environmental stewardship while better aligning our efforts with those of our neighboring states. HB 5004 will position Connecticut to be successful in our common goals of protecting our shared environment, improving public health, increasing clean renewable energy, and stabilizing energy costs. Dr. Mark Mitchell, a member of the coalition steering committee, founder of Connecticut Health Professionals for Climate Action and chair of Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC), commented on the health effects of climate change during the event and highlighted the provisions in HB 5004 that help low-income individuals, people of color, children, and the elderly. Data was presented at the press conference that highlighted the health effects of climate change. “According to a 2020 report released by the Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, heat stress contributed to nearly 500 emergency department visits and hospitalizations per year between 2006 and 2016 in Connecticut. The health cost of inaction is not something we can afford to pass on to future generations,” said Stefan Marczuk, a UCONN medical student. Dr. Sanjiv Godse, a pediatrician and pediatric pulmonology fellow, added, “Climate change is not just an environmental issue; it is a profound threat to human health and well-being. As we continue to witness the devastating effects of climate change around the globe—ranging from extreme weather events to rising sea levels—it becomes increasingly clear that the health of our planet is intricately linked to the health of its inhabitants. HB 5004 will help to bring Connecticut into a greener and healthier future.” The coalition sees the tangible emission reduction targets and incentivizing carbonization efforts as a win for public health. “As physicians on the front lines, we treat patients daily with asthma and other respiratory diseases that are exacerbated by climate change. HB 5004 will re-establish Connecticut’s commitment to protecting public health by setting us on a path to achieving the state's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” added Dr. Anthony Yoder, chair of health and public policy for the American College of Physicians, CT Chapter and steering committee member of the coalition. The coalition also continues to express the urgency of action this session. “Connecticut lawmakers have an opportunity—and an obligation—to align our policies with the public’s demand for action on climate,” said Lori Brown, executive director of the CT League of Conservation Voters. “House Bill 5004 contains specific steps that the state can take to fulfill that obligation by updating our laws and providing creative incentives. These measures are urgent, comprehensive, and actionable.” “The way we heat our buildings is partly why Connecticut fails to meet federal air quality standards year after year--which means people suffering from more asthma, heart disease, and other health damage, especially our most vulnerable residents,” said Shannon Laun, Conservation Law Foundation Vice President for Connecticut. “House Bill 5004 will cut that dangerous pollution and help people breathe easier and live healthier lives.” “Twenty years ago, an overwhelming bipartisan majority of the Connecticut legislature enacted a law committing our state to cutting its emissions of the pollution that fuels global warming by 80% by 2050. Unfortunately, so far our state has failed to keep that commitment,” said Chris Phelps, Environment Connecticut State Director. “HB 5004 would help our state get back on track to meeting its commitment to cut global warming pollution and fight climate change to protect our environment and economy for future generations.” Charles Rothenberger, climate and energy attorney for Save the Sound, said, “It’s time to treat climate change with the seriousness it deserves, and hold ourselves accountable to meaningful action to reduce emissions. Connecticut must update its core climate law, the Global Warming Solutions Act, to honor the climate promises we’ve made and build a sustainable economy together.” The detailed agenda for the coalition can be found at www.climateactionct.org/2024-agenda. The Coalition Steering Committee includes the 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, 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. ### Advocates for a clean and healthy environment are prepared with a slate of legislative priorities to protect Connecticut’s environment through stronger laws and policies at the state level. The 2024 Connecticut General Assembly convenes on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
Connecticut’s environmental leaders convene each year in advance of the state’s legislative session to identify top priorities of the many groups seeking stronger state laws and policies. These are the collective priorities of many different coalitions of groups working together year after year, and which together make up the driving force behind CT’s climate and environmental agenda. The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters has served as a convener for this collaboration. Ever since a small gathering of state environmental leaders met in 2020, the League’s annual Environmental Summit, held on Jan. 23 this year, has grown exponentially into a staple for advocates, lawmakers, and state leaders to identify and discuss key issues that are in the works for the session ahead. CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown said the legislature’s lack of action last year on critical bills to advance clean air and climate change policies will be foremost in their minds during discussions with lawmakers. “The environment — especially climate — did not make the progress we had hoped for in the last session of the Connecticut legislature,” Brown said. “We are now in the position of catching up with our neighboring states, and facing even more intense opposition from the gas and oil industry. They have been fueling misinformation and distrust to block the transition to clean energy and clean transportation in Connecticut and across the nation.” Connecticut has a history as a leader among New England states in regard to advancing pro-environment policies for clean air and water. “It is our job to hold lawmakers accountable for doing all they can to reduce air pollution, provide clean waterways and drinking water, and to address the overarching environmental threat of climate change,” said Brown. TOP PRIORITIES *Climate Change *Vehicle Emissions *Food Waste Prevention *Pesticides *PFAS Chief among the priorities is updating the state’s Global Warming Solutions Act to set higher standards for reducing greenhouse gas emissions that will achieve science-based climate goals, and the need to address CT’s poor air quality. And nature-based solutions to climate change are seen as increasingly essential to comprehensive climate planning and many ecosystem benefit. Considerable efforts will focus on legislation to update vehicle emissions standards to reduce tailpipe emissions from cars and trucks. Vehicle emissions are considered a significant and measurable threat to public health and the environment. “We want to align with science-based goals for a clean environment by advancing the full potential of solar energy, expanding clean heating and cooling technology such as heat pumps, and creating carbon-free schools,” Brown said. “We need legislators to replenish energy efficiency programs, which also will support environmental justice efforts by updating urban and low income housing infrastructure so people can access energy efficiency programs.” Key to working toward a cleaner environment on a large scale is revisiting the debate over adoption of electric vehicle regulations, which were pulled from consideration by Gov. Ned Lamont late last year in the face of opposition funded by fossil fuel interests. The groups also are aligned in support of offshore wind as a key component for reaching the state’s decarbonization goals. Addressing the presence of PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances), known as “forever chemicals,” and the need to eliminate them from the environment and our drinking water is also a priority. Items ranging from clothing and food packaging to nonstick pans, stain-resistant carpets, furniture and more are commonly made with PFAS, which are toxic to human health and wildlife. Environmentalists will urge legislators to adopt policies to reduce or eliminate the widespread use of pesticides. This includes rodenticides which are lethal to birds of prey, and neonicotinoids (“neonics”) which are linked to widespread decline of pollinators. Legislation to help reduce the state’s waste stream by diverting food waste from general waste will also be sought. Food waste is estimated to make up 22% of the waste stream, which ends up incinerated, added to landfills or shipped out of state at great cost to taxpayers. “This year, we have a great deal of work to accomplish in a short amount of time. The 2024 session is short, ending on May 8, which means we must be well prepared and ready to go from day one,” Brown said. “We will be looking for large turnouts during public hearings from advocates across the state, and support from our legislative champions during committee debates in the Assembly.” # # # HARTFORD – The CT League of Conservation Voters is starting the new year with the addition of two members to its Board of Directors and three members to the League’s Education Fund Board of Directors.
The selection of new Board members Danielle Chesebrough and Laura Del Savio reflects the League’s recent focus on election reform measures such as absentee and early voting, and support for the Connecticut Voting Rights Act. The Voting Rights Act includes legal methods to fight discriminatory voting rules and expands language assistance for voters with limited proficiency in English. Chesebrough, serving her second term as First Selectman in Stonington, was asked to join the board based on her advocacy for policies prioritizing environmental conservation and Connecticut's natural resource protection. “Danielle’s leadership, combined with her passion for environmental causes, expertise, and advocacy experience, will contribute to driving the organization's mission of safeguarding the state's environment and promoting democratic reforms that enhance civic engagement,” according to League Managing Director Mike Urgo. Chesebrough campaigned for office as an unaffiliated candidate. She is a member of the Forward Party, which Del Savio helped to launch, and seeks advocates for election reform policies. Prior to serving as First Selectman, Chesebrough worked with the United Nations for over eight years helping companies and financial markets operate more transparently and sustainably. Del Savio helped launch CT Voters First as Communications Director to advance Ranked Choice Voting and to advocate for the allocation of funds to modernize Connecticut's elections infrastructure. In 2021, Del Savio was instrumental in starting Connecticut’s Forward Party, founded on the national level by former presidential candidate Andrew Yang and steered by a multi-partisan leadership team. The new party was established to advance a new kind of politics by depolarizing issues through common-sense solutions. The Forward Party was built on a platform of innovative election practices including nonpartisan primaries and alternative voting methods. Del Savio served as Senior Communications Strategist through a historic merger of the Forward Party with the Serve America Movement, the Renew America Movement and through a critical alliance with Common Cause CA. Outside of the Forward Party, Del Savio has focused her political efforts on candidates who seek to bridge the partisan divide and sees environmental issues as an important space for collaboration and nonpartisan innovation. She is also an educator and taught in public schools in Westchester County, New York, and in Fairfield County. She hopes to help CTLCV advance its efforts by increasing awareness of how our state’s residents can win on critical environmental issues through improved elections and accountability. All three new members of the League’s Education Fund Board, Pippa Bell Ader, Isaac Cohen and Yaw Darko, have deep experience as advocates for pro-environment policies. Bell Ader has played a significant role in the region's sustainability initiatives, working with the Bridgeport Green Village Initiative and Sustainable Westport. Her leadership resulted in Westport winning the US Department of Energy Neighbor-to-Neighbor Home Energy Challenge and achieving Sustainable CT certification. As co-chair of Westport’s League of Women Voters she emphasized the importance of sustainability. Bell Ader’s work with the Parents Concussion Coalition to update youth concussion management laws in Connecticut will be an asset to the League’s advocacy efforts before the General Assembly. She is an occupational therapist with 21 years of experience in New York City and Boston, and has degrees from Columbia University and Tufts University. Cohen, the founder and owner of Bedrock Wealth Strategies, will bring a wealth of experience in financial planning to the organization with a focus on environmental stewardship. Cohen’s unwavering dedication to environmental causes has led him to highlight for his clients the intrinsic link between responsible financial planning and environmental sustainability. His visionary approach includes investment opportunities aligning with eco-conscious values, making him a valuable advocate for sustainable finance. Darko was the Sandy Breslin Conservation Fellow at the CT Land Conservation Council in 2020, progressing to Senior Project Specialist. Responsible for administering funding programs and coordinating initiatives like Bird & Hike with CT Land Trusts, Darko demonstrates a commitment to equity and justice in environmental matters as the Chair of the Land Subcommittee on the CT Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council. With a background in psychology and a Master's in Public Administration, his diverse experience in farming, personal training, tutoring, counseling, and facilities maintenance makes Yaw a valuable member of the board, combining expertise and passion for conservation. The League adds new Board members at the start of each year as the terms of others expire. Roger Reynolds, Senior Legal Director at Save the Sound, had served on the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Board since 2014. Amy Merli, Sustainability Coordinator at Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics, served on the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Education Fund Board since 2015. ### HARTFORD – The 2024 Environmental Summit, produced annually by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, will feature panel discussions and expert presentations ranging from vehicle emissions standards and the role of electric vehicles to PFAS in drinking water, food waste, pesticides, sustainable energy, nature-based climate solutions, and more.
This daylong gathering of policymakers, elected leaders, advocates and experts in various fields is scheduled for Jan. 23 at the Connecticut Science Center, Hartford. “The Environmental Summit is a way to bring awareness to the priorities we plan to address during the upcoming legislative session, which this year opens on Feb. 7,” said CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. For more than 20 years, CTLCV has been a leading voice for the environment at the State Capitol. The League’s efforts working with advocates and legislative leaders has resulted in many legislative wins over the years that help the state meet its climate and environmental goals, most recently fighting to reduce transportation emissions as a way to reverse Connecticut’s worsening air pollution. “Each year, the Summit identifies major environmental challenges facing our state and highlights the legislative and administrative solutions that are being proposed. It is a unique networking opportunity and gives everyone the basic information they need to get involved in the issues they care about,” said Brown. Those interested in attending can register here for both in-person and virtual attendance. Complimentary tickets are available for those 25 and under. -More- Information about remaining sponsorship opportunities is available by contacting Connor Yakaitis, Development Director of the CTLCV Education Fund, at (860) 236-5442 or connor@ctlcv.org and at CTLCV.org Here’s a look at last year’s Environmental Summit Photo Gallery. -###- 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. |
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