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

Connecticut League of Conservation Voters
5/2/2025
Press Statement 

​“This is what climate leadership looks like. With the passage of HB 5004, the House has set the tone that climate action is a top priority in Connecticut. Now, the Senate must carry that momentum forward,” Lori Brown, Executive Director CTLCV.

Passing HB 5004 is a positive move forward as we work to address climate change. It is part of a larger legislative effort to put Connecticut back on track to meet our climate goals. CTLCV applauds the leadership of Rep. John Michael Parker in moving this legislation forward and CTLCV is encouraged by the continued open communication and collaboration that is taking place this session between the Environment and Energy Committees, as well as the House and Senate. 

Media Contact: 
Gracie Pope, Communications Manager
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2025

Climate Bill HB 5004 Passes the Connecticut State House

Hartford, CT—Today the Connecticut State House voted 98-47 to pass this year’s main climate mitigation bill, House Bill 5004. This comes on the heels of a recent American Lung Association report which showed that Fairfield County is among the worst in New England for ozone pollution, exposing 25% of Connecticut’s population to unhealthy air.

HB 5004 takes steps in the right direction to improve air quality and address the causes of climate change by stopping greenhouse gas emissions at the source. It would update the Global Warming Solutions Act with a net-zero-by-2050 target, support the economy through workforce development and local sustainable purchasing, and leverage nature-based solutions to protect our shoreline communities and sequester carbon. These are all important pieces to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.

At the time of passage, the bill had 59 co-sponsors, representing mounting support for climate action across the state.

Members of the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action applauded the House’s passage and urged the Senate to follow.

“HB 5004 is a step in the right direction to get Connecticut back on track toward meeting our climate goals and reclaiming our role as a climate leader in the region,” said Julianna McVeigh, Climate and Resilience Campaign Manager at Save the Sound. “We hope that this bill is one piece in a larger puzzle of climate legislation that will be passed this session.”

“After two years without action on climate in the Connecticut legislature, we hope that House Bill 5004 is the beginning of a new commitment to address the causes of climate change and its costly impacts on people in our state,” said Samantha Dynowski, State Director of Sierra Club’s Connecticut Chapter.

“Passing HB 5004 is a positive move forward as we work to address climate change. It is part of a larger legislative effort to put Connecticut back on track to meet our climate goals. We thank Rep. John Michael Parker for his leadership in moving this legislation forward and hope to see continued communication and collaboration between the Environment and Energy Committees and the House and Senate to pass a strong set of climate and resilience bills this year,” Lori Brown, Executive Director of Connecticut League of Conservation Voters.

“HB 5004 is an important step forward in addressing climate change.  Houses of worship across Connecticut incorporate environmental ministry with their other ministries because they recognize that how we care for the planet impacts everyone and everything. IREJN is happy that Connecticut is renewing its commitment to energy efficiency and clean energy and we look forward to helping religious communities access programs that will help people reduce their energy cost and improve their quality of life,” said Terri Eickel, Executive Director, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network.

“We can’t forget that the changing climate is the greatest existential challenge we face despite the many immediate concerns that keep us so busy. This bill helps get Connecticut back on track for the larger work that still lies ahead—some of which is contained in other bills the legislature can still work on and pass this year,” said Nathan Frohling, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in CT.

“HB 5004 is a modest first step. We hope it is a first step towards the legislature accepting the challenge to enact substantive policies to grow clean energy and mitigate climate change,” said Environment Connecticut Director Chris Phelps.

Other key bills that have yet to get a vote include:

• SB 9, which would help Connecticut prepare for the impacts of climate change by increasing resilience, giving towns the tools to protect against climate-related hazards like sea level rise, rising groundwater, extreme heat, wildfire, drought, and flooding, and equipping residents with the information they need to keep their families safe from flooding.
• SB 4, which we anticipate will be the main vehicle for energy legislation this session. We urge the Energy Committee to incorporate into SB 4 the energy components that were removed from 5004. These include updating Connecticut’s appliance efficiency standards (even more urgent in light the federal government’s recent decision to not enforce federal standards), directing PURA to open a “future of gas” study to begin to responsibly plan for the clean heat future, promoting the development of thermal energy networks, and developing demand response programs for gas distribution customers.

The CT Coalition for Climate Action comprises environmental advocates, health experts, labor and municipal representatives, and others advocating for climate action in Connecticut. Formed in 2023, the Coalition’s central demand is that Connecticut keep its promise to cut climate pollution and protect our future. Members of the coalition’s steering committee are Save the Sound, American College of Physicians – CT Chapter, ConnPIRG, Conservation Law Foundation, CT Health Professionals for Climate Action, CT League of Conservation Voters, Environment Connecticut, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, Mitchell Environmental Health Associates, People’s Action for Clean Energy, Sierra Club CT, and the Nature Conservancy in CT. More information at www.climateactionct.org

​Contact:
Killian Duborg, [email protected], 720-319-1324
Julianna McVeigh, [email protected], 973-767-8800

​Hartford, CT — A multidisciplinary group of healthcare professionals—including physicians, nurses, public health researchers, students, and policymakers—convened in Hartford today to spotlight the increasing burden of climate change on human health. The past year, which set a global record for the highest temperatures in recorded history, subjected Connecticut residents to significant environmental hazards. These included poor air quality and elevated pollen levels in the spring, unprecedented heatwaves and historic flooding in the summer, and extended drought conditions accompanied by brush fires in the fall.

“These patterns are not isolated incidents but indicators of a growing pattern,” explained Dr. Sanjiv Godse, a pediatric pulmonologist and chair of the Connecticut Health Professionals for Climate Action (CHPCA). “Climate change is no longer an abstract concept confined to academic journals—it is happening now in our own backyard.”

Dr. Sarah Evans, an environmental health scientist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and Connecticut shoreline resident, noted, "Climate related illnesses are on the rise. As temperatures warm and extreme weather events increase we see higher rates of asthma, heat stroke, dehydration, and infectious disease outbreaks. Children are particularly at risk, with 88% of illnesses resulting from climate change being seen in children under 5-years old. Those living in under-resourced areas are at even greater risk."

Anne Hulick, a nurse with over twenty years experience, emphasized, "In health care we can take great care of sick patients: treat infections, fix broken bones, and even give patients a new heart. But, historically, we fail to connect the dots on how our environment impacts our patient’s health. As nurses on the forefront, we understand the problems better now, have the tools available to fix the problems, and will continue to work with our elected officials.”

Younger generations, who will disproportionately bear the long-term effects of climate change, are particularly concerned about its implications. Stefan Marczuk, a second-year medical student at UConn, reflected on the issue’s urgency as a future healthcare professional, stating, "Climate change will affect every aspect of my career, and as part of the future healthcare force it is a problem now and will be even worse if we do not act now. We need to continue to focus our efforts on decarbonization."

While efforts to build resiliency are ongoing in Connecticut, current actions are not sufficient. Jennifer Wang, Executive Director of the Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, highlighted, "We continue to work with the Department of Public Health and partners around the state on climate and health resilience, training local health departments on this issue and helping them develop action plans. But while resilience is important, it’s incumbent on the state legislature to address mitigation.”

In response to the growing crisis, Connecticut legislators have proposed multiple bills, including HB5004, SB7, and SB9, aimed at bolstering climate resilience and public health infrastructure. State Senator Saud Anwar, chair of the Public Health Committee, underscored the importance of state-led initiatives in the absence of reliable federal intervention.

“This year becomes even more critical, as the federal government has made a policy decision to say that climate change is not real,” said Senator Anwar. “Neighboring states are looking to Connecticut for leadership, and we have an opportunity to set a precedent for climate-conscious policymaking that prioritizes health and resilience.” Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey, Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee added, “Everything is connected: how we build and develop communities, how we identify the spread of infectious diseases, how we screen for cancer. These are all affected by our climate and environment. We continue to work with our colleagues on the environment committee and on the planning and development committees. We understand the urgency of this moment.”

Healthcare professionals at the gathering urged legislators to accelerate policy implementation to mitigate the escalating health impacts of climate change. They emphasized the need for comprehensive, science-driven strategies to protect Connecticut’s most vulnerable populations from worsening environmental stressors.
​
For media inquiries, please contact: 
Connecticut Health Professionals for Climate Action (CHPCA)
[email protected]
ConnecticutHPCA.org
Sanjiv Godse, MD  609-751-7709

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​Connecticut Health Professionals for Climate Action (CHPCA) mobilizes healthcare professionals to address the health impacts of climate change. Through education, advocacy, and policy engagement, CHPCA works to advance health equity, promote sustainable healthcare, and drive climate action across Connecticut.

The CT General Assembly’s Environment Committee is holding a public hearing on Monday, March 17th. We ask you to submit testimony for the bills outlined below. It's important that we remind our legislators that environmental regulations are important to Connecticut's citizens. 
Environment Public Hearing: Monday, March 17th at 10:00 AM in Room 2B at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live. 


CTLCV will be testifying in SUPPORT of these bills on the AGENDA:

• HB 6229 AN ACT CONCERNING A REDUCTION OF SINGLE-USE PLASTICS AND POLYSTYRENE WASTE.
  • Purpose: To reduce the production of single-use plastics and polystyrene waste in the state.
  • Talking Points: 
    • Plastic pollution is a growing threat to our health, wildlife, and the environment. Microplastics are in all humans, but scientists are still studying their effects.
    • Polystyrene contains a likely carcinogen and never fully breaks down, turning into harmful microplastics. The EU has banned it—we should too. Connecticut’s children shouldn’t be eating from toxic trays.
    • Plastic waste forms massive garbage patches in the ocean, killing fish, turtles, and marine mammals that mistake it for food. In Connecticut, plastic waste flows into our rivers and out into the Long Island Sound, negatively impacting ocean habitats. 
• HB 7174 AN ACT CONCERNING RIPARIAN BUFFERS AND ASSOCIATED ENVIRONMENTAL PROVISIONS.
  • Purpose: To establish protections for riparian buffer zones, protect fishways along certain water passages and require certain insurance surcharge fees for environmental measures.
  • Talking Points: 
    • HB 7174 adds riparian buffers to Connecticut’s laws, filling a gap in our environmental protections. Connecticut is the only New England state without explicit safeguards for these natural buffers with many benefits to environmental health.
    • They reduce flooding and protect communities from extreme weather, like the devastating Naugatuck Valley floods in August.
    • They improve water quality by filtering pollutants and stabilizing stream banks.
    • They balance environmental protection with property rights by promoting responsible land use.
    • Natural buffers are an efficient and affordable tool, offering protection at little to no cost compared to expensive engineered solutions.

CTLCV will be testifying in OPPOSITION of this bill:

• HB 6249 AN ACT LIMITING APPEALS UNDER THE CONNECTICUT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT.
  • Purpose: To limit who can take an appeal under CEPA for certain residential building permits.
  • Talking Points: 
    • HB 6249 represents a major rollback of environmental protections enshrined in the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), which has served as a critical tool for public accountability in environmental decision-making.
    • This bill weakens the public trust doctrine, which has protected Connecticut’s natural resources for decades by ensuring that concerned citizens and organizations can intervene in cases where the environment is at risk.
    • The bill drastically limits who can intervene in administrative or judicial proceedings related to residential building permit applications, including a vast majority of concerned citizens, environmental advocates, and local community groups who have historically played a key role in protecting public resources.
    • Low-income communities and marginalized populations—who are often disproportionately affected by pollution and overdevelopment—would have fewer avenues to protect their health and well-being.
    • Weakening CEPA in this way signals to developers that Connecticut is willing to sacrifice environmental oversight for expediency. It opens the door for future rollbacks on environmental protections, including in commercial and industrial developments.

Register to Testify
​Submit Written Testimony
Watch LIVE

You must register to testify for the Environment Public Hearing no LATER than 3 PM, Sunday, March 2nd. Submit written testimony using this On-line Testimony Submission Form. The speaker order will be posted on the day before the hearing on the CT General Assembly website at 6 PM. Any written testimony submitted before the meeting will be published in time for the hearing. Learn more about Testifying at Public Hearings on the CGA website.
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