Connor Yakaitis, Deputy Director, of the Connecticut League Conservation Voters released the following statement following Senate adoption of HB 5340, an invaluable piece of legislation that will promote a more affordable Connecticut.

“We applaud final action on HB 5340, a measure that demonstrates legislative commitment to stabilizing costs and expanding renewable and reliable energy for our state’s ratepayers. We are proud to support their efforts in promoting locally generated power that will help pave the way for a cleaner and more affordable energy future for our residents and businesses across Connecticut. Thank you to State and House Leadership, as well as Energy & Technology Committee Co-Chairs Rep. Steinberg and Sen. Needleman for shining sunlight on this critical legislation."

The Capitol will be abuzz with activity on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22nd. We encourage you to join an event or two, visit your legislators, and connect with fellow environmental advocates. It's a great day to plan a visit to the State Capitol.  We'd love to see you there!

​9 - 10:30 AM: Legislative Prayer Breakfast (Hosted by IREJN)
Join the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network for breakfast and an inspiring and spiritual service as religious leaders pray for our planet and all who live on it. More information here.

10 AM - 12 PM: Land Conservation Day (Hosted by CT Land Conservation Council)
Join CLCC & land trusts from across Connecticut for a day of advocacy, storytelling & action.
More information here.

10:30 AM - 12 PM: Penguin Day! (Hosted by Mystic Aquarium)
Meet a Mystic Aquarium penguin in a mobile enclosure. Location: Hall of Flags

12 - 2 PM: Youth Poster Contest & Ice Cream (Hosted by CT Coalition for Climate Action) 
10 finalists will have their posters displayed in the State Capitol lobby on Earth Day, and you can join us to vote for your favorites, celebrate the winners, and enjoy free Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream! More information here.

12 - 2 PM: Make Polluters Pay Advocacy Day (Hosted by Sierra Club Connecticut)
Throughout the event, participants will take part in letter writing and direct outreach to legislators, urging them to support these “Make Polluters Pay” bills. More information here.

2 - 4 PM: Think Outside the Bait Box: Empowering Communities to Ban Rat Poisons (Hosted by CT Votes for Animals)
Meet a live bird! Alongside Representative Joe Gresko, legislators, and advocates, this event will highlight the urgent need to protect pets, children, and wildlife from the dangers of rodenticides. More information here.

5:30 - 8 PM: Sierra Club Earth Day 2026: Community, Music & Action
(Note: Event not at the Capitol) The event will include food, conversation, art, performance and a streamed concert from Los Angeles celebrating the power of music to inspire action for the planet. More information here.

 MORE EVENTS
Can't make it? There are more events happening throughout the week. 
Monday, April 20th: CTLCV Action Hour: What is Plug-In Solar? 
Join us virtually from 1 - 2 PM to hear from expert speakers on this emerging clean energy option. Register here.

Tuesday, April 21st: Clean Transportation Lobby Day (hosted by Save the Sound)
From 10 AM - 12 PM advocates will join together to speak with legislators about bills that would support continued electrification of school bus fleets and establish programs for the purchase of bus passes for distribution to high school students and veterans, in addition to opposing rollbacks in clean transportation standards. More information here.

In addition to these great activism and education opportunities, Earth Day events are being held all over the state throughout the month of April. Check out Earth Day Events here.

Scorecard highlights Congressional Republicans’ efforts to pull the plug on clean energy, advance Big Polluters’ wish list, and undermine free and fair elections.

Hartford, CT – Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) released the federal Connecticut delegation’s scores for the League of Conservation Voters’ 2025 National Environmental Scorecard highlighting our state’s leaders' work to protect our environment despite an unprecedented year with a record number of attacks on our environment and democracy.

Connecticut’s delegation fought against Republicans in Congress, who repeatedly chose loyalty to the Trump administration and Big Polluters over making life safer, healthier, and more affordable for their own constituents. The result has been higher energy costs for working families, lost jobs and economic opportunities, the selling of  tens of millions of acres of public lands and waters to Big Polluters, fewer clean air and water safeguards, and increased pollution. 

Congressional Republicans threatened free and fair elections; however, our entire House delegation voted against these efforts to undermine our democracy, and, thanks to Senators Blumenthal and Murphy, they failed in the Senate. In the face of these challenges, they stood up for the pillars of our democratic institutions that make climate action possible. Climate advocacy depends on a strong democracy and the rule of law.

At the same time, our delegation has worked to help keep Connecticut and New England on track to meet our climate goals. This includes supporting the reinstatement of Revolution Wind after baseless attempts to derail the nearly completed clean energy project. 

“While CTLCV works every day in Hartford to advance strong environmental policies for CT communities, the same battles are being fought in Washington, DC, by our friends and leaders at the League of Conservation Voters. CTLCV thanks them for their advocacy and thanks our federal delegation for their hard work in standing up against environmental injustices at the national level.” said Connor Yakaitis, CTLCV Deputy Director.

“We’ve never seen a Congressional majority so willfully abandon its responsibilities to protect their own constituents and the Constitution and instead relentlessly attack the health and safety of our communities, our environment, and our right to a free and fair democracy,” said LCV Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Sara Chieffo. “Those members of Congress who voted for the “Big Ugly Bill” killed clean energy incentives at a time when energy demand is at all-time highs and energy prices are rising higher than ever. It’s no surprise that while this Congress has been doing the bidding of President Trump and Big Polluters, utility costs rose 13% nationwide last year. We commend the members of Congress who forced votes to protect U.S.-made clean energy, our treasured public lands, critical federal agency funding, and our rights — pushing back on extreme Republican efforts to make it harder for people to vote and hand even more power to Trump.”

The full delegation’s scores for 2025 are:
Senator Blumenthal - 97% 
Senator C. Murphy - 97%
Representative Larson, J. - 97%
Representative Courtney - 100%
Representative DeLauro - 100%
Representative Himes - 97%
Representative Hayes - 100%

The 2025 Scorecard scored:
34 Senate votes including:

• 11 amendments showing where members stood on affordable clean energy, manufacturing jobs, public lands, and federal workers on the Big Ugly Bill and its final passage (which LCV double scored) 
• 7 nominees picked solely for their loyalty to Trump and fossil fuels
• 13 Congressional Review Act (CRA) attacks on clean air and water, wildlife, and public lands

32 House votes including:

• 8 bills driving up energy costs by blocking clean energy or giving handouts to dirty energy and the final passage of the Big Ugly Bill (which LCV double scored)
• 4 bills undermining public input on decisions affecting our environment and communities
• The SAVE Act to make voter registration more onerous
• The same 13 Congressional Review Act (CRA) attacks on clean air and water, wildlife, and public lands scored on the Senate side

For a combined record number of 66 votes in the annual Scorecard undermining the programs and laws that advance a safe climate, environment, and democracy.


LCV has published a National Environmental Scorecard every Congress since 1970. The Scorecard represents the consensus of experts from more than 20 respected environmental and conservation  organizations who selected the key votes on which members of Congress should be scored. LCV scores votes on the most important issues of the year, including energy, climate change, environmental justice, public health, public lands and wildlife conservation, democracy, and spending for environmental programs. The votes included in the Scorecard presented members of Congress with a real choice and helped distinguish which legislators are working for environmental protection. More information on individual votes and the Scorecard archive can be found at scorecard.lcv.org.

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The CT League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) is a nonpartisan statewide organization dedicated to protecting Connecticut's environment.  CTLCV works to pass equitable and sustainable legislation that impacts our air, land, water, wildlife, and climate and holds all state legislators accountable with an annual Environmental Scorecard. Visit ctlcv.org for more information on CTLCV.
​
​Media Contacts: 
Gracie Pope, Communications Manager | [email protected] | (803) 493-0228
Lori Brown, Executive Director | [email protected] | (860) 214-0345
National LCV | [email protected] | 

Hartford, CT— Today, the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action released its priorities for the 2026 legislative session.  
The Coalition, a broad-based and growing group of 168 health care providers, scientists, environmental organizations, religious groups, and others representing more than 300,000 members, was formed two years ago to address the climate crisis and environmental health and economic burdens facing Connecticut. 

“The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action brings together a variety of organizations and individuals to collectively fight for positive climate legislation at the State Capitol. Our collaborative decision-making process allows us to choose priorities that represent the most pressing matters in climate. Together, we use our voice to advocate for a healthier, safer, and cleaner Connecticut.” said Julianna McVeigh, Doherty Climate & Resilience Institute Campaigns Manager at Save the Sound. 

Coalition members will be working together to achieve three key policy solutions this session: 

• Accelerate clean energy development by making it easier and cheaper to Go Solar, funding thermal energy networks, and creating refundable renewable energy tax credits. 

• Ensure affordable energy by continuing to invest in energy efficiency, protecting the Systems Benefits Charge, and reducing barriers to entry for weatherization programs.  

• Act now to protect communities from extreme heat, improve air quality and health for residents, and repair damage from federal termination of environmental funding.  

These solutions work toward the Coalition’s overarching goals of helping businesses and families save money, expanding solar, and protecting and improving health in our communities.  
Read more about the coalition’s proposed solutions here. 

Here’s what members of the coalition’s steering committee had to say: 
“Our state has very clear climate goals which we are required by law to meet.  Do our legislators have the sense of urgency needed to put laws in place to get us there?  Even in a short legislative session, we have to push for progress every single year, and we need our state’s elected leaders to make it happen,” said Lori Brown, CT League of Conservation Voters. 

“Almost everyone is facing the same reality right now: it costs too much to keep the lights on and our homes warm,” said Shannon Laun, Conservation Law Foundation Vice President for Connecticut. “It’s our goal to make sure no one ever has to sacrifice the necessities to pay their utility bills. Clean energy is affordable energy – and every Connecticut family and business deserves access to solutions that will cut costs and pollution.” 

“Energy efficiency and energy self-reliance must be at the center of any affordability discussion. Protecting and enhancing Connecticut’s efficiency programs addresses the root causes of high energy prices and delivers immediate bill relief and long-term resilience,” said Bernie Pelletier, People’s Action for Clean Energy. 

“Connecticut Health Professionals for Climate Action (CHPCA) stands in support of protecting the Public Benefits Charge, which funds life-saving electricity protections for our patients who depend on continuous power for medical conditions,” said Dr. Kirsten Ek, Connecticut Health Professions for Climate Action. “We support expanding affordable clean energy options for all Connecticut residents—including  weatherization programs, heat pumps, thermal energy networks, wind, solar access—and innovative solutions like plug-in solar. These programs deliver a triple win: lower energy costs for families, cleaner air from reduced fossil fuel combustion, and climate protection for Connecticut’s children, whose health outcomes depend on the decisions legislators make today.”  

“Everyone is affected by climate change, but some are more affected than others.” said Dr. Mark Mitchell of the CT Environmental Justice Leadership Collaborative and Mitchell Environmental Health Associates. “Children, elderly, low-wealth populations and many communities of color are more exposed and less able to protect themselves from the health harms of climate change, such as extreme heat and cold weather, as well as flooding These communities are under attack from the Trump Administration, which has cut federal funding for climate adaptation as well as mitigation. This has led directly to the closure or near closure of several organizations that have been trying to address these needs. Now is the time for the State of Connecticut to step up to preserve and expand the climate protections for those who are most vulnerable.”  

“One of the most important things we can do during the legislative session is to pay attention to the narrative that is out there on critical issues like energy affordability and help make sure that our policymakers are working with the facts.   The ‘narrative’ needs to catch up and help convey that clean energy can be cost competitive while playing a key role in providing for energy demand, energy reliability, emissions reduction, economic and job growth along with important health benefits,” said Nathan Frohling, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy of CT. 

“Energy efficiency and clean energy are the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs, improve air quality, and protect the environment.  But even more than that, we can’t have healthy people, healthy food, healthy water, or healthy wildlife on a sick and polluted planet.  We have a moral, ethical, and spiritual imperative to care for the world around us,” said Terri Eickel, Executive Director of the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network. 

“Connecticut’s climate future is at a critical juncture. The Trump Administration is pushing a dangerous fossil fuel agenda that leads to more pollution and higher energy bills. In 2026, our lawmakers must stand strong for our communities and our planet. To do that, lawmakers must protect Connecticut families and communities from the costs and impacts of extreme weather, and deliver more affordable and sustainable clean energy,” said Samantha Dynowski, State Director of Sierra Club Connecticut. 
​
About the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action  
The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action is a statewide alliance of environmental, labor, faith, health, and community organizations representing more than 300,000 people, working together to advance equitable climate solutions that reduce pollution, lower energy costs, and build a just and resilient clean energy economy.  

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.

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 (CTLCV)
• Tenaya Taylor (CTLCV)
• Earl Brecks (CTLCV Education Fund)
• Reggy Saint Fortcolin (CTLCV Education Fund)

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.