Guilford Lawmaker Lauds Passage of Long Island Sound Blue Plan

Last week, in a unanimous vote, the Connecticut House of Representatives passed HB 6839 - the Long Island Sound Blue Plan. Representative Sean Scanlon (D-Guilford, Branford), a member of the legislature’s Environment Committee, praised his colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their commitment to strengthening Long Island Sound.

The Blue Plan - which was introduced by Governor Dannel P. Malloy - directs the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the University of Connecticut to convene relevant state agencies, academic institutions and stakeholders to compile an inventory of the natural resources and the human resources of the Long Island Sound, and to use that information to develop a plan to guide future uses of the Sound’s waters and submerged lands.

“I consider myself lucky to have grown up in a community that borders the Sound and want to do all I can during my time in office to protect this treasure for future generations of Guilford and Branford residents,” said Scanlon. “By passing this bill in the House, we are one step closer to - for the first time ever - developing a plan to preserve and strengthen this vital natural resource.”

In addition to being a natural treasure, Long Island Sound is also critical to the economic future of Connecticut. Coastal communities like Branford and Guilford rely on the Sound not only for recreation but also for our growing aquaculture industry such as oysters and clams.

“Safeguarding Long Island Sound is about more than just recreation - it’s about jobs,” said Scanlon. “If we don’t get serious about protecting the Sound, we can say goodbye to a multi-million dollar shellfishing industry that sustains not only our fishermen but also the incredibly popular seafood restaurants Connecticut is famous for and all the jobs associated with them.”

Scanlon is hopeful the bill will be passed in the state Senate and that we are turning a corner in terms of awareness. “The Sound is facing many challenges but the Blue Plan is a great first step when it comes to ensuring its sustainability and I am grateful to my colleagues in the House of Representatives for overwhelmingly supporting this important legislation.”

Constituents who want to contact Rep. Scanlon with questions or concerns may call his Capitol office at (860) 240-8500 or (800) 842-8267.