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Governor Vetoes Clean Energy Bill - Demand a Veto Override
With the worst environmental disaster in years in the Gulf of Mexico as a backdrop, Governor Rell recently vetoed legislation to reduce Connecticut's reliance on fossil fuels. Senate Bill 493 would have expanded Connecticut's programs to support solar installations, helped consumers with the upfront cost of clean energy upgrades and improved coordination of state agencies working on energy. Without this law we will see more Connecticut's solar companies lay off workers and move their businesses to our neighboring states.
Our View: Stealing From The Future To Pay For Today's Shortfall
New Britain Herald
published Monday, February 8, 2010
The Rell administration, as a way of coping with the state’s budget woes, has proposed three possible sources of future revenue that the state could sell now to raise a $1.3 billion lump sum — in other words, sacrificing future budgets to meet today’s needs.
The governor’s budget office would “securitize” a portion of the charges on electric bills used to support clean energy and conservation initiatives, a move that Roger Smith, campaign director for Clean Water Action, told the Journal Inquirer, would “saddle Connecticut consumers with a future of higher electricity rates to reduce this year’s budget deficit. While the governor claims to be opposed to new taxes, this proposal turns utility bills into a tax collection vehicle for the state.”
New report reveals Mercury Thermostats Coming Off the Wall and Going Into the Trash
Manufacturers’ Collection Falls Short
Hartford - Today Clean Water Action released a report, Turning Up The Heat documenting that thermostat makers have collected less than 5% of the thermostats coming out of service over the last 10 years. Therefore, Clean Water Action is calling on the Connecticut General Assembly to pass a state collection program that includes incentives to recycle and performance standards to ensure meaningful progress.
Ask Your Legislators to Pass the Safe Cosmetics Act
What are all those chemicals in your shampoo? Your lipstick? your aftershave? And what do they have to do with asthma, breast cancer and learning disabilities?
Learn, share and help change this toxic mess: Watch The Story of Cosmetics, a 8-minute film exposing the ugly truth about personal care products - brought to you by Clean Water Action, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, Annie Leonard's Story of Stuff Project and Free Range Studios, and take action to help pass the Safe Cosmetics Act.
Governor Vetoes Clean Energy Bill - Demand a Veto Override
With the worst environmental disaster in years in the Gulf of Mexico as a backdrop, Governor Rell recently vetoed legislation to reduce Connecticut's reliance on fossil fuels. Senate Bill 493 would have expanded Connecticut's programs to support solar installations, helped consumers with the upfront cost of clean energy upgrades and improved coordination of state agencies working on energy. Without this law we will see more Connecticut's solar companies lay off workers and move their businesses to our neighboring states.
Ask Your Legislators to Support Safer Children's Products and Safer Workplaces
Thanks to your support, Clean Water Action has helped to make Connecticut a national leader on protecting residents from toxic chemicals.
The legislature's Environment Committee recently approved new legislation to move us beyond these one-chemical-at-a-time battles and help protect the public from the most dangerous substances. Please send an e-mail to your state legislators today in support of these bills. We need your help to turn these proposals into law!
Act Now to Stop Global Warming
The science is clear: we need to quickly reduce the pollution that leads to global warming in order to avoid severe impacts.
The future is clear: we can stop global warming by making a clean, efficient and renewable energy future for our nation.
A recently released study by the Union of Concerned Scientists and more than 50 independent scientific experts shows that if global warming goes unchecked by late this century, summers in large parts of Connecticut could resemble sweltering summers today in Georgia.
Without strong action on global warming Connecticut could face the following:
Reduce Diesel Pollution
Diesel pollution is a major global warming pollutant as diesel "black carbon" soot traps heat and warms the atmosphere. While the Federal government set strict standards for new diesel engines starting in 2007, these standards do not apply to existing diesel vehicles, which can remain on the road for decades. As a part of the CT Alliance Against Diesel Pollution, Clean Water Action is working to close this loophole by taking action at the state level.
Coalition for a Safe & Healthy Connecticut
Connecticut residents want to protect ourselves and those we love, preventing harm especially to babies and young children. Our homes and our bodies should be safe from unwanted and dangerous intrusion. But there's a toxic problem putting our health at risk.
Clean Energy 20% by 2010 Campaign
In 2003, Clean Water Action, Environment Northeast, the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network and Smart Power joined forces to convince New Haven to become the first town to commit to support clean energy, and New Haven committed to purchase clean energy in February 2004. Since that time over 85 other towns and the state government have taken the 20% by 2010 challenge, sending a strong message to make more clean energy.
Sooty Six - Power Plants
Through five grueling years of fighting false information and strong opposition, demand has grown "until it was impossible for decision-makers not to follow the lead of the people" to clean up Connecticut's Sooty Six Power Plants. Clean Water Action has been a leader in this largest environmental campaign on this scale in recent memory, winning a larger voice for environmental groups in Connecticut.
Connecticut Climate Coalition
Clean Water Action coordinates the Connecticut Climate Coalition, a coalition of more than 90 health, faith, business, and environmental organizations.