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Hartford, CT – Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) released its initial endorsements for the Connecticut General Assembly. All candidates for legislative office were invited to complete CTLCV’s Survey on the Environment earlier this summer. Over 100 candidates responded, and CTLCV’s Endorsement Committee has reviewed their answers and begun interviewing those who identified the environment as one of their top priorities. Today’s endorsements represent the first of several rounds. Candidates receiving CTLCV’s endorsements are:
“Connecticut deserves lawmakers who will fight for renewable energy, clean air and water, and open space,” said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director. “All of the candidates we endorsed today have either established themselves as true leaders in the legislators or made real commitments to be champions for the environment if elected.
ABOUT THE CANDIDATES Beth Bye is in her fourth term serving the people of the 5th Senate District. She has been a longtime environmental champion and a notable advocate for water issues, where she most recently led the charge against water diversion. She has a lifetime score of 91% according to our 2018 Environmental Scorecard, a testament to her firm commitment to environmental stewardship. Matt Lesser represented the 100th House District before running for Sen. Paul Doyle’s open seat in the 9th Senate District. During his time in the House, Lesser worked tirelessly to address his constituents’ concerns about snapping turtles, and his leadership led to crucial protections being passed in 2018. Lesser also led the charge to support bans on fracking waste, and has been a strong proponent of the State Water Plan. Christine Cohen, running for the 12th Senate District, is the owner of Cohen Bagels in Madison and a longtime member of the Guilford Land Trust. She expressed real concern about carbon emissions and pollution in Connecticut, and has already taken steps to ensure her own business operates in a sustainable, environmentally responsible manner. Mary Daugherty Abrams, candidate for the 13th Senate District, is running against one of the most vocal anti-environment legislators in the General Assembly: Len Suzio. In contrast to Suzio, Abrams voiced strong concerns for the health of our children. Speaking as a grandmother and former teacher, Abrams indicated her support for bans to toxic tire mulch in playgrounds and carcinogenic flame retardant chemicals in children’s clothing—two initiatives Suzio actively worked to oppose. Vickie Nardello previously represented the 89th Assembly District from 1995 – 2013. During her time in the legislature, she had a 97% Lifetime Score in CTLCV’s Environmental Scorecard, which tracks lawmakers’ votes on the environment. A strong advocate for clean energy, Nardello helped create the Connecticut Green Bank, the nation’s first bank dedicated to investing in renewable energy projects. She expressed a keen interest in aggressively growing Connecticut’s investments in clean energy. She is challenging incumbent Sen. Rob Sampson, who received a score of 31% in CTLCV’s 2018 Environmental Scorecard. Tony Hwang is the incumbent Senator representing the 28th District. He has been a champion for clean water throughout his time in the legislature, and a strong ally for open space and land conservation. Even during fraught budget negotiations and difficult committee battles, Hwang has made the environment a priority. David Lawson is once again running for the 30th Senate District seat currently held by Sen. Craig Miner. As chair of the Environment Committee, Miner actively worked to weaken environmental protections and block key bills from being considered. In contrast, Lawson has worked with local land trusts to preserve open space. As Chair of the New Milford Board of Education, he is also working to add solar panels to schools already undergoing roof repairs. He is firmly committed to protecting our clean water, clean air, and open space. Norm Needleman is currently serving his fourth term as First Selectman in Essex, where he has been a thoughtful leader on environmental issues. He is running for the 33rd Senate District, and has taken a strong stance about the importance of combatting climate change and investing in clean energy to grow our economy. Alexandra Bergstein is running for the 36th Senate District. Though she would be a first-term Senator, she has a long history in the legislature, working behind the scenes on critical protections to ban toxic tire mulch from playgrounds and carcinogenic flame retardants from children’s clothing. Those measures will likely be considered again in the next legislative session, making it crucial to elect lawmakers who put the health and safety of our children first. Mike Demicco represents the 21st House District. As Co-Chair of the Environment Committee, Demicco has been a strong ally for clean energy, conservation, and key protections, and helped pass bans on harmful pesticides. He listens to the concerns of the environmental community and has always strived to advance our priorities within the Committee. Mary Mushinsky was first elected to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1980, where she has been a tireless leader on land preservation and expanding our public parks and trails. As the representative in the 85th House District, Mushinsky holds a Lifetime Score of 97% in CTLCV’s Environmental Scorecard. She has also been active with the Wallingford Energy Conservation Commission and currently serves as Deputy Assistant Speaker of the House. James Albis has been a key leader for climate change preparedness while representing the 99th House District. Recognizing the threat of rising sea levels, Albis helped shepherd key bills through the legislature in 2018. He has been a reliable champion in committee rooms and behind-the-scenes, rallying other lawmakers to the side of the environment when it matters most. Jonathan Steinberg was first elected to represent the 136th House District in 2010, and he swiftly established himself as a true environmental champion. Steinberg helped pass ambitious goals to reduce Connecticut’s carbon emissions in the last legislative session. Terrie Wood represents the 141st House District, where she has been a strong proponent of land preservation and conservation. She also strongly supports water as a public trust, and has been a vocal advocate to restrict single-use plastic bags and promote more sustainable alternatives. Gail Lavielle is currently serving her fourth term representing the 143rd House District. She strongly supports promoting electric vehicles in Connecticut, which would expand consumers’ choices and help reduce vehicle emissions. Lavielle has been a thoughtful leader within her party and across the aisle, helping to build consensus on the importance of protecting our open space and clean water and air. ### This information is paid for by the CTLCV Political Action Committee. This message was made independent of any candidate or political party. Contributions to the CTLCV PAC of $5,000 or more were made by CTLCV, Inc. and David Bingham. Additional information about the CTLCV PAC may be found on the State Elections Enforcement Commission's website (ct.gov/seec). Hartford, CT – Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters announced that over one hundred candidates for legislative or statewide office had signed onto the Clean Energy for All pledge, which calls on candidates to commit to moving Connecticut to 100% clean energy by 2050 or sooner.
“Climate change is the issue of our time, and clean energy is a key part of our fight,” said CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. “We need lawmakers committed to investing in clean energy, both to cut emissions and grow our economy.” Candidates who have taken the pledge include ardent supporter of renewable energy, Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (D-136). In the last legislative session, he shepherded two major energy bills through the General Assembly that double Connecticut’s investment in clean energy and cut our emissions in half. He also championed community shared solar, allowing homeowners and small businesses that can't easily install solar on their roofs to still cut emissions and fight climate change. His opponent, Greg Kraut, didn't respond to CTLCV's survey on the environment or Clean Energy for All pledge. CTLCV worked in partnership with the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and the Conservation Voter Movement across 30 states to make clean energy a priority for those running for office this year. “This in an unprecedented level of commitment to clean energy,” said Sara Jordan, LCV’s Clean Energy for All campaign manager. “In the absence of leadership from Washington to address climate change, state and local leaders are listening to the majority of people who want action on climate change. The candidates who are making this commitment e are showing they are ready to step up.” Clean energy supports over 38,000 jobs in Connecticut. Increasing our investment in solar, offshore wind, and other renewables would create even more jobs in these cutting edge fields while also helping our state and country combat climate change. The Clean Energy for All pledge reads as follows: Connecticut is feeling the effects of climate change including record droughts, flooding, and increasingly intense hurricanes. Meanwhile, the clean energy market has grown rapidly. Solar now employs more people in electricity generation than oil, coal and gas combined. As of January 2018, 56 cities across the country have committed to transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2050. Transitioning to clean energy will avert the worst impacts of climate change while creating good jobs, boosting the economy, saving consumers money, and protecting our health. Do you support transitioning to 100% clean energy by 2050 or sooner? A total of 112 candidates signed CTLCV’s Clean Energy for All pledge. They can be viewed below the cut. Reveals Where Legislators Stand on Climate Change, Clean Energy, Land Conservation, and More![]() Hartford, CT – Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters released its annual Environmental Scorecard. The Scorecard represents a diverse set of environmental concerns and rates how state lawmakers voted on key bills. “Voters deserve to know where their elected officials stand on climate change and the environment,” said CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. “With the Scorecard, you can see if your legislator took the side of clean air and water, or if they bowed to special interests, utility companies, or the fossil fuel industry.” The Environmental Scorecard provides a list of bills impacting the environment legislators considered during the 2018 Legislative Session, as well as explanations of each bill’s purpose, CTLCV’s position, and whether the legislation passed or failed. The legislative session can be confusing, chaotic, and complicated. CTLCV’s Scorecard makes it easy to understand what these bills really did and how your senator and representative voted. “Our Scorecard is a tool for voters,” said CTLCV Board of Directors Co-Chair Mary Hogue. “When you see candidates at forums or knocking on doors, you can use the Scorecard to ask them about their votes and let them know where you stand.” Throughout the legislative session, CTLCV tracks lawmakers' votes and sends regular updates to legislators and our membership to be sure the pro-environment position is clear before any votes are cast. CTLCV grades lawmakers on a 0-100% scale based on their votes on key environmental bills in committees, the House, and the Senate. Their final score represents an average of their votes on those specific bills. ### This information is paid for by the CTLCV Political Action Committee. This message was made independent of any candidate or political party. Contributions to the CTLCV PAC of $5,000 or more were made by CTLCV, Inc. and David Bingham. Additional information about the CTLCV PAC may be found on the State Elections Enforcement Commission's website (ct.gov/seec).
Hartford, CT - The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) applauded the news that Mayor Erin Stewart has withdrawn a proposal to expand a strip mining operation on approximately 100 acres of protected, off-limits reservoir land owned by New Britain. CTLCV has been strongly opposed to the project since it was first suggested nearly a decade ago. In the intervening years, CTLCV has worked with the Rivers Alliance of Connecticut, Protect Our Watersheds Connecticut, Connecticut Fund for the Environment, and the people of New Britain to present evidence and offer public testimony about the risks of stripping, blasting, and mining on a public water source.
"This is a tremendous victory for everyone working to protect our clean water and our environment," said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director. "Allowing Tilcon to expand its mining operations would have tainted an important watershed, destroyed a valuable natural resource, and set a dangerous precedent for how protected water sources can be used. These days, with the EPA and Trump Administration rolling back clean water regulations left and right, it's important we take steps here in Connecticut to protect the public's access to safe, drinkable water and guard against the destruction of our environment. The withdrawal of the Tilcon proposal shows what we can accomplish when we stand as one and have the facts on our side." Margaret Miner, Executive Director of Rivers Alliance and a CTLCV Board member said, “It was Lori Brown who--ten years ago--spotted the original Tilcon proposal embedded in bills going through in the last days of the session. I happened to be there at the time. We recognized the danger this posed and sprang into action right away. I'm grateful this story has a happy ending at last." The Tilcon mining project was originally proposed ten years ago via legislation that would have allowed New Britain to lease its Class I and II water lands without the approval of the Department of Public Health. CTLCV worked with other nonprofits and the public to block the proposal then. The project was revived in 2016 despite objections about the destruction of valuable natural resources and lack of precedent for such work. CTLCV has submitted public testimony and attended numerous hearings about the Tilcon proposal. ### Hartford, CT - Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) commended State Rep. Matthew Lesser (D-100 Middletown) for his leadership on environmental issues throughout his time in the Connecticut General Assembly.
"Rep. Lesser has been a champion for clean water, climate change education, wildlife protection, and land conservation," said CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. "He fought hard for the State Water Plan and public trust in water, and has been a tireless champion for green spaces and conservation. Throughout his time in the General Assembly, Rep. Lesser has kept the door open to his constituents. He heard their concerns about the environment and put their words into action. We at CTLCV are deeply proud of the work he has done to keep our air and water clean and protect our environment for generations to come." "Here in Middletown, we've seen the benefits of Rep. Lesser's hard work and commitment to our citizens," said John Hall, local environmental advocate and Portland resident. "When we discovered snapping turtle traps in the Floating Meadows back in 2012, Rep. Lesser heard our distress and leapt into action. He convened DEEP wildlife personnel, biologists, advocates, and legislators. He worked with the citizens of Middletown and his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ban the commercial trade of those turtles. This year, his bill passed, one of his many achievements fighting for Middletown's environment.” “Matt has been an ardent leader and a go-to person for us in the county as he supported legislative initiatives that protect our environment,” said Tony Marino, a long-time advocate for the Connecticut River lower valley. “The District that Matt currently represents is concentrated in the northern part of the county in Middletown, but he has been an environmental leader for all of Middlesex County.” During the last legislative session, Rep. Lesser co-sponsored and worked to pass:
Rep. Lesser authored important legislation to ban the disposal of fracking waste in Connecticut. CTLCV has repeatedly recognized him as an Environmental Champion for his tireless efforts to protect our clean water and air, wildlife, and open spaces. More information on Rep. Lesser is available here. As the federal government continues to weaken safeguards and regulations, CTLCV is strengthening its commitment to work with leaders across the state to make the environment a priority. ### Hartford, CT - Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) applauded Governor Dannel P. Malloy's signing of Public Act 18-82: Climate Change Planning and Resiliency and Public Act 18-50: Connecticut's Energy Future.
"Connecticut continues to lead the way in the fight against climate change," said CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. "Even as the EPA and federal government weaken regulations and undermine the last administration's efforts to reduce emissions, Connecticut has stepped up to enforce tougher standards and invest in renewable energy. Now more than ever, we need leaders who are committed to continuing the environmental legacy Governor Malloy has forged. "We've heard from our members on both sides of the aisle that clean energy is one of their highest priorities—and it's no surprise. Clean energy helps us lower our carbon footprint, create new jobs around green technology, and lower energy prices for businesses and homeowners. As we prepare to make our endorsements in the 2018 election, we at CTLCV are paying close attention to lawmakers who are ready to take up the fight against climate change."
CTLCV supported both of these bills throughout the 2018 legislative session. ### Hartford, CT - Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) attended Governor Dannel P. Malloy's announcement ordering the implementation of the State Water Plan. This comprehensive plan balances the needs of conservation, economic development, recreation, and ecological health.
"Special interests and utility giants blocked the State Water Plan to keep the people of Connecticut from having authority over the management of their own water," said CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown. "Our water is a public trust, and the residents of Connecticut have a right to decide how it's used. This session saw significant lobbying from utility companies at the expense of Connecticut families. Lawmakers bowed to special interests when they failed to bring the State Water Plan up for a vote. Thankfully, Governor Malloy has been a champion on this issue, and we at the CTLCV applaud him for his foresight and conviction. "As the CTLCV prepares to make endorsements for the 2018 election, we are paying close attention to those lawmakers who fought for the environment and stood up to special interests. While voters may not be able to hold utility companies accountable at the polls, they can certainly take action against lawmakers who put special interests ahead of the people they serve. Our upcoming Environmental Scorecard will report on the battle over the public trust and the State Water Plan during this recent legislative session." The State Water Plan was developed by the Water Planning Council through an exhaustive, transparent process complete with a lengthy period for public comments. The 2018 legislative session ended without legislative review or approval by the CGA. The CTLCV will be releasing its Environmental Scorecard online at www.ctlcv.org. ### Hartford, CT - Today, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) announced the hiring of Amanda Schoen as the new Director of Communications. "We are thrilled to bring Amanda onto our team," said Executive Director Lori Brown. "This is a critical time as we prepare for the upcoming election, and Amanda brings the passion and experience we need to grow our membership, connect with voters, and make sure lawmakers and candidates understanding the importance of the environment to their constituents." Amanda Schoen brings a wealth of political and public relations experience to the team. She has previously served as Press Secretary for U.S. Congressman John B. Larson and as Communications Director for U.S. Congressman Mike Thompson. Additionally, she has consulted for numerous state, local, and national campaigns on strategy and communications. ###
Hartford, CT - In the absence of federal leadership, and building on a string of clean energy policy wins in states, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters(CTLCV) is joining with the national League of Conservation Voters and Leagues across the nation to double down on our progress towards a clean energy economy at the state and local level. The Leagues are launching network-wide “Clean Energy for All” campaign to move the country closer to the goal of 100% clean energy by 2050.
With an initial investment of over $2 million, the network of organizations is collectively engaging at the state and local level by:
In Connecticut, the national rollout of this campaign coincides with a key set of votes at the State Legislature’s Energy and Technology committee. With our renewable energy goals lagging behind our neighboring states, Connecticut is at a crossroads as lawmakers consider whether to increase mandates for renewable power and support a shared solar program that would expand equitable access to clean energy. At the same time, advocates are fighting efforts that would weaken critical clean energy programs like net-metering. “Fighting for clean energy is not new, but at this critical time this campaign represents an ambitious new approach for our family of organizations by unleashing local campaigns across the country that collectively add up to a significant shift to a clean energy economy,” said Gene Karpinski, League of Conservation Voters President. “The demand for clean energy is going up and the price keeps going down. This campaign is about breaking down the remaining barriers that keep affordable clean energy and pollution-free communities from being accessible to everyone. And it’s about putting the power to make that happen in the hands of voters, instead of polluters,” said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director. “We need the right policies in place to ensure clean energy continues to grow. We must elect climate champions who will prioritize our transition to a 100% clean energy economy.” According to the League, the transition to clean energy is urgently needed and achievable with existing technology – and it is already underway. Wind and solar now compete and win on costs with outdated fossil fuels and clean energy jobs are significantly outpacing fossil fuel jobs. If these trends continue, clean energy has the opportunity to be a major driver of employment in every city, state, and region. The campaign will be engaged throughout the 30 states with a conservation voter organization presence, with each state engaged in its own local, state or regional effort. The Conservation Voter Movement is a unique network of 30 state organizations and one federal organization that closely collaborate and share expertise and resources in order to effect positive change at all levels of government. BACKGROUND AND STATISTICS: Clean Energy Transitioning to clean energy will avert the worst impacts of climate change while creating good jobs, boosting our economy, saving consumers money, and protecting our health.
Across the U.S. over 50 cities, more than five counties and one state, have already adopted ambitious 100% clean energy goals. BACKGROUND AND STATISTICS: Electric School Buses Volkswagen (VW) cheated federal emissions tests and polluted the air we breathe with toxins emitted by diesel vehicles. These toxins increase respiratory illnesses like asthma and speed up the rate of climate change. VW is on the hook for $14.7 billion dollars for putting profits over people. Governors have the opportunity to reinvest the Volkswagen Environmental Mitigation Trust in our communities, especially low-income and communities of color where students and families are most at risk of breathing dirty air and disproportionately carry the burden of pollution. By using these funds to take dirty diesel buses off our roads and replace them with clean electric buses we can protect our most vulnerable. Governors decide how the VW settlement funds are invested and states can use up to $2.7 billion for electric school buses. Clean Buses for Healthy Niños asks that governors reinvest the VW dollars in our communities and school districts. The League movement is especially focused on bringing these dollars to low-income and communities of color where students and families are most at risk of breathing dirty air and disproportionately carry the burden of pollution. That way, our states can take dirty diesel buses off our roads and replace them with clean electric buses, protecting our most vulnerable. Cleaner: Switching a vehicle from diesel to electric power can reduce a vehicle’s CO2 emissions by 71%. Cheaper to Run: Switching from a diesel bus to an electric bus can reduce the fueling costs of a vehicle by over 40%. Great Performance: Electric buses have proven their performance in all types of terrain and weather. Safe: Electric school buses are built and tested by the same standards as any other school bus on the roads ### David Lawson Earns CTLCV Endorsement for Support of Farmland, Open Space, Water Protections10/16/2016
CTLCV points to sharp contrast between contenders for District 30Hartford, CT - The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) has identified and endorsed David Lawson as the pro-environment candidate for election to the Connecticut General Assembly, representing Senate District 30. The League says there has never been a more vivid contrast between the candidates when it comes to protecting our state's open spaces, or in their understanding of the need to keep our public lakes and streams healthy and clean.
This is one of the most unpredictable election seasons of all time for the Connecticut state legislature. CTLCV wants to be sure that voters who care about the environment have the facts to make informed choices at election time. "David Lawson is committed to the things that make District 30 such an incredible place to live, work and play. Northwest Connecticut contains beautiful, diverse landscapes, with abundant wildlife, fresh air, and a multitude of lakes and streams. Residents of the district expect that the person they send to Hartford to represent them will work to preserve these irreplaceable assets," said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director. "David Lawson shares these core values of the residents he seeks to represent." The League points out that Lawson's opponent, Representative Craig Miner, is on the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to conservation. CTLCV has tracked and published the voting records of all CT legislators since 2000. Miner's lifetime voting history shows he cast anti-environmental votes 85 times since his first year in office, 2001. Beyond voting poorly on important issues, he has repeatedly fought against good environmental initiatives, often sacrificing the environment for some unrelated legislative pursuit. The most recent example was this past session, when he filibustered a bi-partisan bill that would have required transparency in town applications about the nature and scope of pending development projects. There are many instances where he has used his position on the legislature's environment committee to weaken environmental initiatives ranging from habitat protection and wetlands conservation, to opposing creation of the Community Investment Act that funds farmland preservation and open space. Miner is nationally recognized as one of the 12 most anti-environment candidates running for state office, according to the national League of Conservation Voters. "If you care about the air you breathe, the water you drink, and the wonderful parks and landscapes in Connecticut, then pay close attention to what candidates are saying and doing about environmental issues," said David Bingham, CTLCV co-chair. Since 2000, CTLCV has surveyed candidates on their positions, records, and plans for protecting the environment. This year's candidate survey contained questions about environmental issues that are likely to be considered during the 2017 legislative session beginning this January. David Lawson's responses are posted at www.ctlcv.org. Craig Miner did not respond to the survey. David Lawson's positions on a multitude of conservation issues demonstrate that he is in sync with the residents of the district. The person elected to the powerful senate seat will help decide how to protect the state's public water supply, preserve state lands, prevent pollution, and manage energy and transportation options for all citizens. With 33 years as an educator, Lawson knows that good information is key to ensuring the public is involved in protecting the environment, especially farmland and open space. He is committed to protecting the district's waterways and addressing polluted "runoff" impacting many in the Northwest who rely on wells. In an interview, he said he would build public consensus around solutions by helping to inform people about the issues and bring all parties to the table. His candidate survey notes his support for reducing single use plastic bags that clog waterways and harm wildlife, and he also supports stronger efforts to reduce pesticides as an essential means to help maintain the ecosystem and reduce health risks. Lawson states, "It is time to support environmental legislation that is proactive." "The candidates we endorse are reliable in their environmental values, and pledge to prioritize environmental matters important to their constituents. We urge people in Senate District 30 to support David Lawson at the polls on November 8," said Bingham. Connecticut's economic and environmental quality of life has always depended on its natural resources. CTLCV's endorsed candidates pledge to champion smart environmental policies that will protect these irreplaceable assets. According to the League, people don't often know whether or not a candidate shares their core values on the environment. CTLCV has done the research and wants to be sure voters know who will best represent them on these issues. Additional information about CTLCV's Scorecard and Endorsements can be found at www.ctlcv.org. *Senate District 30 includes the towns of Brookfield, Canaan, Cornwall, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Morris, New Milford, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, Torrington, Warren, Winchester. |
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