Environment Comes Out Ahead in Connecticut Elections!

(Hartford, CT) – From the bipartisan perspective of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV), the scene at Connecticut’s gold dome looks promising for the 2009 legislative session. With 41 of CTLCV’s bipartisan slate of 46 endorsed candidates elected, the stage is set for even more enlightened environmental progress in the next legislative session, even under difficult economic circumstances.

“We know there are financial pressures, but legislators can enact plenty of smart environmental policies without a hefty price tag. It’s a matter of defining a pro-environment vision for the long term. We will be looking for environmental initiatives that dovetail with economic development. Good jobs and clean energy are both winners this election,” said Julie Belaga, Co-Chair of CTLCV’s Board of Directors.

CTLCV congratulates the winners of yesterday’s elections, from Barack Obama, who was endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters, CTLCV’s national counterpart, to Connecticut’s congressional delegation, to Connecticut General Assembly winners. “We look forward to working with both parties to make serious headway on putting smart, sustainable environmental policies into action for Connecticut,” Belaga added.

“We have high expectations for the candidates we endorsed and for the 2009 General Assembly overall. Knowing the passion and knowledge that so many of them bring to protecting our forests, farmland, air, waterways and wildlife, we doubt we’ll be disappointed,” said Belaga. CTLCV interviewed candidates and researched their positions extensively before awarding endorsements. (See www.ctlcv.org/survey for details on the environmental priorities of the candidates).

Two wins of special interest to CTLCV are those earned by challengers Michelle Cook (D-Torrington), who unseated Republican Ann Ruwet for the seat in House District 65, and Elizabeth Esty (D-Cheshire), who beat out incumbent Republican Al Adinfolfi for the seat in House District 103. Despite their freshman status, expect Cook and Esty to be quick studies and impressive forces for the environment.

Other fresh faces to watch include newcomers Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) and Chris Coutu (R- Norwich). Lesser pulled off a tough fight to unseat incumbent Ray Kalinowski (R-Durham) in the 100th House District, as did Coutu against Jack Malone (D-Norwich) in the 47th House District. Like Cook and Esty, we’re betting on Lesser and Coutu as strong voices for the environment.

CTLCV also has high expectations for incoming State Senator Kevin Witkos (R-Canton), who moves from the House of Representatives to replace Thomas Herlihy (R-Simsbury) in the 8th Senate District. We are looking to Witkos to play the role of up and coming leader on the environment in the Republican caucus.

Belaga also announced that CTLCV will be keeping a close watch on the actual implementation of the environmental laws that were passed last year. “It’s all well and good to enact pro-environment laws, but execution is the name of the game. In recent years, Connecticut has not done that part so well.”

The League now calls for lawmakers to uphold environmental laws and lead responsibly on the Connecticut’s most urgent environmental challenges: developing transportation alternatives and mass transit; moving faster to a clean, renewable energy future; spurring innovative solutions for the world’s climate crisis; funding the Department of Environmental Protection; and preserving the “Face of Connecticut.” Election Results for CTLCV’s Bipartisan Slate of Endorsements*