East Haven Lawmaker Albis Thrilled With Passage of Long Island Sound Blue Plan

State Representative James Albis (D-East Haven) said he is thrilled that the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously passed Governor’s Bill 6839. The bill would ensure that Connecticut has a coordinated strategy for future use of Long Island Sound by requiring the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and relevant stakeholders to study and compile an inventory of the Sound’s natural and human resources.

“I am glad that my colleagues recognize the great need for a responsible plan for Long Island Sound’s future. It is critically important that the state act now and arrive at a plan for protecting one of Connecticut’s most viable economic resources to ensure the stewardship of Long Island Sound,” said Rep. Albis, co-chairman of the Environment Committee. “As both the representative of a town on the Sound’s coast and the co-chair of the Environment Committee I am thrilled that this bill is one step closer to being law. I am grateful for the support from both sides of the aisle on this proposal and I look forward to a vote on the bill in the State Senate.”

The inventory and final plan compiled by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will be submitted to the General Assembly for its final approval.

“Establishing a Blue Plan for Long Island Sound is vital to its preservation and the development of job-creating commercial entities along Connecticut’s coastline,” said State Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. (D-Branford), co-chairman of the Environment Committee. “Our shoreline’s natural resources will be catalogued and made available, all without spending any additional state dollars. This will be a significant boost to the region, securing the coastline while also providing opportunities for the state’s growing aquaculture businesses and other industries.”

“To build a brighter tomorrow, we need to make smart choices on the environment today. The Long Island Sound is critical for Connecticut’s economy and the millions of people who rely on its resources – that’s why this is important. Action now means protecting our vital coastline tomorrow, allowing comprehensive and regional planning for the Sound for the long-term,” Governor Malloy said. “There is a pressing need for us to act, and I would like to thank the House for passing it.”

“The State of Connecticut holds the submerged lands and waters of the Sound in perpetual trust for the use and benefit of the public. The new tools offered by the Blue Plan proposed in this legislation will help us better exercise our responsibilities to safeguard this resource. Action on this bill is the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day,” said DEEP Commission Rob Klee.

“Today’s bipartisan House vote – fittingly on Earth Day – sends a resounding message that Connecticut legislators understand and appreciate the environmental and economic significance of The Long Island Sound,” Sen. Tony Hwang said. “More significantly, this legislation proves the balance that we can be business friendly and a champion for the environment at the same time. I look forward to casting my vote in support of the Blue Plan when it comes before the Senate, and I’ll be encouraging my colleagues to do the same.”

State Representative James Albis is serving his third term representing the 99th district of East Haven. He serves as Chair of the Environment Committee and as a member of both the Finance and Executive and Legislative Nomination Committees.