Here's Save the Sound’s 2022 Legislative Agenda for Connecticut

NEW HAVEN, CT —Save the Sound’s environmental agenda for the 2022 state legislative session, which begins February 9, prioritizes urgent action to address the climate crisis. The regional environmental nonprofit, based in New Haven, couples policy advocacy with legal action, scientific analysis, and on-the-ground restoration.

“What we saw last year was a deepening climate crisis, and a failure of the state to meaningfully address it. Connecticut’s own data demonstrates the state is not on track to meet its legal obligations to reduce carbon. There is no more time. We must do better," said Leah Lopez Schmalz, vice president for programs at Save the Sound.

"This session, our top priorities are ensuring that the state is accountable for meeting the climate challenge head on; the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has the tools it needs to act; and residents have increased access to clean energy," Schmalz said.

Svae the Sound's 2022 Legislative Agenda
Climate and Energy

• Update the CT Global Warming Solutions Act to reflect the urgency of the Climate Crisis by:
  • Requiring state agencies and regulatory bodies to evaluate the climate impacts of their actions and to mitigate adverse impacts
  • Clarifying the ability of citizens to enforce the GWSA
  • Establishing broad regulatory authority for state agencies to adopt regulations to address climate change
  • Revising greenhouse gas emissions targets, including codifying Governor Lamont's executive order of 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040

• Increase solar energy generation by raising program caps, including on the Shared Clean Energy Facilities program to reduce emissions from medium and heavy-duty vehicles

• Allow electric vehicle manufacturers to sell vehicles directly to consumers

Contact: Charles Rothenberger, climate and energy attorney,crothenberger@savethesound.org

Long Island Sound and Rivers

• Reduce plastic waste to protect Long Island Sound fish and wildlife

Contact: Bill Lucey, Long Island Soundkeeper, blucey@savethesound.org

Defending Laws

• Strengthen Connecticut’s Environmental Justice Law by strengthening the ability of DEEP to reject permits in state-identified environmental justice communities, increase meaningful public notice and participation, expand definition of environmental justice, and clean-up contaminated sites
• Defend Connecticut's environmental laws against rollbacks

Contact: Chris Kelly, Peter B. Cooper legal fellow, ckelly@savethesound.org

Funding

• Ensure CT’s critical environmental programs are fully funded, and leverage federal funds

Contact: Dave Anderson, lands campaign manager, danderson@savethesound.org

“No matter how this session is conducted—remote, in-person, or hybrid—we’ll make sure the people of Connecticut can make their voices heard, and that legislators use this moment to maximize gains for environmental protection, accountability, and healthy communities,” Schmalz said.

Save the Sound creates opportunities for Connecticut residents to connect with legislative leaders during session and year-round, she said. Sign up for updates and action alerts here.