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The General Assembly’s Energy & Technology Committee is holding a public hearing on Thursday, February 27th. Your testimony is needed in support of energy efficiency.
Energy & Technology Public Hearing: Thursday, February 27 at 10:30 AM in Room 2E at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live. CTLCV will be testifying in support of this bill on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify for the E&T Public Hearing no LATER than 3 PM, Wednesday, February 26th. 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. Today, Marissa Gillett’s renomination is on track to advance following an affirmative vote by the Legislative and Executive Nominations Committee, following an over 5-hour testimony, where she faced rigorous questioning from legislators. Her reappointment is especially critical at a time when corporate profits continue to be prioritized at the expense of ratepayers and conservation efforts. The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) supports Chairman Gillett as a qualified leader to continue fighting back against utility companies and efforts to weaken PURA’s authority.
Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director, states, “Marissa Gillett’s testimony today was nothing short of extraordinary. She was questioned for hours, with legislators nitpicking every detail of PURA’s work, her leadership as chair, the ins and outs of how utilities operate, and even her personal decision-making. Many legislators voiced their frustrations with high rates, and Marissa responded to each concern with clarity, providing well-reasoned explanations. The utility regulation process is intensely complex, and it’s natural for legislators to seek someone to blame when they are receiving a high volume of complaints. But Marissa’s answers reflected her deep understanding of the system and reaffirmed that PURA is working tirelessly to protect ratepayers. Her ability to handle such intense scrutiny and provide clear, accurate answers demonstrates the exceptional leadership she brings to PURA. We also want to recognize Co-Chair Senator Duff’s leadership throughout this process, supporting Chairman Gillett’s hard work on behalf of ratepayers and a sustainable energy future.” The General Assembly’s Energy & Technology and Environment Committees are holding public hearings on Tuesday (2/18) & Wednesday (2/19). Your testimony is needed for the bills outlined below.
Additionally, Sierra Club CT is organizing a Lobby Day on Wednesday the 19th at the Legislative Office Building (LOB) in Hartford, CT. Find out more here. TUESDAY Energy & Technology Public Hearing: Tuesday, February 18 at 11:00 AM in Room 1D at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live. CTLCV will be testifying in support of these 3 bills on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify for the E&T Public Hearing no LATER than 3 PM, Monday, February 17th. Please 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. WEDNESDAY Environment Committee Public Hearing: Wednesday, February 19th at 12:00 PM in Room 2B at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live. CTLCV will be testifying in support of these 3 bills on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify for the ENV Public Hearing no LATER than 3 PM, Tuesday, February 18th. Please submit written testimony using this On-line Testimony Submission Form. The speaker order will be posted on the day before the hearing after the 3pm deadline has passed. 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. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement: CTLCV Supports a PURA Leader that Holds CT Utilities Accountable “The upcoming vote to confirm Marissa Gillett’s reappointment as Commissioner of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is critical to maintaining accountability and oversight in Connecticut’s energy policies. PURA exists to protect Connecticut ratepayers, hold utilities accountable, and advance the state’s environmental and public health goals. As stated on its website, PURA is committed to ensuring that “utilities provide safe, clean, reliable, and affordable utility service and infrastructure.” Gillett has effectively upheld these principles, making her the target of efforts by utility companies to discredit her leadership. Removing a commissioner focused on the state’s clean energy and environmental goals weakens PURA’s ability to fulfill its mission and puts corporate profits over public well-being. Under Gillett’s leadership, PURA has delivered real results. Energy efficiencyand renewable energy programs, funded by the Public Benefits Charge, have driven down emissions, reduced hospital stays and illnesses, and saved Connecticut between $218 and $494 million in public health costs (according to the CT Green Bank’s Annual Report). These programs help residents, schools, and businesses cut energy waste, lower bills, and build a more sustainable future. They are also critical for advancing environmental justice by ensuring that low-income and historically marginalized communities benefit from cleaner air, healthier homes, and lower energy costs. A confirmation vote against Marissa Gillett is a vote against ratepayers. If the utilities succeed in dismantling PURA’s ability to regulate effectively, they will be in charge of Connecticut’s environmental future. That means higher costs, fewer consumer protections, and policies that prioritize profit over people & planet. PURA is working as intended. The fact that utilities are fighting this system so aggressively is proof that it is working. Connecticut cannot afford to let the fox guard the henhouse. Our energy and climate future depends on maintaining strong, independent oversight, not caving to corporate pressure. We strongly support Marissa Gillett as a diligent and effective leader at the helm of PURA.” Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director ### 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. PBC FACT SHEET The General Assembly’s Government Administration & Elections Committee will hold a Public Hearing on Friday, February 7th at 12 PM in Room 2B at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live.
Your testimony is needed for the proposed Environmental Rights Amendment. NOTE: There will be a testimony training TONIGHT, Feb 4th from 7-8 PM in preparation for this legislation. Register here. CTLCV SUPPORTS this bill on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify for the GAE Public Hearing NO LATER than 3 PM, Thursday, February 6th. Please 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. RESOURCES: Environmental Rights Amendment Talking Points Environmental Rights Briefing Paper Testimony Training for Environmental Rights Amendment on Feb 4, 7-8 PM The General Assembly’s Planning & Development and Energy & Technology Committees are holding public hearings on Monday (2/3) & Tuesday (2/4). Your testimony is needed for the bills outlined below.
MONDAY Planning & Development Committee Public Hearing: Monday, February 3rd at 10:30 AM in Room 2B at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live. CTLCV SUPPORTS these 3 bills on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify for the P&D Public Hearing no LATER than 3 PM, Sunday, February 2nd. Please 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. TUESDAY Energy & Technology Committee Public Hearing: Tuesday, February 4th at 10:30 AM in Room 1D at the state Legislative Office building. Also available on YouTube Live. CTLCV SUPPORTS these 2 bills on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify for the E&T Public Hearing no LATER than 3 PM, Thursday, Jan. 30th. Please 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 after the 3pm deadline has passed. 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. Contact our office at (860) 236-5442 to let us know if you need more information. Don't forget, we post all of our watched bills to our website on our Watchlist page on our website. Thank you for your advocacy! - Lori Brown, Executive Director The General Assembly’s Environment Committee is holding a public hearing this Friday, January 31st at 10:00 AM in Room 2C at the state Legislative Office building. You can also watch it on YouTube Live.
This hearing covers multiple bills & topics and the Committee needs to hear from YOU. Please testify either in person (via zoom) or in writing (or both) IN SUPPORT of: These six bills being heard on the AGENDA:
Register to Testify Submit Written Testimony Watch LIVE You must register to testify no LATER than 3 PM, Thursday, Jan. 30th. Please 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 after the 3pm deadline has passed. 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. More information on these bills: H.B. 5012 AN ACT PROHIBITING THE PRACTICE OF SHARK FINNING. Purpose: To prohibit the practice of shark finning. H.B. 5013 AN ACT ADDING CERTAIN PLANTS TO THE INVASIVE PLANTS LIST. Purpose: To prohibit the sale, use and distribution of certain invasive plants in the state. H.B. 5017 AN ACT CONCERNING PARTICIPATION IN THE TIRE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM BY TIRE RETAILERS. Purpose: To require tire retailers to participate in the tire stewardship program. S.B. 63 AN ACT CONCERNING THE MITIGATION OF EFFECTS ON WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES FROM FUTURE OFFSHORE WIND PROJECTS. Purpose: To require the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to adopt regulations regarding the mitigation of future offshore wind project proposals on wildlife and fisheries. S.B. 80 AN ACT CONCERNING THE BURNING OF MEDICAL WASTE. Purpose: To prohibit the burning of medical waste by facilities that do not meet EPA standards for the burning of such waste. S.B. 1154 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING THE SALE OF CERTAIN LIGHTER-THAN-AIR BALLOONS. Purpose: To prohibit the sale of certain lighter-than-air balloons. Contact our office at (860)236-5442 to let us know if you need more information. Thank you for your advocacy! - Lori Brown, Executive Director Hartford, CT – Today, the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action (CCCA) released its priorities for the 2025 Connecticut legislative session. The Coalition, a broad-based and growing group of 52 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 burdens facing Connecticut.
“The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action (CCCA) is a powerful example of what can be achieved when diverse groups—healthcare providers, scientists, environmentalists, and communities—come together with a shared purpose. Representing over 300,000 residents, this coalition of over 50 groups is a testament to the strength of collaboration, driving forward solutions to improve both our environment and public health. By uniting behind a common goal, we are building a stronger, more sustainable future for all of Connecticut,” said Leah Lopez Schmalz, President, Save the Sound. The Coalition supports legislation this session that will contribute to safer, healthier communities throughout Connecticut. Coalition members will be working together to achieve three key goals this session:
The coalition has proposed a series of solutions that would help Connecticut achieve these goals. Read more about the Coalition’s proposals here. Here’s what members of the Coalition’s steering committee had to say: “Fires, floods, and heat waves are just some of the costly climate impacts Connecticut experienced in 2024. The sad and concerning reality is that this is just the beginning and Connecticut is not prepared,” said Samantha Dynowski, State Director, Sierra Club Connecticut. “The legislature must protect residents, communities and businesses with real solutions to this serious problem.” “Connecticut has effective programs in place to achieve safer, healthier communities by promoting energy efficiency, heat pumps, EVs, solar, storage and an Equitable Modern Grid. We know how to do this; we now need to focus on rapidly accelerating each of these programs. Doing so will put the state onto a path of lower, more stable energy costs,” said Mark Scully, President, People’s Action for Clean Energy. “Climate change and the health of our state’s residents, communities, and wildlife are inextricably connected. In 2024, it hit CT hard with historic floods, hail, heatwaves, and drought that damaged crops & homes and took lives. The CCCA’s member orgs are ready to defend our communities and demand that the legislature hold polluters accountable, build a clean & healthy economy for the future, and keep energy costs in check,” said Scott Redfern, Senior Manager of the Doherty Climate & Resilience Institute at Save the Sound. “Connecticut’s future depends on the actions we take today to protect our environment. With rising sea levels threatening coastal communities, stronger storms fueled by fossil fuel pollution, and more frequent extreme heat, we need the legislature to craft bold solutions that ensure clean air, resilient neighborhoods, and thriving ecosystems,” said Shannon Laun, Conservation Law Foundation Vice President for Connecticut. “The existential issue of this century – climate change –seriously threatens all we care about – from our children’s future to the basic welling-being of the natural world that we rely on for sustenance. Addressing climate change in CT is critical because we who live and work here will be affected by what happens and because CT can inspire other states to do the right thing as well. The 2025 Legislative Session is a key opportunity for our political leadership to stand up to the threats posed by climate change and take action. We’re proud that the CCCA will be contributing directly to that effort,” said Nathan Frohling, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in CT. “Clean energy saves money, cleans our air and reduces the risks to our lives and property from dangerous climate events,” said Chris Phelps, Environment Connecticut State Director. “Energy efficient appliances like heat pump furnaces and air conditioners help families cut both winter heating and summer cooling bills. Clean electric vehicles emit no smog-forming tailpipe pollution. Renewable solar and wind energy power our economy without fueling climate change. Connecticut’s leaders should reduce energy bills, clean our air and fight climate change with serious and significant clean energy legislation in 2025.” “Investing in energy efficiency retrofitting is a win for everyone: families, businesses, and communities alike. These initiatives reduce costs, improve health outcomes, and strengthen our economy. This is the kind of forward-thinking action that can be implemented right now for the benefit of all Connecticut residents,” said Lori Brown, Executive Director of Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. The Coalition Steering Committee includes the American College of Physicians, CT Chapter, Conservation Law Foundation, CT Health Professionals for Climate Action, CT League of Conservation Voters, Environment Connecticut, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, Mitchell Environmental Health Associates, People’s Action for Clean Energy, Save the Sound, Sierra Club Connecticut, The Nature Conservancy in Connecticut. More information about the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action can be found at www.climateactionct.org. Hartford, CT – The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) announces its Annual Environmental Summit, taking place on January 7, 2025, at The Bushnell Theater in Hartford. This year’s event marks CTLCV’s 25th anniversary, celebrating a quarter-century of environmental advocacy and impact.
Being held on the day before the opening of the 2025 Connecticut State Legislative Session, the event will feature educational material on environmental legislative priorities for the session. Key topics will include pressing issues such as renewable energy development, affordable housing, and environmental protections, alongside foundational discussions on conservation legislation for water, wildlife, and other critical resources. The summit will feature a diverse lineup of subject-matter experts delivering content through keynote speeches, engaging presentations, panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions. This year’s event will feature Chuck Nice, comedian, climate advocate, and co-host of the StarTalk podcast, who will bring his signature wit and passion to the stage as a keynote speaker. “The Environmental Summit is a unique opportunity for advocates, policymakers, and experts to come together, share ideas, and build the collaborative momentum needed to tackle Connecticut’s most pressing environmental challenges,” said Mike Urgo, CTLCV President. “With a critical legislative session ahead, this event is designed to energize and equip attendees with the tools and connections to drive meaningful action.” Those interested in attending can find more information & register here: https://www.conservationeducation.org/summit2025.html Today, President Biden announced a new national climate target aimed at reducing economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 61-66 percent by 2035 compared to 2005 levels. This target underscores the nation’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The updated target, submitted to the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat as part of the Paris Agreement, highlights the critical role of federal, state, and local governments in building a clean energy economy that supports workers, consumers, and the environment.
Success in reaching this goal depends on bold leadership and decisive action at the state level, and Connecticut has a critical role to play. “Connecticut’s legislative representatives remain committed to delivering a healthier, more economically resilient future for our state. While past efforts have laid the groundwork, 2025 will be the year to take bold, decisive action with clean energy legislation that creates jobs, cuts pollution, and saves ratepayers money. Clean energy investments are the most efficient and affordable path to achieving these goals. We stand united with leaders in Connecticut and across the nation who are determined to take the necessary steps to secure a cleaner, healthier future for all.” Mike Urgo, CTLCV President |
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