We did it! The Connecticut legislative session ended, and thanks to our tenacious canvass teams and our amazing members, our priority bills passed! Thank you to everyone who sent an email, made a phone call, wrote a letter, or made a donation. Our grassroots people-power made the difference. Here is a round-up of our wins!
The Climate Bill - HB 5004: The Trump Administration may want to squash climate action, but they can’t stop Connecticut. The climate bill passed in the Senate 26-10 along party lines, and while it didn't include everything we wanted, it was a big step in the right direction! This legislation:
- Sets strict interim targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions and a goal of net zero emissions by 2050,
- Requires state agencies to only utilize net-zero carbon electricity by 2030,
- Establishes a Connecticut Clean Economy Council to advise on economic development strategies and policies that strengthen the state's climate mitigation, clean energy, resilience, and sustainability programs, particularly for vulnerable communities,
- Supports workforce development for green jobs, and
- Promotes more renewable energy and energy efficiency.
- Our state is reclaiming our mantle as an American climate leader!
Restrictions on toxic neonicotinoid pesticides - SB 9: Neonicotinoids (neonics) are a toxic class of pesticides that are particularly harmful to pollinators and aquatic life. This bill contains additional climate resiliency measures as well as, critically, restrictions on the application of these harmful chemicals. It’s a strong step forward that will protect our waters and ecosystems in CT.
Protections from toxic PFAS – We fended off an attempt by outside lobbyists to weaken Connecticut’s landmark 2024 legislation protecting residents from toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in common products. Take a victory lap, grassroots volunteers. Big lobbying money was no match for your persistent actions!
A huge thank you goes out to the Clean Water Action field and phone canvass teams. Our field organizers were out in all weather this session making sure that neighbors in important legislative districts got the opportunity to weigh in on these campaigns by writing letters, and our phone team called thousands of residents to generate support and action. We win campaigns with strength in numbers. Thank you, canvassers, and thank you to everyone who answered the door or your phone and got involved in the fight for a healthier Connecticut!
As some of you may know, I am retiring from my role as Connecticut Director. I am staying in the fight, though, and I will be here ensuring that our new State Director has all of the support they need to keep building on our last few years of legislative victories. I’m so proud of everything we accomplished together in Connecticut over the years, and most importantly, I'm so grateful to all of you! Thank you for all of your hard work this session.
