Environment Connecticut and ten other statewide environmental
groups produced this report to Governor Rell and lawmakers detailing critical areas of
infrastructure investment that could substantially grow the state’s economy. The Green Infrastructure Engine: Sustainable
Development for Connecticut makes recommendations in areas key to creating
high-paying jobs and making Connecticut
more attractive to a young, educated workforce while simultaneously protecting our
environment and natural resources.
For years the concept of growing
the economy has been pitted against efforts to protect the environment. In
reality, these two ideas work in tandem and residents across the state are
realizing the profound positive impact that energy efficiency, conservation,
and alternative transit have on our economy and quality of life. In Connecticut,
for every dollar invested in energy efficiency, four dollars are saved by
ratepayers -- plus an additional substantial economic benefit derived from
keeping dollars in-state. The solar
industry, fuel cell manufacturers and energy auditors support thousands of
high-paying jobs and make the state less reliant upon conventional energy generation,
thus reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
Energy efficiency, renewable
energy, transportation, agriculture, historic preservation, wildlife and
natural resources, and Long Island Sound restoration are identified as areas
key to Connecticut’s economic
recovery. Areas that, with proper investment, can bring skilled jobs into the
state, reduce energy costs, and protect the very landscapes that not only make
Connecticut beautiful, but also provide a significant economic benefit.
Authors of the sustainability blueprint
include Audubon CT, Clean Water Action, Connecticut Fund for the Environment
and its program Save the Sound,
Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, Environment Connecticut,
Environment Northeast, Face of Connecticut, Connecticut Forest and Park
Association, The Nature Conservancy and Working Lands Alliance.
