Hartford – Environment Connecticut released its environmental agenda for the 2008 legislative session this week. As legislative hearings commenced on key environmental initiatives, the organization called on legislators to prioritize issues ranging from global warming to preserving state parks and protecting the state’s waterways.
“Protecting Connecticut’s environment is an important part of preserving the quality of life for our families,” said Environment Connecticut Program Director, Christopher Phelps. “This year the legislature needs to step up and address critical threats facing our environment.”
Global Warming tops the 2008 environmental agenda. Environment Connecticut and other state advocates formed the Stop Global Warming Connecticut campaign calling for legislation requiring cuts in the state’s global warming pollution to 10% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below current levels by 2050. The legislation, similar to bills enacted in New Jersey and California, requires the state to implement regulations by 2012 to meet the 2020 emissions cap.
“Now is the time to tackle global warming head-on,” said Phelps. “The science is clear, to avoid the worst effects of global warming, we have to start cutting pollution today and set ourselves on the path to an 80% cut by 2050. The legislature can make sure Connecticut does it’s part in the fight to stop global warming by enacting mandatory global warming pollution limits this year.”
Environment Connecticut also called for additional funding for clean water and open space, tough enforcement action against water polluters, and restoration of Connecticut’s state parks and forests.
“Connecticut’s forests and parks, open spaces, and waterways are a fragile resource. Polluters need to be held accountable for their actions that threaten our natural resources. And Connecticut needs to do a better job caring for those resources. 2008 should be the year the legislature begins repairing the damage done to our state parks, forests, and waterways from years of neglect and budget cuts,” concluded Phelps.
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