REPORT
Since our last edition of the R.E.A.D. we have been hard at work laying the foundation for what’s ahead: building on recent climate wins, gearing up for the 2026 elections, and working with our environmental partners to shape policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session.
In this update, you’ll find ways to get involved, from attending an upcoming event to learning more about environmental issues that we expect to see on the agenda at the state legislature.

Our energy policy work to steer elected leaders away from fossil fuels towards clean, efficient energy also prioritizes affordability in the regulatory space and at our Statehouse. CTLCV staff recently participated in National LCV's annual Clean Energy For All Convergence in Seattle to connect with other states to discuss shared issues with rising electric costs and innovative ideas to invest in a renewable future.

To thank our 2025 Environmental Champions at the state legislature and celebrate their strong scores on our annual Environmental Scorecard, we are hosting Sip & Celebrate events across the state. These gatherings with legislators and constituents spark conversations about local environmental priorities and showcase leadership in protecting Connecticut’s water, land, wildlife, and climate.

Want to see how your legislator scored this year? Check out our 2025 Environmental Scorecard. 

Additionally, we’re proud to recognize our board members, Tenaya Taylor and Reggy Saint Fortcolin, who were honored for their outstanding leadership and dedication to equity at the Call to Action: Shaping Our Climate and Environmental Justice Future event.

We’re excited to share these R.E.A.D. updates with you, and even more grateful to have you with us as we head into the 2026 legislative session.

ENGAGE
PACE Event: Harnessing the Power of Local Climate Action
Join People's Action for Clean Energy (PACE) Friday, November 14 from 11am-2pm at The Lyceum (227 Lawrence St., Hartford) for the launch of the Clean Energy Action Center—a new, free online tool to help towns and cities take climate action. Highlights include: A greeting from Third Act’s, Bill McKibben, a panel discussion from CT Leaders on clean energy, and a closing message from Stanford Univ. professor, Mark Jacobson. Attendees will also receive a free copy of Here Comes the Sun and a free lunch.

ACT
Take DEEP's Climate Action Plan Survey
Take the Climate Action Plan Survey to provide DEEP with your climate priorities. While DEEP will accept public comment and survey responses throughout the development of the plan, they would appreciate responses related to the October 8 meeting materials (see link below) by 11:59 pm EST on Friday, November 21 to inform their next steps in the plan process. 

 Join the CT Environmental Rights Amendment Coalition
The CT Environmental Rights Amendment would put the fundamental human rights to clean
and healthy air, water, and soil and a safe climate into the CT state constitution, just like other
fundamental rights such as freedom of speech or freedom of religion. A broad alliance, including the CT League of Conservation Voters, has been working to pass this amendment to our state constitution, and we expect to bring it to the CT General Assembly again next year.
If you would like to get involved in putting your right to a healthy environment and climate into
the CT constitution, join us on Monday, November 10, from 10 am to noon. We will have Maya
van Rossum, the national leader of the movement for Green Amendments, including the CT
ERA, joining us in person! You can come in person at the Atlantic Works Conference Center, 57
Charter Oak Avenue in Hartford, or you can join online by Zoom. Whether you are coming
online or in person, please register here.
-Kim Stoner
Director of Advocacy, CT NOFA (Northeast Organic Farming Association)
Coordinator, CT Environmental Rights Amendment Alliance 

DISCOVER
Stay up to date with news and events from across the state. 

Article: Energy efficiency is reducing Northeast peak demand, electricity bills: Acadia
Read It Here

Tool: Check Your Property Risk Related to Climate Change
Read It Here

 Book: Revolutionary Power: An Activist's Guide to Clean Energy
Learn More Here
Don't forget to check your library!

Action: Go VOTE in your local elections!
Check Your Ballot
Early voting is available & Election Day is November 4th, 2025. 

 Learn More: Thermal Energy Networks with Jared Rodriguez and Lianne Allen-Jacobson
Check Out Educational Resources Here
Join TEN4CT's next meeting: Thursday, October 30, 12:30-1:30. Please register here. 

Article: CT spends $5.4M to add more fast EV chargers along major highways
Read It Here

 Article: AI can help the environment, even though it uses tremendous energy. Here are 5 ways how
Read It Here

Article: Data centers are booming. But there are big energy and environmental risks
Read It Here

REPORT
Welcome to the September edition of the READ newsletter! We’re sharing highlights from the past month in climate and environmental news, along with a look ahead at upcoming events. We’re also excited to be gearing up for our 25th Anniversary Celebration next month.

September has brought several developments to Connecticut’s energy landscape. From uncertainty around the Revolution Wind offshore wind project, to the resignation of PURA Chair Marissa Gillett, there has been no shortage of important news. Looking ahead, CTLCV will continue to advocate for solutions that bring clean, reliable & affordable energy to our state.

Additionally, conversations around affordable housing continue, both in your communities and at the Capitol. We believe environmental protection and affordable housing go hand in hand, not against each other. Earlier this month, our team attended the YIMBYtown conference in New Haven. Read our recap of the event here, with linked resources. We’ll also be watching the developments around the potential special session at the Capitol. 

ENGAGE
You're invited to our 25th Anniversary Celebration!
Make plans to join us on October 18th in Fairfield, CT for a night of celebration & support for CTLCV's mission. 
Now Open: Online Art Auction Fundraiser
Bid from anywhere and support CTLCV’s work. The featured artwork will also be on display at our 25th Anniversary Celebration.

ACT
Tune in the CGA's Environment Committee Forum on Sept. 29th at 1:30 PM
State agencies will share updates on their work and upcoming priorities. It’s open to the public and a great chance for advocates to see what’s ahead for the next legislative session.
Agenda & Zoom Link

DISCOVER
Stay up to date with news and events from across the state. 

Article: Opinion: CT cannot afford Trump’s cancellation of offshore wind
Read It Here

Article: CT emissions rose in 2023 but cars, homes ran cleaner
Read It Here

 Learn More: Thermal Energy Networks
Check Out Educational Resources Here
Join TEN4CT's next meeting: Thursday, September 25, 12:30–1:30 PM. Please register here. 

​DEEP Event: Connecticut Climate Action Planning Public Meeting (Oct. 8, 12 - 2 PM)
Learn More Here

 Events: Litter clean-up events with Save the Sound (all over CT!)
Join an Event Here

Event: CGA Environment Committee Public Forum (Sept. 29th, 1:30 PM)
Agenda & Zoom Link

​CTLCV applauds Attorney General Tong and his office in their efforts that led to today’s preliminary injunction issued by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, which blocks the stop work order on the Revolution Wind project. 

CTLCV Deputy Director, Connor Yakaitis, said in a statement: “This is a win for Connecticut, for the future of renewable energy in New England and, most importantly, for the hardworking individuals and their families who have spent the past few weeks uncertain about the future of their livelihood. Revolution Wind has already delivered over a thousand union jobs and, thanks to their hard work, is 80% complete. It is past time we finish the job so we can deliver clean, renewable and reliable power to 350,000 homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island.”

CTLCV continues to be concerned about the future of clean energy investments in the region.

 “We hope this news encourages Governor Lamont to rethink Connecticut’s energy portfolio, especially when it comes to natural gas.” said Yakaitis.  “Our state must keep on the path of clean, reliable, efficient energy that is available at scale from wind and solar power, not backslide into dirty gas and oil.”

The resignation of Marissa Gillett is a shock to Connecticut, New England and the country as we all face rising energy costs. Her departure leaves the state with less expert knowledge and protections against needless rate increases. The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters calls upon Governor Lamont and legislative leadership to take this opportunity to fill PURA’s vacant roles with energy policy experts who will ensure affordability and who will help achieve our state’s climate goals through investing in clean energy, grid reliability, and putting ratepayers before shareholders. ​

Tuesday morning, September 9th, 2025, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) was proud to host “Sip & Celebrate Climate Action” with Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw (D-17). The event brought together Avon & Canton community members, advocates, and local leaders for an engaging conversation. 

As House Chair of the Planning and Development committee at the state legislature, Rep. Kavros DeGraw highlighted progress she championed on a variety of issues impacting the district and the state at large.  While the committee does not explicitly work on environmental legislation, she explained that there is quite a bit of overlap when it comes to thinking about the impact of climate change on the state’s future development. For example, she worked to ensure passage of the updated Plan of Conservation and Development (HJ-67), which centered on preparing for climate impacts. 

She also underscored the importance of transit-oriented communities (part of the vetoed HB 5002), a planning approach with many community benefits, such as reducing sprawl, air pollution and emissions. Among the session’s accomplishments, she celebrated the passage of Inland Wetlands Commission Training (Public Act No. 25-73), a measure to enhance training for town inland wetland commissioners that will strengthen local natural resources protections.  Her committee also passed legislation to enable solar installations on condos.

Attendees raised thoughtful questions on housing, waste reduction, composting, invasive species, and localized environmental actions. Throughout the session, Rep. Kavros DeGraw emphasized that good development planning is good for the environment, and environmental protection does not conflict with growth. She also stressed the importance of civic engagement, encouraging participants to stay in touch with their lawmakers to let them know what is important to the residents of their communities.

Looking ahead, she noted that a special legislative session is expected some time in October with action anticipated on affordable housing and adjustments to the state budget due to federal funding cuts.

CTLCV thanks Rep. Kavros DeGraw for her strong environmental leadership and all who joined us to help keep the momentum for climate action going.

On Wednesday, August 20th, 2025, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters participated in a press conference with Sen. Richard Blumenthal and the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection. 

Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director, at the event said, “The science is really clear. Greenhouse gas emissions make America sick, dirty and unstable. And from extreme weather and deadly flooding, to the increased smog along I-95, air pollution has a devastating effect on the quality of life for Connecticut residents. Eliminating the Endangerment Finding goes against overwhelming scientific consensus.” 

Below is CTLCV’s public comment submitted to the federal government in regards to the proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency on the Reconsideration of 2009 Endangerment Finding and Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Standard.

The public comment period will close on September 19th. Those interested in submitting public comments may do so at this link. 

Public comment submitted by CTLCV: 

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) urges the EPA to
uphold the landmark 2009 Endangerment Finding and uphold our nation’s vehicle
pollution standards.

The science is clear: greenhouse gas emissions make America sick, dirty and
unstable. From extreme weather and deadly flooding in Connecticut, to increased
smog along I-95, air pollution has devastating effects on the quality of life for
Connecticut residents.

Eliminating the Endangerment Finding goes against overwhelming scientific
consensus and cedes U.S. leadership on climate change on the international stage.
The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the
United States, and this is also true in Connecticut. This rule seeks to hide that
pollution so polluters can operate unchecked.

Connecticut has some of the worst air quality in the United States. Rolling
back this finding could worsen this, leading to an increase in the tens of millions of
dollars the state spends on healthcare every year. Additionally, in Connecticut’s
many coastal towns there will be a larger impact of sea level rise and severe
weather events.

The Endangerment Finding helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions and keep
our Connecticut communities safe. This means being able to breathe clean air for
picnics in the park, commutes to work and school, and strolls along Main Street.
To repeal it would endanger the health of Connecticut citizens and our quality of
life every single day.

The EPA must not abandon its core mission of protecting public health and the
environment. We urge the Environmental Protection Agency to NOT rescind the
landmark 2009 Endangerment Finding and to NOT roll back vehicle pollution
standards.

Hartford, CT - This summer, as the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) and the CTLCV Education Fund celebrate 25 years of environmental advocacy, we are proud to welcome four new members to our Boards of Directors. Two new members have joined each organization, bringing fresh perspectives and deep expertise to help advance our mission at this milestone moment.
“It’s important that we continue to bring in fresh perspectives as we navigate both the challenges and opportunities ahead in Connecticut. I'm grateful for these new board members who have chosen to give their time to our community, organization, and state efforts.” says Mike Urgo, CTLCV President. 

The new board members are: 

• Brandalyn Fulton Williams (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.

We commend the legislature for taking bold action on climate resilience with the final passage of SB 9. This marks a vital step toward meeting Connecticut’s climate goals and builds on the strong environmental agenda advancing this session. As the final week unfolds, we urge lawmakers to keep up the momentum to ensure our communities are safeguarded and ready for the growing environmental challenges ahead. 

- Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director