Connecticut League of Conservation Voters

From Crisis to Opportunity: Environment and the Economy are Linked

2011-12-17T12:05:00.005-05:00

On December 6, 2011, CTLCV hosted its 12th Annual Environmental Summit in downtown Hartford, with over 200 people in attendance. The overarching message that our state can still have environmental excellence in a time of economic constraint was reinforced throughout the day. We have long understood that there is no "either/or" choice between the economy and the environment, and that public,

Connections: Connecticut Wins $15 Million in Federal Transportation Funding

2011-08-24T10:01:00.001-04:00

Connecticut won $15.7 million in grants for transportation from the Federal Highway Administration. On August 17, US Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a new round of federal grants for state transportation projects. Compared to some of our neighbors, Connecticut fared pretty well this time. Massachusetts received $6.1 million, Rhode Island received $1.6 million, Vermont received

Connections: Putnam Bridge Renovation Offers Great Chance for Walking, Running & Biking Across River

2011-08-23T12:00:00.001-04:00

The Putnam Bridge connecting Glastonbury and Wethersfield over the Connecticut River is up for a major renovation providing a golden opportunity to finally add bike lanes and a walkway to this 52- year-old bridge. ConnDOT is planning a $33 million rehabilitation project to fix safety and structural deficiencies with construction starting in 2012 and completed in 2013. The estimated construction

Connections: State Budget Impact on Transportation Projects Still Uncertain

2011-08-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

With the state labor unions voting to accept the concessions package, Connecticut now has a state budget in place. It is still unclear how transportation funding will shake out. Governor Malloy's initial budget, Plan A, left most transportation funding intact. Unfortunately, it seems likely that public transit riders will see fare hikes and/or service cuts. This is the time when the state

New Britain-Hartford Busway Public Info Session: Thurs., Aug. 11 @ 6:30 pm

2011-08-04T10:08:00.001-04:00

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting to discuss the New Britain-Hartford Busway, a 9.4-mile bus rapid transit service that will improve mobility in the I-84 corridor west of Hartford. Come learn more about the project, view a brief presentation, and talk with the Busway project team. Thursday August 11, 2011 | 6:30 p.m. DiLoreto Multimedia

CT DEEP Seeks Homeowner Feedback on Unwanted Paint

2011-07-11T12:35:00.001-04:00

CTLCV supported Senate Bill 828 this year to start a new paint reclamation program in Connecticut. The bill, which was championed by Representative Patricia Widlitz, was passed by both houses of the General Assembly, signed by the Governor on June 3, 2011, and is now codified as Public Act 11-24. In beginning to implement the new act, the newly renamed Connecticut Department of Energy and

Should Connecticut Complete Route 11? (Continued)

2011-07-07T13:46:00.001-04:00

With the recent announcement by Governor Malloy, US Representative Joe Courtney and ConnDOT on the decision to fund a $5 million feasibility study to complete Route 11 in southeastern Connecticut, the CTLCV Education Fund has asked both sides of the issue to weigh in. This project has been studied for decades and the environmental and economic impacts are significant. We previously posted

Want to Learn More about Electric Vehicles?

2011-06-21T10:04:00.001-04:00

Yesterday we attended a forum on "Connecticut's Global Warming Solutions Act: Energy, Economy and Policy Choices" where we learned a little more about electric vehicles. Check out this short video from Northeast Utilities: For more information, visit

One More Time - Tell Governor Malloy You Oppose the Haddam Land Swap

2011-06-21T09:54:00.001-04:00

The "Haddam land swap," one of this year's most controversial pieces of legislation, passed in Bill 1196 on the last day of the legislative session, but Governor Malloy's approval is not guaranteed. This was the third consecutive year in which the Haddam land swap was proposed. It has been rejected twice as a very bad precedent. Please take some time today to call or email the

Environmental Legislation: LAST DAY

2011-06-07T21:51:00.001-04:00

By Lori Brown, lori.brown@ctlcv.org As of June 7, 2011 The following pro- and anti- environment bills are still in play. You may be asked to vote on these bills before the end of session and CTLCV would like to be sure you are considering the future protection of our state’s natural resources when deciding your position. In shorthand: LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT SB 205 – support the return of

HADDAM LAND SWAP: TAKE IT OUT OF THE CONVEYANCE ACT

2011-06-07T10:41:00.001-04:00

Since our message to legislators on June 6, more and more citizen and environmental groups have either publicly opposed, or are calling for a more thorough review of, the proposed Haddam land swap, now bringing the list of organizations to a total of 35. They are listed below. If you would like to help keep up the pressure please call these two legislators and ask them to oppose this

Should Connecticut Complete Route 11?

2011-05-31T20:17:00.001-04:00

CONNECTIONS: Linking Transportation and the Environment in Connecticut: May 31, 2011 Edition With a bill pending approval by the House and Senate to install tolls to pay for the completion of Route 11 in Southeastern Connecticut and the recent announcement by Governor Malloy, US Representative Joe Courtney and ConnDOT on funding a $5 million feasibility study for Route 11, the CTLCV Education

CONNECTIONS: Linking Transportation and the Environment in Connecticut: May 9, 2011 Edition

2011-05-10T11:32:00.001-04:00

– By Kirsten Griebel At the LOB Last week the Senate referred Bill 720, the Vulnerable User bill, to the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee. They now have to act on it within seven days (by May 12th) in order to keep it alive. CTLCV, along with a number of other organizations, has been supporting this bill as it improves safety and encourages pedestrian/bike friendly streets, a tenet of

$30 Million > 0

2011-05-10T10:59:00.001-04:00

It’s all over the Connecticut news, but in case you missed it, the federal government reallocated Florida’s spurned $2.4 Billion (yes, with a B) in high-speed rail funding yesterday. The good news is that Connecticut got a $30 million piece of it, especially since Congress’ recent budget agreements suggested that the Florida money might not be reallocated at all. But the less good news is that

Congrats to Tri-State Transportation Campaign on EPA Award

2011-05-03T13:02:00.000-04:00

CTLCV congratulates the Tri-State Transportation Campaign (TSTC) on winning a 2011 Environmental Quality Award from the EPA! Read more at Tri-State Accepts 2011 EPA Environmental Quality Award | Mobilizing the Region.CTLCV began collaborating with TSTC a few years ago on the complete streets legislation for which Connecticut was recently recognized. (See "New Report Names CT "Complete Streets"

CTLCV Director Jessie Stratton Makes DEEP Move

2011-05-03T12:52:00.000-04:00

Jessie Stratton, a Director of CTLCV, has been recruited by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.Read more at The Connecticut Mirror: Environmental advocate named to help with creation of DEEP | The Connecticut Mirror

Broad Coalition Thanks Malloy for Bus Rapid Transit Bonding

2011-05-03T11:37:00.001-04:00

CTLCV joined with a broad coalition of 27 signatories from entities representing everything from CCSU to developers, chambers of commerce, the League of Women Voters, labor and environmental groups, who took note of the Bond Commission’s recent decision to release funding to get the Hartford-New Britain bus rapid transit project. The coalition’s thank you letter to Governor Malloy appears below.

Dear Legislators: Please don’t let HB 6400 weaken our water standards.

2011-04-29T12:43:00.001-04:00

CEQ Data on Beach Closings, Sewage in Rivers, Scarcity of Lobsters, and Diminishing Numbers of Fish Species, Points Out Need to Strengthen Protections, Not Weaken Them This week CTLCV issued the following alert to legislators on HB 6400: Dear Legislator: HB 6400, AAC LICENSURE OF STORMWATER PROFESSIONALS, creates a category of storm water professionals who will have nearly absolute authority

StreetFilms.org: Cars were then, this is now.

2011-04-29T12:25:00.001-04:00

Tom Swarr, Chair of the CTLCV Education Fund, passes along this very cool link to StreetFilms.org, a site that documents livable streets worldwide in short films that show how smart transportation design and policy can result in better places to live, work and play. Their nearly 350 videos have been viewed over 3.5 million times and have inspired action and behavioral change worldwide. Street

New Report Names CT “Complete Streets” Law Among Best in Nation

2011-04-29T10:03:00.001-04:00

After months of research and evaluation, the National Complete Streets Coalition has named Connecticut’s Complete Streets law, enacted in 2010, as one of the best in the country. Championed by former Representative Tom Kehoe, the complete streets law is an important component of smart growth policy, making roads safe and usable for transportation alternatives to the car. Safe, usable streets

Emissions Charges and Necessity as Mother of Invention

2011-04-28T13:10:00.001-04:00

In a New York Times op-ed article published today, Connecticut’s Commissioner of Environmental Protection, Dan Esty, and world renown economic competitiveness authority Michael Porter, explain how greenhouse gas emissions charges would unleash entrepreneurial spirit and innovation across a broad range of enterprises - from multinational businesses to back-of-the-garage inventors. The authors

CONNECTIONS: Linking Transportation and the Environment in Connecticut

2011-04-26T13:06:00.001-04:00

– by Kirsten Griebel (kirsten.griebel@ctlcv.org) CTLCV is rolling out a new e-letter called CONNECTIONS: Linking Transportation and the Environment in Connecticut, to provide brief updates on transportation news, issues, policies and legislation that impact your quality of life here in Connecticut. We welcome your feedback and news tips and hope you find it interesting and informative. At the

Guaranteeing Clean Water Is Easy, Cheap

2011-04-25T11:36:00.001-04:00

Margaret Miner, CTLCV Director and Executive Director of Rivers Alliance of Connecticut, writes in Sunday’s Hartford Courant that buffers of natural vegetation (trees, shrubs and grasses) at the right scale are simple, cheap solutions for protecting streams and aquifers from floods of unclean water. But opponents of a bill to protect river buffers protest that the state's economy depends on

Transportation Advocates Rebut NH Register’s Editorial on Busway

2011-04-25T11:28:00.001-04:00

CTLCV and sustainable transportation advocates from the Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Connecticut Fund for the Environment, the Regional Plan Association, and the Capitol Region Council of Governments issued this rebuttal to the New Haven Register’s editorial on the Hartford – New Haven Busway: LETTER: Studies show busway is most effective plan The Register’s editorial on Gov. Dannel P.

Malloy's search for DOT commissioner still on - Connecticut Post

2011-04-25T10:12:00.000-04:00

We've been wondering too... the Connecticut Post's Martin Cassidy covers the still vacant commissioner position at DOT: "STAMFORD -- With input from around the country, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is still searching for a good fit for state transportation commissioner, one of his most important administrative appointments.The governor, who announced in December he would conduct a national search to

Legislation Run Down as of Earth Day

2011-04-22T10:16:00.000-04:00

– By Margaret Miner, CTLCV Director and Executive Director of Rivers Alliance The news on Earth Day could be better. Here’s a rundown of recent developments on some of the bills we’ve been watching. Buffer Bill Buried: On Thursday, April 21, at 10 a.m., the clock ran outon Bill 832. Despite generous help from so many of you, advocates did nothave the votes to guarantee passage in the Planning

Pick Up the Phone (TODAY) for River Buffers Bill

2011-04-20T10:19:00.001-04:00

Unless P&D Committee Hears from You Today, Bill Won’t Make It Out of Committee On Monday we told you about two big bills on the Planning & Development Committee's April 18 agenda that needed your help: SB1 and SB 832. Thanks to everyone who called or emailed, SB 1, An Act Concerning Connecticut's Energy Future, was voted favorably out of committee by a vote of 12-7 with two members absent

More Calls & Emails Needed: River Buffers

2011-04-17T12:19:00.001-04:00

- By Margaret Miner, CTLCV Director and Executive Director of Rivers Alliance SB 832, An Act Concerning the Protection of Certain Natural Vegetation Near Rivers, is coming to a vote in the Planning and Development Committee on this Monday, April 18. The bill will protect vegetation alongside rivers and streams. It needs your help to stay alive. This is the year we might succeed. The meeting is

Judiciary Committee Passes HB 6557 on Recreational Liability

2011-04-17T11:58:00.001-04:00

We have great news! Your phone calls, emails, and personal contacts with legislators have paid off! On Friday, the Judiciary Committee voted in favor of H.B. 6557 on its consent calendar (reserved for bills with unanimous support). This is a SIGNIFICANT victory. Please thank the bill’s champion, Representative David Baram of Bloomfield, whose insight, thoughtfulness and persistence was

Your Calls & Emails Needed for Energy Bill

2011-04-17T11:42:00.001-04:00

SB 1, AAC Connecticut's Energy Future, Up for P&D Committee Vote SB 1, AAC Connecticut's Energy Future, is on the Planning and Development Committee calendar this Monday, April 18, in a 3:00pm meeting. SB 1 includes: Formation of the joint Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (Sections 1-3 and 43) PACE financing authorization for municipalities (Section 17) and studies of

Rec Liability Correction Down to the Deadline

2011-04-15T11:21:00.000-04:00

CTLCV has been keeping a close eye on HB 6557, which would fix the recreational liability anomaly that gives limited protection to the state and private landowners, but none to municipal entities. The bill must get voted out of Judiciary Committee today, else it dies. The Connecticut Mirror's Pazniokas sums it up: Compromise may give MDC, towns liability protection | The Connecticut Mirror

Community Green Fund Proposal Revived by Environment Committee

2011-04-14T21:09:00.001-04:00

– By David Bingham, MD, CTLCV Co-Chair The Community Green Fund (see April 8, 2011 posting) has re-emerged with a new bill number, SB 866, after a supportive vote by the Environment Committee on April 8. Although kind words about the proposal were noted on both sides of the aisle during debate, the bill passed 13-10 without any Republican votes, in a vote dictated by party lines. The bill now

So Where Does This Leave CT High Speed Rail?

2011-04-13T12:40:00.001-04:00

The CT Mirror's Washington reporter, Deirdre Shesgreen covers the eye-opening news of what the federal spending deal, reached by top congressional negotiators on Friday to avert a government shutdown, actually means. Among other things,”it would slash high-speed rail funding… including a $2.9 billion cut in high-speed rail dollars” which Congressman Joe Courtney calls "counterproductive" for the

$40 Million in Fed Funding Released to Connecticut for High Speed Rail

2011-04-08T12:40:00.001-04:00

Governor Dannel Malloy’s office today announced the release of $40 million in federal funding that was previously allocated to Connecticut for high speed rail – just before the federal government closes its doors. Had the funds not been released by April 8, they would have been subject to "recapture" by the Federal Railroad Administration and Connecticut would have forfeited the money. The

NOW: Community Green Fund Bill Needs Your Support

2011-04-08T09:42:00.001-04:00

Our cities and towns have a long list of needs that have broad community support and the potential to return significant environmental, economic, public health and quality of life dividends. The problem is, there’s no funding for them. And fiscally speaking, Connecticut’s cities and towns are at the mercy of the State: municipalities may collect revenue only if the state says they may.

Broad Support for Getting Recreational Liability Right

2011-04-05T13:14:00.001-04:00

Yesterday’s public hearing in the Judiciary Committee on HB 6557 showed broad-based support from outdoor enthusiasts, cite, towns, and water companies for getting Connecticut’s recreational liability house in order. The next step is for the Judiciary Committee to determine whether the bill should be taken up by the full General Assembly. If it does, the committee votes to give the bill a “

Malloy Green Lights Bus Rapid Transit Line

2011-04-04T20:09:00.000-04:00

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy got right to business after striding in to the press conference he called to announce his decision on the New Britain - Hartford busway. The verdict: while he respects the opponents and their views, Malloy believes we should go forward on the bus rapid transit project. Playing into part of his decision was the federal government's position that abandoning the

Malloy to Announce Bus Rapid Transit Decision at Monday News Conference

2011-04-03T17:17:00.000-04:00

From the Governor’s Press Office: On Monday afternoon, Governor Dannel P. Malloy will hold a news conference to announce his decision regarding the proposed New Britain-to-Hartford Busway. The Governor recently held a meeting at the Capitol with both advocates and opponents of the Busway to hear their thoughts on the topic. WHEN: Monday, April 4, 2011; 1:20 p.m. WHERE: Room 1A, Legislative

Outdoor Enthusiasts: Time to Mobilize to Keep Parks & Trails Open

2011-04-02T22:08:00.001-04:00

Judiciary Committee Public Hearing: Monday, April 4th, 10 am, LOB Rm 2C A top issue for outdoor enthusiasts is the Monday, April 4 Judiciary Committee hearing on HB 6557, An Act Concerning Liability for the Recreational Use of Lands. HB 6557 would protect municipalities from liability when they offer free access to their recreational lands and take reasonable precautions to keep those

Mid Session Transit Update

2011-04-01T08:40:00.001-04:00

– Karen Burnaska, Transit for Connecticut The Legislature is in the middle of a very active session with many bills under consideration. However, it is the budget deficit and the need to create jobs that are weighing the most heavily on all elected officials. The Appropriations Committee and Finance Committee held hearings on the Governor’s proposed budget. The Governor’s proposed budget

Connecticut’s Bridges: Are Yours Safe?

2011-03-30T15:09:00.001-04:00

If being stuck in traffic atop a bridge has ever made you shudder, Transportation for America’s new report on the condition of our nation’s bridges assures that your fears are not necessarily exaggerated. The Fix We’re In: The State of Our Nation’s Bridges is one report you’re going to want to look at. And you might want to plot a detour for your daily commute after entering your address at

Creating the Climate for Green Jobs

2011-03-21T20:44:00.001-04:00

Share | var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; If you missed the Connecticut Mirror’s March 16 forum on Creating the Climate for Green Jobs, you can tune in here. The program featured: Kevin Walsh, GE Renewable Finance Elizabeth Karter, Connecticut Venture Group Catherine Smith, CEO of ING US Retirement

Is Environment Committee Poised to Miss Opportunity to Enable Community Green Fund?

2011-03-21T12:29:00.001-04:00

Your Calls in support of the Community Green Fund bill are needed now. SB834, the Community Green Fund bill, is in danger. The Environment Committee raised the bill for a hearing on January 31, but has taken no action on the bill to date. If the bill is not voted favorably out of committee, it does not proceed this session, and the opportunity to fund air, water and land protection projects

Point : Counterpoint on Bringing Bus Rapid Transit to Central Connecticut

2011-03-21T11:26:00.001-04:00

Last month we posted a story about how bus rapid transit put one city on the map as a “World’s Most Visionary City.” Because it’s fast and flexible, bus rapid transit (BRT) is often cited as the ideal public transport system. Bus rapid transit is close to coming to central Connecticut in the form of the New Britain–Hartford busway--if a ten year planning effort and the promise of 80% federal

Malloy Officiates as Esty Sworn in as DEP Commissioner

2011-03-21T08:57:00.001-04:00

CTLCV was pleased to be in attendance at the swearing in ceremony of DEP Commissioner Dan Esty on Friday, March 18. The ceremony took place in the Phoenix Auditorium at the DEP headquarters in Hartford. Governor Dannel Malloy officiated, underscoring his commitment to the environment and the Department of Environmental Protection. Watch both their remarks, and read more at Pomp, Circumstance

How Busway & Commuter Rail Will Serve Central Connecticut

2011-03-18T11:50:00.001-04:00

With the federal government on the brink of awarding eighty percent of the funding to build the New Britain-Hartford Busway, the Regional Plan Association (RPA) explains how the Busway and Commuter Rail will work together to serve New Britain and Bristol and how rail services can be added to the region as demand for transit grows. Watch the video, then read more here.

Missed the Esty Confirmation Hearing? Watch it here.

2011-03-14T11:36:00.001-04:00

On March 10, the Executive & Legislative Nominations Committee held a hearing on the appointment of Yale Professor Dan Esty, as Commissioner of the proposed Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Following his address to the Committee (below), Esty took questions from a handful of legislators for nearly three hours, with Senator Len Fasano questioning the nominee for the better part

CTLCV Offers Testimony in Support of Dan Esty for March 10 Confirmation Hearing

2011-03-09T13:09:00.001-05:00

March 8, 2011 Executive and Legislative Nominations CommitteeRoom 1000, Legislative Office BuildingHartford, CT 06106 Dear Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee Members: The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters is delighted to support Daniel Esty’s nomination as Commissioner of the proposed Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Professor Esty’s legal and

Say what? Oil Company CEO Suggests a $1 gas tax Increase and Higher Fuel Economy Standards

2011-03-09T12:18:00.001-05:00

At a March 8 conference held by IHS Cambridge Energy Research Associates in Houston, Hess Oil Company CEO, John Hess, made some pretty remarkable statements. For starters: The U.S. should consider imposing a $1-a-gallon gasoline tax and boosting average auto fuel economy to 50 miles a gallon to help avert a global energy crisis; The U.S. also needs to “get serious about climate change once our

Thumbs Up to Reps Haddad, Becker, Perone on Good Enviro Votes in Commerce Committee

2011-03-09T09:19:00.001-05:00

– By Margaret Miner In the single-minded Commerce Committee, on March 8, two members broke the ranks of unanimity and voted against that amazingly bad bill SB 1020, AAC Water Resources and Economic Development. In other words, they voted FOR moving ahead with streamflow protections in Connecticut. These heroes are: Rep. Gregg Haddad (D-Chaplin and Mansfield) and Rep. Brian Becker (D-Avon,

Fix to 10 Mill Property Tax Program for 14,000 Acres of Forest Land Needed this Year

2011-03-04T09:11:00.001-05:00

Share | var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; – By Eric Hammerling, Executive Director of the Connecticut Forest & Park Association Enacted in 1913, the "10 Mill" program is the name of the first forest conservation law enacted in Connecticut. The 10 Mill program provided landowners with more than 25 acres of forest

DECD Appointment Another Win for the Environment

2011-03-03T22:38:00.000-05:00

Governor Dannel Malloy is making good on his December 2010 declaration to environmental advocates when he said, “Your issues are my issues.” On the heels of appointing energy and environment expert Dan Esty as Commissioner of Environmental Protection, today Malloy appointed another commissioner with strong ties to the environmental field: Catherine Smith, now CEO of ING US Retirement Services,

DECD Commissioner Appointment Coming Today

2011-03-03T13:47:00.001-05:00

Governor Malloy is expected to announce his appointment for CT’s Commissioner of Economic & Community Development today at 2:30 at State Capitol Room 310. Rumors abound as to whom it will be. Who’s next - maybe Michael Porter, of industry cluster fame? ;) The Courant’s Jon Lender and the Mirror’s Mark Pazniokas report.

Esty Confirmation Hearing Rescheduled for Next Week

2011-03-03T11:03:00.001-05:00

Dan Esty’s confirmation hearing was rescheduled for next week. Christine Stuart of the CT News Junkie offers details. Read the full story at http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/ctnj.php/archives/entry/esty_nomination_delayed/

More Malloy Major Announcements Today

2011-03-02T10:48:00.001-05:00

Share | var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; Governor Malloy is scheduled to make another major announcement today at 2:30 in the Old Judiciary Room, State Capitol. Malloy has also announced his appointment of Dan DeSimone to be the director of Connecticut's state office in Washington D.C. DeSimone will work with

Who Needs Water?

2011-02-28T14:34:00.001-05:00

Share | var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; For five years, business, environmental and state organizations have collaborated on regulations to protect water levels in our rivers and streams in a way that’s good for all of Connecticut, over the long run. Now lobbyists who oppose any cohesive approach to managing our rivers

Norwich Bulletin Profiles Co-Chair David Bingham and CTLCV

2011-02-28T10:23:00.001-05:00

var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; Our thanks goes out to Norwich Bulletin reporter Adam Benson for this profile of CTLCV and Co-Chair David Bingham. Read the full article here.

Enviro Bills Heating Up at the Legislature

2011-02-25T11:42:00.001-05:00

var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; As a legislative watchdog, CTLCV works with Connecticut's environmental advocacy groups to identify and highlight important bills that affect our air, water, wildlife, open space, and our health. The bills listed below are on our current watchlist. Please note that this list changes

LCV Releases National Environmental Scorecard

2011-02-17T14:25:00.001-05:00

A Message from Gene Karpinski, President, League of Conservation Voters The national League of Conservation Voters (LCV) has just released its 2010 National Environmental Scorecard, which provides objective, factual information about the most important environmental legislation considered and the corresponding voting records of all members of the second session of the 111th Congress. How did our

Bus Rapid Transit Makes for a World’s “Most Visionary City”

2011-02-12T10:57:00.001-05:00

Travel + Leisure magazine’s recent feature on the “The World’s Most Visionary Cities” put Curitiba, Brazil on the list for its Bus Rapid Transit system. In most metropolises, walking is faster than taking the crosstown public bus. Not so in Curitiba. In the 1960s, city planners examined their growing town and, to curtail congestion, implemented a comprehensive public-transportation scheme: Bus

Film “Carbon Nation” Focuses on Solutions, Not Blame

2011-02-12T10:36:00.001-05:00

Filmmaker Peter Byck discovered that focusing on getting people to believe in climate change isn’t the way to enact clean, green energy solutions. Watch what he has to say:(If the video controls don’t show up on their own, slide your mouse over the image above to make them appear.)

GOVERNOR MALLOY SELECTS DANIEL ESTY TO HEAD NEWLY FUSED DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

2011-02-10T12:56:00.001-05:00

- Links to early news coverage at bottom of post - Contents of the Governor’s press release follow: (HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today named Yale professor Daniel C. Esty to be the commissioner of his new Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), an agency that will consolidate Connecticut's widely dispersed energy functions, including the Department of Public

Malloy Proposes Combining DEP with Energy

2011-02-09T09:02:00.001-05:00

LOTS of stories are out today following yesterday’s late afternoon announcement that Governor Malloy proposes combining the Department of Environmental Protection with energy management functions. Note this quote from Senator John McKinney: “McKinney, who said that DEP has been underfunded for years, said he wants to see how many resources go to environmental protection under the merger plan. "

Keeping Up with Congress on Clean Air

2011-02-06T10:24:00.001-05:00

TODAY’S New York Times carries an editorial on current efforts in Congress to weaken the EPA and its management of air polluters. Although “the rules under siege in Congress will help clean the air, reduce toxic pollution in fish and slow emissions of greenhouse gases,” the editorial finds, “one or another of these bills has a real shot in the Republican-controlled House.” The editorial provides

This Weekend–Talk It Up! Send Your Support for the Bill to Keep Municipal Land Open for Recreation

2011-02-05T11:32:00.001-05:00

Since the weather might keep you inside for a bit this weekend, why not take the opportunity to voice your support for the bill (SB 831) that would limit municipal liability and keep recreational lands open? A Bit of Background: Last summer hundreds of people, if not a thousand or so, rallied against the $2.9 million verdict awarded to an experienced cyclist who collided into a gate at the West

Research Confirms President Obama's SOTU Remarks: Smart Transportation Spending Creates Jobs, Grows the Economy

2011-02-04T11:04:00.001-05:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 4, 2011 Susan Merrow, Chair, 1000 Friends of Connecticut860-367-1687, amerrow@snet.net Kirsten Griebel, CTLCV Education Fund860-670-0621, 860-236-5442, kirsten.griebel@ctlcv.org Alex Goldschmidt, Smart Growth America202-207-3355 x112, agoldschmidt@smartgrowthamerica.org CT Ranks First in report that shows investing in repair and maintenance projects

A Fiscal Conservative, Congressional Transportation Committee Chair Mica Sees Transit as Efficient Investment

2011-02-03T12:48:00.001-05:00

Could the tides be turning on high speed rail? Our partner, Transportation for America, reports that Florida Republican John Mica could be a key ally on high-speed rail. T4America turned up this impressive 2009 statement from Mica: “If you’re on the Transportation Committee long enough, even if you’re a fiscal conservative, which I consider myself to be, you quickly see the benefits of

Talk It Up! Make Your Support for the Community Green Fund Bill Heard

2011-02-03T09:21:00.001-05:00

– contact David Bingham for more details Could your town use some work on its: Energy conservation and efficiency? Storm sewers? Brownfield remediation and redevelopment? Air and water quality? Alternative Energy production? Historic preservation? Open space preservation? If so, you should be interested in SB 834, An Act Concerning Municipal Open Space Priorities and Funding for the

Malloy Looks to Complete Route 11

2011-01-29T10:50:00.000-05:00

The New London Day's new political reporter, Matthew Collette, who succeeds Ted Mann, reports that the Route 11 project appears to be moving toward the Malloy administration’s front burner. As a general principle, advocates for sustainability take the position that spending our exceedingly limited funds on building new roads is exactly the wrong route to a sustainable, competitive green economy

New Haven – Hartford – Springfield rail line gets regional support. “A win-win-win for the economy, the environment, and jobs”

2011-01-28T11:22:00.000-05:00

By Kirsten Griebel January 28, 2011, 10:00 AM, Union Station, Hartford, CT Four members of CT’s congressional delegation, Congressman Larson, Courtney, Murphy and Congresswoman DeLauro, CT Governor Malloy, and Senator Blumenthal held a joint meeting with PA Congressman Bill Shuster, and MA Congressman John Olver and DOT reps from MA and VT, to champion the development of the Northeast Rail

Is Connecticut ready for tolls?

2011-01-19T12:29:00.001-05:00

There is no question that Connecticut needs to find new revenue streams for the transportation budget when the annual cost just to maintain our roads and bridges is about $485 million and it is estimated that there is a total of almost $3 billion in infrastructure needs. Installing tolls in Connecticut has to be considered. But today’s tolls are very different from the ones taken down in the

Green Fund Bill Goes to Planning and Development Committee

2011-01-18T11:09:00.001-05:00

– By David Bingham, CTLCV Co-Chair (dbbingham@sbcglobal.net) Senator Meyer has filed Proposed SB 46 which embodies the essence of previous “green fund” bills. The bill now goes to the Planning and Development Committee for consideration. Details on the Local Option Community Conservation Fund Proposal The Problem: Conservation suffers when funded only by local property taxes. Cities and towns

Joan McDonald Named By Governor Andrew Cuomo As Next State Transportation Commissioner In New York State

2011-01-14T23:03:00.001-05:00

Now there’s some news. Many would not have been surprised if McDonald stayed on board as Commissioner of Community & Economic Development. Now her chair position on CT Innovations opens up too. The Courant’s Chris Keating reports at http://blogs.courant.com/capitol_watch/2011/01/joan-mcdonald-named-by-governo.html. Tri-State has some good stuff here, possibly reporting it first at http://

Stalled: Fed Funding for Transit & Highway Projects

2011-01-13T10:51:00.001-05:00

The Highway Trust Fund, which provides about $41 billion annually to the states for transit and highway projects each year, has been without a funding plan for more than 15 months, and now House Republicans want to appropriate funding for it on an annual basis. Through legislation, Congress has historically allocated money to the fund for a period of years, instead of through an annual

Hope for Energy Conservation Funds?

2011-01-11T11:50:00.001-05:00

Jessie Stratton, a Director of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters and an advisor on Governor Malloy’s transition team, is quoted in the January 11 CT News Junkie article, Finance Committee May Restore Conservation Funds. CT News Junkie reporter Christine Stuart writes, “Environmentalists and small businesses are hopeful that since the state doesn’t have to borrow as much money as it

Bingham and Bernhard Team Up to Lead CTLCV

2011-01-11T09:58:00.001-05:00

Hartford, CT (January 10, 2011)—The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV), the state’s bipartisan environmental advocacy group, welcomes David Bingham, a Democrat, and G. Kenneth Bernhard, a Republican, as co-chairs of the CTLCV board of directors for 2011. As the political arm of Connecticut’s environmental organizations, CTLCV reaches out to both sides of the political aisle to

Partisanship Out, Partnership In (and GAAP too) with Malloy Inauguration

2011-01-05T19:41:00.001-05:00

- Kelly Kennedy With his inauguration today as Connecticut’s 88th governor, Dannel P. Malloy issued a call for partnership across party lines to put Connecticut’s fiscal house in order and get back on the path to prosperity. CTLCV staff was among the crowds at the inauguration, held at the State Armory, and at the state capitol for a joint session of the new State Senate and House of

Paul Newman's Philanthropic Efforts Hit $300 Million Milestone

2011-01-03T10:49:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year! While we are still in the season of giving and as a recipient of some of the Newman's Own Foundation's generosity, we want to pass along this short video feature that ran on PBS NewsHour. The video was produced by West Hartford's Jennifer Boyd, and narrated by John Dankosky of WNPR’s indispensible Where We Live. http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/social_issues/july-dec10/newman_12

How To Pay For Transit

2010-12-28T13:52:00.002-05:00

How To Pay For Transit? The Hartford CourantThe state must have a first-class transportation system for the 21st century, and must find a way to pay for it. If Governor Malloy and the legislature can stabilize transportation funding, the goal then would be to keep moving toward a balanced, multimodal system of transportation.Read the complete editorial here:http://www.courant.com/news/opinion/

Legislative panel takes another look at water regulations | The Connecticut Mirror

2010-12-20T12:41:00.001-05:00

The Connecticut Mirror's Christine Woodside covers stream flow regs, coming up for a vote tomorrow in the Legislative Regulatory Review Committee. Read the article here.

CTLCV Urges Regulations Review Committee to Pass Streamflow Regulations

2010-12-17T08:38:00.001-05:00

CTLCV issued an alert to members of the legislative Regulation Review Committee urging them to pass the streamflow standards and regulations that are scheduled for a vote on Tuesday, December 21. A close vote is anticipated, so calls to legislators are timely. The Streamflow Problem At least 60 rivers and streams in Connecticut are impaired or threatened by low flows. (Whitford Brook,

Governor-Elect Visits Annual Environmental Summit

2010-12-09T10:33:00.002-05:00

– Kelly Kennedy, CTLCV “Your goals are my goals,” Malloy announced to the capacity crowd of environmental advocates and legislators gathered at yesterday’s annual environmental summit. Malloy’s unannounced half-hour visit in the midst of a packed transition schedule signaled his level of concern for the environment and sustainable economic development. Seeming to be chomping at the bit to

Newman's Own Foundation Funds New Transportation & Environment Program

2010-11-22T11:07:00.001-05:00

Kirsten Griebel Joins CTLCV as Program Director The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (CTLCVEF) is pleased to announce that it has received a three-year grant of $150,000 from Newman's Own Foundation in support of the CTLCVEF Transportation Program. CTLCVEF recognizes the urgent need for Connecticut to develop sustainable transportation alternatives, given the

GOVERNOR-ELECT MALLOY NAMES BEN BARNES AS OPM SECRETARY

2010-11-17T15:58:00.001-05:00

The following content is from a Press Release from the Malloy Transition Team For Immediate Release: November 17, 2010 Contact: Colleen Flanagan 860-759-6889 (HARTFORD, CT) - Governor-Elect Dan Malloy made a key appointment in his administration today, naming Ben Barnes to be his Office of Policy and Management (OPM) Secretary. Barnes, a former Director of Administration, Director of

Malloy names Capitol outsider as OPM chief | The Connecticut Mirror

2010-11-17T13:55:00.000-05:00

The Connecticut Mirror reports on governor-elect Dan Malloy's pick for what will be a very tough job: Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. It's outsider Ben Barnes, who is "smart, even-tempered and detail-oriented" was selected for the post, not some of the insider names we've heard floated. Malloy names Capitol outsider as OPM chief | The Connecticut Mirror

Foley Concedes Governor's Race; Malloy Available to Press @ 4pm

2010-11-08T15:26:00.001-05:00

Republican candidate for governor Tom Foley has conceded. Dan Malloy will be available to the press today at 4 pm in the Old Judiciary Room on the 3rd floor of the State Capitol Read the Courant’s article on Foley at http://bit.ly/dq7ceb.

AP’s Red Checkmark Returns; Malloy by 5637

2010-11-05T19:49:00.001-04:00

The Secretary of the State has released official vote counts and the AP has returned the winner’s red checkmark to its election results, under the Malloy column as before. But the AP and SOTS totals don’t yet match up. The SOTS official tally shows Malloy leading Foley by 5637 votes, while the AP shows Malloy leading by 7762. AP numbers are not official, but are usually accepted as accurate

Foley Not Conceding Anything Yet; SOTS Keeping Quiet Until Final Counts Received

2010-11-05T12:16:00.001-04:00

In her blog, The Laurel, Duby McDowell reports this request for patience for the Secretary of the State. Meanwhile, the CT Mirror, the New Haven Independent, CT News Junkie and the Courant all report Tom Foley’s refusal to concede and inclination toward pursuing a recount.

All Night Recount Shows Malloy Up by 13,000 in Bridgeport

2010-11-05T08:14:00.001-04:00

CT News Junkie and the CT Mirror ran stories of the 6 am news conference in Bridgeport, announcing that “Malloy had beaten Republican Tom Foley 17,800 to 4,075 in Bridgeport. That’s enough to put him over the top of the otherwise official statewide vote count…” Read the rest here: http://bit.ly/c8oJYL and here : http://ctmirror.org/home

Guess What I Found! A Bag of Ballots?

2010-11-04T19:42:00.001-04:00

The Hartford Courant's Rick Green just reported that in “the last few hours we've had stories about what may be an uncounted bag of ballots discovered in Bridgeport and news that there could be a 2,000 vote swing in Tom Foley's favor in Torrington…” Read the rest here: Malloy v. Foley: Election Off The Rails, CT A Laughingstock - Rick Green | CT Confidential

Bysiewicz Statement Regarding Latest Updates from Bridgeport

2010-11-04T19:37:00.001-04:00

Susan Bysiewicz Secretary of the State Connecticut For Immediate Release: November 4, 2010 For more information contact Av Harris: (860) 509-6255, Cell: (860) 463-5939 -Statement- Bysiewicz Statement on Latest Updates From

Pick a Number, Any Number….

2010-11-04T15:55:00.001-04:00

This is almost getting worse instead of better. (Almost?, you say?) Maybe it's me but it doesn't look like the AP results jive with what the SOTS reports on its website, although both indicate Bridgeport's totals are missing. By my read of the SOTS numbers, Foley is ahead (556,787 to 548,378). AP numbers have Malloy ahead by 6240 (Malloy with 565,508 leading Foley with 559,268). I don't even

SOTS: No news, really. We’re waiting for Bridgeport too.

2010-11-04T15:35:00.001-04:00

Talk about anti-climactic. Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz reported at a brief news conference just minutes ago that official vote counts from 168 of Connecticut’s 169 towns are posted on the SOTS website. Apparently the Secretary of the State’s office is still waiting for Bridgeport to turn in its vote tallies.

SOTS Press Conf to be held in State Cap Room 310–Go!

2010-11-04T15:08:00.000-04:00

Bysiewicz 11/4 Noon Press Conference Postponed

2010-11-04T11:23:00.001-04:00

Malloy Now Leads by 4242 Votes

2010-11-04T11:01:00.001-04:00

With New Haven votes apparently corrected and with the addition of the votes from Windsor Locks’ 2nd precinct, Malloy now appears to be leading Foley by 4242 votes. Votes from 10 precincts in Bridgeport are still unreported. The AP reports a total of 559,609 votes cast for Malloy, 555,369 for Foley, and 17,315 for Independent candidate Tom Marsh. The Hartford Courant reports that Secretary of

Bysiewicz: Malloy wins governor's race | Hartford Business

2010-11-03T14:40:00.001-04:00

Bysiewicz: Malloy wins governor's race | Hartford BusinessWe've been mostly using Twitter for our posts today (www.twitter.com/ctlcv), but as of early afternoon, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz says unofficial election results show Malloy defeated Republican Tom Foley by 3,103 votes.Head spinning yet?

CT Commissioners’ Joint Message to Educators About Upcoming National Sustainability Week

2010-11-03T11:34:00.001-04:00

Dear Connecticut Educator: In acknowledgement of the economic, social, and environmental challenges and opportunities facing our society, Governor Rell has issued an Official Statement designating November 8 – 12, 2010 as “National Sustainability Education Week.” The week is devoted to “the recognition of students, teachers, colleges of education, and the larger community working to create

Time’s A Wastin’. Help Get Connecticut Out to Vote!

2010-10-28T14:42:00.001-04:00

There are many close races this election season, which makes voter turnout all the more critical. There are opportunities all across the state to help "get out the vote," so please volunteer a few hours between now and when the polls close at 8PM November 2. Contact CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown at 860-236-5442 or lori.brown@ctlcv.org for details. “Nobody makes a greater mistake than

Getting Our Next Governor to “Green”

2010-10-28T14:35:00.001-04:00

Did you miss our forumwith gubernatorial candidates Foley, Malloy and Marsh? Wondering where they stand on protecting our precious natural resources? On energy? On green jobs? Thanks to CT-N, you can still watch the event here. This event was co-sponsored by the following organizations: Audubon Connecticut Connecticut Citizens Transportation Lobby Connecticut Fund for the