Rep. Shaban Speaks at Conservation Voter's Environmental Summit

HARTFORD – Last week State Representative John Shaban (R-135) spoke at the 15th annual Environment Summit held by the non-profit organization Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) Education Fund at the Hartford Riverfront Boathouse about environmental priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

This annual event provides environmental and municipal leaders, state legislators and administration officials a yearly opportunity to come together, share information and collaborate on environmental priorities for the next legislative session. This year summit discussions centered largely on topics concerning water quality, urban community engagement and land conservation. In particular, the deliberations touched upon climate change, municipal open space funding, pesticide use, plastic bags, solar power, mining, farmland, wildlife protection and invasive plants or animals.

Rep. Shaban noted how the environment has long been a central concern to a majority of Connecticut residents, and expressed optimism that sound environment stewardship will again be a prime focus in the upcoming legislative session. As an experienced attorney with an environmental law degree and practice, Shaban stated that he expects continuing work on targeted recycling programs for batteries and tires as part of the trend to create practical extended producer responsibility models. “It has worked before and will work again,” he said.

As Ranking Member of the Legislature’s Environment Committee, Rep. Shaban stated that “My job is to explain to people what’s good, what’s bad, and what’s a step in the right direction given the limited funds we have to work with.” Rep. Shaban has advocated for and supported initiatives such as improved brownfield remediation, strengthening Connecticut’s shoreline, the Long Island Sound Blue Plan, GMO food labeling, and combating the spread of Lyme disease. “We have made some great strides to be proud of, but there is still much work to do,” Shaban concluded.

See a video of Rep. Shaban speaking at this event on Meet the Leaders’ website.

Be sure to keep up-to-date on the most recent acts affecting Connecticut’s environment through the Office of Legislative Research. Educational material regarding the environment can also be found through the “Green Eco Warriors” on their website at www.greenecowarriors.org.