Hartford, CT – Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters released its annual Environmental Scorecard. The Scorecard represents a diverse set of environmental concerns and rates how state lawmakers voted on key bills.

“Voters deserve to know where their elected officials stand on climate change and the environment,” said CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. “With the Scorecard, you can see if your legislator took the side of clean air and water, or if they bowed to special interests, utility companies, or the fossil fuel industry.”
 
The Environmental Scorecard provides a list of bills impacting the environment legislators considered during the 2018 Legislative Session, as well as explanations of each bill’s purpose, CTLCV’s position, and whether the legislation passed or failed. The legislative session can be confusing, chaotic, and complicated. CTLCV’s Scorecard makes it easy to understand what these bills really did and how your senator and representative voted.
 
“Our Scorecard is a tool for voters,” said CTLCV Board of Directors Co-Chair Mary Hogue. “When you see candidates at forums or knocking on doors, you can use the Scorecard to ask them about their votes and let them know where you stand.”
 
Throughout the legislative session, CTLCV tracks lawmakers' votes and sends regular updates to legislators and our membership to be sure the pro-environment position is clear before any votes are cast.
 
CTLCV grades lawmakers on a 0-100% scale based on their votes on key environmental bills in committees, the House, and the Senate. Their final score represents an average of their votes on those specific bills.

​###

Hartford, CT - Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) commended State Rep. Matthew Lesser (D-100 Middletown) for his leadership on environmental issues throughout his time in the Connecticut General Assembly. 
​
"Rep. Lesser has been a champion for clean water, climate change education, wildlife protection, and land conservation," said CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. "He fought hard for the State Water Plan and public trust in water, and has been a tireless champion for green spaces and conservation. Throughout his time in the General Assembly, Rep. Lesser has kept the door open to his constituents. He heard their concerns about the environment and put their words into action. We at CTLCV are deeply proud of the work he has done to keep our air and water clean and protect our environment for generations to come."
​
"Here in Middletown, we've seen the benefits of Rep. Lesser's hard work and commitment to our citizens," said John Hall, local environmental advocate and Portland resident.  "When we discovered snapping turtle traps in the Floating Meadows back in 2012, Rep. Lesser heard our distress and leapt into action. He convened DEEP wildlife personnel, biologists, advocates, and legislators. He worked with the citizens of Middletown and his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ban the commercial trade of those turtles. This year, his bill passed, one of his many achievements fighting for Middletown's environment.”

“Matt has been an ardent leader and a go-to person for us in the county as he supported legislative initiatives that protect our environment,” said Tony Marino, a long-time advocate for the Connecticut River lower valley.  “The District that Matt currently represents is concentrated in the northern part of the county in Middletown, but he has been an environmental leader for all of Middlesex County.”  
During the last legislative session, Rep. Lesser co-sponsored and worked to pass:

• Critical protections for wildlife, including snapping turtles
• Legislation calling for constitutional amendment to protect publicly held land
• Strategies for combating climate change now and into the future

Rep. Lesser authored important legislation to ban the disposal of fracking waste in Connecticut. CTLCV has repeatedly recognized him as an Environmental Champion for his tireless efforts to protect our clean water and air, wildlife, and open spaces. More information on Rep. Lesser is available here. 

As the federal government continues to weaken safeguards and regulations, CTLCV is strengthening its commitment to work with leaders across the state to make the environment a priority. 
​
###

Hartford, CT - Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) applauded Governor Dannel P. Malloy's signing of Public Act 18-82: Climate Change Planning and Resiliency and Public Act 18-50: Connecticut's Energy Future. 

"Connecticut continues to lead the way in the fight against climate change," said CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. "Even as the EPA and federal government weaken regulations and undermine the last administration's efforts to reduce emissions, Connecticut has stepped up to enforce tougher standards and invest in renewable energy. Now more than ever, we need leaders who are committed to continuing the environmental legacy Governor Malloy has forged. ​

"We've heard from our members on both sides of the aisle that clean energy is one of their highest priorities—and it's no surprise. Clean energy helps us lower our carbon footprint, create new jobs around green technology, and lower energy prices for businesses and homeowners. As we prepare to make our endorsements in the 2018 election, we at CTLCV are paying close attention to lawmakers who are ready to take up the fight against climate change."
​

• Public Act 18-82: Climate Change Planning and Resiliency establishes tougher standards for greenhouse gas emissions, applies rising sea level projections to numerous state and local laws and management plans, and establishes in statute the Connecticut Council on Climate Change. 
• Public Act 18-50: Connecticut's Energy Future increases state investments in renewable energy and provides greater options for homeowners seeking to use solar or other renewables.

CTLCV supported both of these bills throughout the 2018 legislative session.

###

Hartford, CT - Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) announced the hiring of Amanda Schoen as the new Director of Communications. 

"We are thrilled to bring Amanda onto our team," said Executive Director Lori Brown. "This is a critical time as we prepare for the upcoming election, and Amanda brings the passion and experience we need to grow our membership, connect with voters, and make sure lawmakers and candidates understanding the importance of the environment to their constituents."

Amanda Schoen brings a wealth of political and public relations experience to the team. She has previously served as Press Secretary for U.S. Congressman John B. Larson and as Communications Director for U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson. Additionally, she has consulted for numerous state, local, and national campaigns on strategy and communications.​

###

Hartford, CT - In the absence of federal leadership, and building on a string of clean energy policy wins in states, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters(CTLCV)  is joining with the national League of Conservation Voters and Leagues across the nation to double down on our progress towards a clean energy economy at the state and local level. The Leagues are launching network-wide “Clean Energy for All” campaign to move the country closer to the goal of 100% clean energy by 2050.

With an initial investment of over $2 million, the network of organizations is collectively engaging at the state and local level by:

• Securing commitments from candidates at every level to support moving their state to 100% clean energy by 2050.

• Grassroots organizing to demonstrate demand for clean energy and pollution-free communities.

• Pushing for smart investments, like using the VW settlement money on clean, electric school buses as part of the Clean Buses for Healthy Niños campaign.

• Lobbying of decision-makers from governors to state legislators to mayors to school boards to break down the barriers to clean energy with specific policy proposals.

In Connecticut, the national rollout of this campaign coincides with a key set of votes at the State Legislature’s Energy and Technology committee.  With our renewable energy goals lagging behind our neighboring states, Connecticut is at a crossroads as lawmakers consider whether to increase mandates for renewable power and support a shared solar program that would expand equitable access to clean energy. At the same time, advocates are fighting efforts that would weaken critical clean energy programs like net-metering. 

“Fighting for clean energy is not new, but at this critical time this campaign represents an ambitious new approach for our family of organizations by unleashing local campaigns across the country that collectively add up to a significant shift to a clean energy economy,” said Gene Karpinski, League of Conservation Voters President.

“The demand for clean energy is going up and the price keeps going down. This campaign is about breaking down the remaining barriers that keep affordable clean energy and pollution-free communities from being accessible to everyone. And it’s about putting the power to make that happen in the hands of voters, instead of polluters,” said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director.  “We need the right policies in place to ensure clean energy continues to grow. We must elect climate champions who will prioritize our transition to a 100% clean energy economy.”
 According to the League, the transition to clean energy is urgently needed and achievable with existing technology – and it is already underway. Wind and solar now compete and win on costs with outdated fossil fuels and clean energy jobs are significantly outpacing fossil fuel jobs.   If these trends continue, clean energy has the opportunity to be a major driver of employment in every city, state, and region.
The campaign will be engaged throughout the 30 states with a conservation voter organization presence, with each state engaged in its own local, state or regional effort.

The Conservation Voter Movement is a unique network of 30 state organizations and one federal organization that closely collaborate and share expertise and resources in order to effect positive change at all levels of government.

BACKGROUND AND STATISTICS: Clean Energy
Transitioning to clean energy will avert the worst impacts of climate change while creating good jobs, boosting our economy, saving consumers money, and protecting our health.

• Solar now employs more people in U.S. electricity generation than oil, coal, or gas combined.

• In 2016, the number of solar jobs increased in 44 of the 50 states, and more than 260,000 Americans now work in solar.

• In 2016, solar employment grew 17 times faster than the US economy.

• Wind energy has grown an average of 12 percent annually over the last five years. Solar energy has risen at rates of about 20 percent annually in recent years. These gains are creating millions of homegrown, quality jobs, with 2.7 million people already working in the clean energy industry.

• In 2016, the two fastest-growing jobs in America are solar voltaic installers and wind turbine technicians.

• Today, 1.9 million Americans are employed, in whole or in part, by the energy efficiency products and services industry. Almost 1.2 million of those jobs are in construction.

• The price of installing solar power has dropped by 70% since 2010.

• Texas produces more wind power than most countries and hosts nearly a quarter of America's wind jobs. In Texas in 2016, wind power capacity surpassed coal. 

• MidAmerican Energy, Iowa’s largest utility committed in 2017 to generate 100% of its energy from renewables.

Across the U.S. over 50 cities, more than five counties and one state, have already adopted ambitious 100% clean energy goals.
 
BACKGROUND AND STATISTICS: Electric School Buses
Volkswagen (VW) cheated federal emissions tests and polluted the air we breathe with toxins emitted by diesel vehicles. These toxins increase respiratory illnesses like asthma and speed up the rate of climate change.  VW is on the hook for $14.7 billion dollars for putting profits over people. Governors have the opportunity to reinvest the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust in our communities, especially low-income and communities of color where students and families are most at risk of breathing dirty air and disproportionately carry the burden of pollution. By using these funds to take dirty diesel buses off our roads and replace them with clean electric buses we can protect our most vulnerable. Governors decide how the VW settlement funds are invested and states can use up to $2.7 billion for electric school buses.

Clean Buses for Healthy Niños asks that governors reinvest the VW dollars in our communities and school districts. The League movement is especially focused on bringing these dollars to low-income and communities of color where students and families are most at risk of breathing dirty air and disproportionately carry the burden of pollution. That way, our states can take dirty diesel buses off our roads and replace them with clean electric buses, protecting our most vulnerable.

Cleaner: Switching a vehicle from diesel to electric power can reduce a vehicle’s CO2 emissions by 71%.

Cheaper to Run: Switching from a diesel bus to an electric bus can reduce the fueling costs of a vehicle by over 40%.

Great Performance: Electric buses have proven their performance in all types of terrain and weather.

Safe: Electric school buses are built and tested by the same standards as any other school bus on the roads

###

Hartford, CT - The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) has identified and endorsed David Lawson as the pro-environment candidate for election to the Connecticut General Assembly, representing Senate District 30. The League says there has never been a more vivid contrast between the candidates when it comes to protecting our state's open spaces, or in their understanding of the need to keep our public lakes and streams healthy and clean.

This is one of the most unpredictable election seasons of all time for the Connecticut state legislature. CTLCV wants to be sure that voters who care about the environment have the facts to make informed choices at election time.

"David Lawson is committed to the things that make District 30 such an incredible place to live, work and play. Northwest Connecticut contains beautiful, diverse landscapes, with abundant wildlife, fresh air, and a multitude of lakes and streams. Residents of the district expect that the person they send to Hartford to represent them will work to preserve these irreplaceable assets," said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director. "David Lawson shares these core values of the residents he seeks to represent."
​
The League points out that Lawson's opponent, Representative Craig Miner, is on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to conservation.

CTLCV has tracked and published the voting records of all CT legislators since 2000. Miner's lifetime voting history shows he cast anti-environmental votes 85 times since his first year in office, 2001. Beyond voting poorly on important issues, he has repeatedly fought against good environmental initiatives, often sacrificing the environment for some unrelated legislative pursuit. The most recent example was this past session, when he filibustered a bi-partisan bill that would have required transparency in town applications about the nature and scope of pending development projects. There are many instances where he has used his position on the legislature's environment committee to weaken environmental initiatives ranging from habitat protection and wetlands conservation, to opposing creation of the Community Investment Act that funds farmland preservation and open space. Miner is nationally recognized as one of the 12 most anti-environment candidates running for state office, according to the national League of Conservation Voters.

"If you care about the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the wonderful parks and landscapes in Connecticut, then pay close attention to what candidates are saying and doing about environmental issues," said David Bingham, CTLCV co-chair.

Since 2000, CTLCV has surveyed candidates on their positions, records, and plans for protecting the environment. This year's candidate survey contained questions about environmental issues that are likely to be considered during the 2017 legislative session beginning this January. David Lawson's responses are posted at www.ctlcv.org. Craig Miner did not respond to the survey.

David Lawson's positions on a multitude of conservation issues demonstrate that he is in sync with the residents of the district. The person elected to the powerful senate seat will help decide how to protect the state's public water supply, preserve state lands, prevent pollution, and manage energy and transportation options for all citizens. 

With 33 years as an educator, Lawson knows that good information is key to ensuring the public is involved in protecting the environment, especially farmland and open space. He is committed to protecting the district's waterways and addressing polluted "runoff" impacting many in the Northwest who rely on wells. In an interview, he said he would build public consensus around solutions by helping to inform people about the issues and bring all parties to the table. His candidate survey notes his support for reducing single use plastic bags that clog waterways and harm wildlife, and he also supports stronger efforts to reduce pesticides as an essential means to help maintain the ecosystem and reduce health risks. Lawson states, "It is time to support environmental legislation that is proactive."

"The candidates we endorse are reliable in their environmental values, and pledge to prioritize environmental matters important to their constituents. We urge people in Senate District 30 to support David Lawson at the polls on November 8," said Bingham.

Connecticut's economic and environmental quality of life has always depended on its natural resources. CTLCV's endorsed candidates pledge to champion smart environmental policies that will protect these irreplaceable assets. According to the League, people don't often know whether or not a candidate shares their core values on the environment. CTLCV has done the research and wants to be sure voters know who will best represent them on these issues.

Additional information about CTLCV's Scorecard and Endorsements can be found at www.ctlcv.org.

*Senate District 30 includes the towns of Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Milford, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Torrington, Warren, Winchester.
​

​Hartford, CT - As a key part of its electoral work this year, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) announced today that Representative Craig Miner is being named to national LCV's "Dirty Dozen in the States." Modeled after LCV's trademark federal "Dirty Dozen," the state version highlights 12 of the most anti-environment state-level candidates from around the country who state LCVs are working to defeat.

"Craig Miner's record made him an obvious choice for this list of dubious distinction," said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive director. "By naming Miner to the Dirty Dozen in the States, we are highlighting his misguided prior​ities for the State and the larger Senate District he now wants to represent. We're ready to inform voters about Miner's positions, which threaten our water, air, wildlife and the overall stewardship of our natural resources."

There are many reasons that Craig Miner, a 16-year incumbent in the Connecticut House of Representatives, has been recognized nationally for the Dirty Dozen state list. To name a few:

• Ranked among the four lowest LIFETIME SCORES of all CT state lawmakers in both parties for votes against the environment during his tenure in the Connecticut General Assembly. Based on annual legislative scorecards released every year since 2000, Miner has sunk to 58%.
• Voted against the Community Investment Act. Despite Miner's opposition, the state created a critical funding stream dedicated to farmland, open space, affordable housing and historic preservation, with direct benefits to farms and local programs in Senate District 30.​
• ​Blocked legislation that would have protected CT from "fracking" waste until he was able to remove a prohibition against the harvesting of glass eels, an important species in our river ecosystems.
• Cast 85 anti-environment votes since 2001 on issues ranging from solar energy, Long Island Sound, fracking waste, dam safety, recycling, water quality, state land swaps, inland wetlands, pesticide use at daycares, bottle recycling, global warming, and many more. 
• Opposed a bill to protect children and firefighters from toxic flame retardant chemicals in children's clothing and upholstery.
• Attempted to block restrictions on a pesticide that is especially harmful to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds, which are critical for our agricultural sector.
• Filibustered and killed an important bi-partisan bill that called for greater transparency of local development permits and would have helped inform local citizens about pending projects in their communities.
• Spoke at length on the floor of the House against a constitutional amendment to protect open space.

"Craig Miner's current constituents may not have known about his record on the environment while he represented them in the House. We are certain, however, that the people of Senate District 30 care deeply about protecting their lakes, open spaces, wildlife and clean air. They would be appalled to learn that their representative in Hartford does not have these interests in mind," said David Bingham, CTLCV co-chair.  

According to the League, Miner was radically anti-environment in the House, and elevating him to the more powerful senate seat would have terrible consequences.

"This is a man who has used every tool at his disposal, including his position as a senior member of the state legislature's Environment Committee, to weaken many of our state's critical protection laws," said Bingham.
​
Conservation Voter Leagues across the nation are working to defeat state lawmakers on the "Dirty Dozen in the States" national list. The candidates named are some of the most anti-environment politicians running in competitive state-level races for governor, state senate or state house this cycle.

The "Dirty Dozen in the States" is modeled after LCV's "Dirty Dozen," which has targeted candidates for federal office - regardless of party affiliation - who consistently side against the environment, and are running in races in which LCV has a serious chance to affect the outcome. LCV has named candidates to the Dirty Dozen for twenty years. Last cycle, state LCVs defeated seven of the twelve "Dirty Dozen in the States" candidates.

Additional information about CTLCV's Scorecard and Endorsements can be found at www.ctlcv.org.

​Senate District 30 includes the towns of Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Milford, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Torrington, Warren, Winchester.

###
 
This communication is paid for by the CTLCV Political Action Committee. This message was made independent of any candidate or political party. Contributions to the CTLCV PAC were made by CTLCV, Inc., the League of Conservation Voters, Inc., and David Bingham. Additional information about the CTLCV PAC may be found on the State Elections Enforcement Commission's internet website.

Hartford, CT - In addition to the recent endorsement of 48 candidates for the Connecticut General Assembly, the CT League of Conservation Voters announces the elevation of 14 incumbents to the high position of LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION for the 2016 legislative session.
 
Both Democrat and Republican incumbents were highlighted in the League's recent Environmental Scorecard. The list includes:

• Senator Kevin Witkos (R-8)
  
• Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-12)
  
• Senator Dante Bartolomeo (D-13)
  
• Senator Toni Boucher (R-26)
  
• Senator Tony Hwang (R-28)
  
• Senator Bob Duff (D-25)
  
• Rep. Phil Miller (D-36)
  
• Rep. Diana Urban (D-43)
  
• Rep. Roberta Willis (D-64)
  
• Rep. Mary Mushinsky (D-85)
  
• Rep. James Albis (D-99)
  
• Rep. Matthew Lesser (D-100)
  
• Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (D-136)
  
• Rep. Gail Lavielle (R-143).

 
"These 14 people are being recognized for their outstanding leadership during the past session. They are our 'go to' people when we need an extra dose of passion, commitment and knowledge of the important environmental issues of the day. Each one has shown keen leadership skills and made a difference this year," said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director.
 
Information about these environmental champions, is posted on CTLCV's website at www.ctlcv.org. Visit both the ELECTION and SCORECARD pages, or contact the League at 860-236-5442 for details.
​
###