Working to solve global warming
Connecticut will cut global warming emissions 80% by 2050. Our research and advocacy helped convince state lawmakers to pass the Global Warming Solutions Act in 2008.
Protecting our rivers and the Sound
Programs to protect our rivers and Long Island Sound will be better funded as a result of our advocacy. In 2007, we worked with our allies to convince Gov. Jodi Rell and the Legislature to restore funding to the state’s Clean Water Fund.
Curbing energy waste
Connecticut utilities will be required to invest in measures to reduce energy waste before building new, polluting power plants, thanks to legislation we worked to pass in 2007.
Reducing power plant emissions
Connecticut’s power plants, the second-largest source of global warming pollution in the state, will reduce their emissions 10% by 2019 under a regional effort we helped convince state officials to join.
Preserving America’s national forests
More than 50 million acres of America’s national forests still remain untouched and unspoiled. When President Bush moved to open these forests to logging and new roads, our advocates and activists raised their voices in protest. The fight continues. We’re demanding permanent protection.
Putting cleaner cars on the road
Starting in 2011, new cars and trucks sold in Connecticut will emit one-third less global warming pollution. That’s because of the clean car tailpipe standards we helped to establish in Connecticut.
Protecting our drinking water
In 2003, after high levels of the toxic chemical MTBE were discovered in Connecticut’s groundwater, our staff and a coalition of environmental groups defended a ban on the cancer-causing gasoline additive.
Saving the Bottle Bill
Our staff helped pass Connecticut’s Bottle Bill in 1979. In 2004, with the help of a strong coalition, we fought back against industry lobbyists pushing for its repeal.
Cleaning up the “Sooty Six”
Connecticut’s dirtiest power plants were forced to cut their emissions in 2002 after a five-year campaign by our staff, members and allies resulted in tough new legislation.
Bringing change to Washington
In 2008, voters elected the most pro-environment president and Congress in recent memory. As part of Environment America Voter Action, we talked to more than one million voters about the environmental records of Barack Obama and the 29 congressional candidates we endorsed, including Reps. Joe Courtney and Chris Murphy.
