Feb 11 Press Release: CTLCV Gears Up for Next Environmental Scorecard

Early Assault on Environment is Duly Noted

Connecticut is only one week into its 2010 legislative session, and already its environment is under attack.

No Shortage of Bad Ideas
Short-sighted and ill-conceived legislative proposals have emerged that would:

• Sell off state land without following rules requiring public disclosure and public comment;

• Rob clean energy and energy efficiency accounts in order to pay the costs of borrowing money to plug our current $1.3 billion budget gap;

• Allow a takeover of the Department of Environmental Protection by the Department of Community & Economic Development;  and

• Form a commission to expedite the environmental permitting process--without designating a single environmental specialist seat on the commission.

CTLCV will continue to fulfill its mission as a legislative watchdog and track these and other environmental issues closely throughout the session and report them on our online Watchlist (www.ctlcv.org/watchlist.htm). 

Wanted:  Green Jobs, Clean Energy and Transportation Alternatives
In addition to fending off destructive bills that would compromise Connecticut's land, air, water and wildlife, CTLCV will also be watching for constructive, proactive, pro-environment measures--especially those that can be implemented at low or no cost. 

CTLCV will be particularly attentive to bills that create jobs that are good for the air, water, land, wildlife, build a clean energy economy, reform muncipal revenue mechanisms, impair environmental funding, or support transportation alternatives.

Bipartisan, Environmental Champions Sought for 2010
CTLCV will look to last session's pro-environment freshman class and to the environmental champions from both parties that we highlighted in our 2009 Environmental Scorecard to continue to earn their titles.  To make real progress, we're also expecting them to demonstrate bipartisan leadership of the highest caliber.

We're Here to Help!
As always, CTLCV staff is available to field your questions on environmental legislation throughout the session. Please call on us at 860.236.5442 if we may be of assistance.

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About CTLCV
Formed in 2000, the bipartisan Connecticut League of Conservation Voters focuses on getting smart, sustainable environmental policies enacted in Connecticut. 

CTLCV works with Connecticut's environmental advocates to promote important bills that affect Connecticut's air, water, wildlife, open space, transportation, energy choices and health. CTLCV educates state legislators about these bills through Scorecard Alerts and urges them to cast a pro-environment vote.

In election years, CTLCV researches positions taken by political candidates and endorses those who demonstrate leadership and pledge to make the environment a high legislative priority. CTLCV's endorsements have become widely sought by candidates of all parties. These endorsements give environment-minded voters the information they need to make informed choices at election time.