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."

Dr. Mark Mitchell, a public health and environmental health physician and founder of the Connecticut Environmental Justice Leadership Collaborative, stated:
“Climate change negatively affects the health of all people, but some people are more affected. In Connecticut, so-called “natural” gas-fueled power plants, which trigger asthma attacks in people who have asthma, are more likely to be located in communities that already have disproportionately higher rates of asthma.  We need to build more rooftop and community solar that is accessible to low-wealth communities and communities with high asthma rates, so that we can close these power plants and reduce the cost of electricity.”

​State Senator Saud Anwar, a physician and Chair of the Public Health Committee, emphasized the critical importance of emissions reduction:
“The more polluted our air, the harder it becomes to breathe, but that’s the tip of the iceberg. Asthma, COPD and other respiratory illnesses can be made worse by exposure to polluted air; the strain it places on the human body can lead to deadly consequences. Add in that pollution worsens our air quality every day and has recently gotten much worse during both heat waves and cold snaps - and our power plants burned oil this winter when natural gas supplies were low - and the picture becomes more dire. We need to find ways to increase renewable energy to support our grid and change this landscape. Countless residents, and their health, are counting on us.”

Ellie Smith, a medical student, highlighted the importance of preparing the next generation of clinicians to address climate-related health challenges:
“Every effort made to educate tomorrow’s doctors on the harmful effects of pollutants and extreme weather on our population’s health is an investment into producing informed advocates for the most vulnerable members of our society in the clinic and beyond.” 
Medical professionals across disciplines remain deeply concerned about the accelerating health impacts of climate change and the need to both mitigate risks and adapt healthcare systems for a warming world.

​Stefan Marzcuk, medical student and Chair of CHPCA, concluded with a message of hope and action:
“Climate change is one of the greatest public health challenges of our time, but it is also an opportunity to build a healthier, more resilient future for our state. Expanded renewable energy infrastructure means cleaner air for our communities, and the solutions Connecticut chooses today can deliver immediate and lasting benefits to our patients.”
CHPCA remains committed to working collaboratively with policymakers, healthcare systems, and communities to advance evidence-based solutions that protect both planetary and human health.

Media Contact:
Mark Mitchell, MD
[email protected]
(860) 794-9497

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.  

​CTLCV's national affiliate, the League of Conservation Voters, has released their latest annual Clean Energy For All: Clean Energy Success in the States report. 

The report shows how state-level progress, like here in Connecticut, is helping move the country forward toward clean, affordable, and reliable energy. This year, states advanced major clean energy measures, expanded low-cost technologies, and strengthened protections for consumers. These efforts are paying off: states with higher levels of wind and solar are seeing lower-than-average electric bills.

Below is the excerpt highlighting Connecticut's achievements over the past year. To explore the full CEFA report, click here.

Connecticut
​NET ZERO BY 2050
An omnibus climate law strengthened Connecticut’s emissions reductions goals and set a net-zero by 2050 target economy-wide. It also created a Clean Economy Council to develop strategies that will help the state meet emissions reduction goals, and the law offers a variety of incentives and programs promoting solar, energy-efficiency, heat pumps, and green jobs.

ELECTRICITY GRID MODERNIZATION
Connecticut enacted comprehensive energy affordability legislation that will cut energy costs for ratepayers, improve the electrical grid, and continue clean energy investments.

CLIMATE RESILIENCY 
Connecticut passed a law that will proactively address climate change impacts and promote nature-based solutions, including helping municipalities prepare for sea level rise and natural disasters.

CLIMATE-RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT 
Lawmakers approved a new State Plan of Conservation and Development that prioritizes climate change in development decisions over the next five years. In addition, the Connecticut Legislature made updates to the State Water Plan to account for climate change impacts in long-term planning. 

After two legislative sessions with little climate progress, Connecticut’s net-zero by 2050 goal was years in the making. Connecticut LCV (CTLCV) was at the forefront of crafting the omnibus legislation in 2023 and 2024, and they coordinated multi-year advocacy efforts with partners across the state as a member of the steering committee of the Connecticut Coalition For Climate Action. CTLCV helped organize multiple lobby days with hundreds of attendees and a climate march with over 200 participants, hosted a series of Action Hour events to engage and mobilize supporters, and drove over 2,300 constituent messages to decision makers in support of the legislation. 

CTLCV worked especially closely with freshmen legislators to educate them on environmental issues and help them feel empowered to champion environmental policy at the State House. At their annual Environmental Summit, CTLCV brought together state decision makers and hundreds of supporters to help set the environmental priorities for the legislative session, including the net-zero by 2050 goal.

In addition, CTLCV consistently elevated the net-zero goal to lawmakers and the public, and maintained visibility through hosting press conferences with partners, placing op-eds, running extensive digital ad campaigns, and taking out print ads in prominent newspapers.

“As Co-Chair of the joint Energy & Technology Committee, I depend on Connecticut LCV as a partner to help me frame the environmental imperatives for my colleagues and the public. They are instrumental in informing our legislative priorities every session.”
Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Co-Chair, Energy & Technology Committee, Connecticut General Assembly ​

​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. ​

​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.