Julianna Larue, julianna.larue@sierraclub.org and Bianca Sanchez, bianca.sanchez@sierraclub.org
HARTFORD, Conn. - In the final hours of the legislative session, the Connecticut legislature acted on solar, making progress for clean energy. However, some of the most pressing environmental issues did not have similar fates, failing to get votes.
In response, Sierra Club Connecticut Organizer Julianna Larue released the following statement:
"Many advocates, stakeholders, and members of the public pushed for strong action on climate and the environment this session.
The solar bill, HB 5340, was passed in the final hours of the session with the leadership of Representative Jonathan Steinberg and Senator Norm Needleman. Key steps forward are continuation of solar programs, enabling plug-in solar, and creating a new battery storage program. Attempts to amend the bill to repeal clean energy programs were rejected in votes on the floor.
Other important climate issues were not addressed. Climate action was again set aside, a comprehensive waste reduction bill never received a vote, and too many strong proposals were weakened or diluted along the way.
The Climate Change Superfund, an initiative with broad public support that would help relieve taxpayers and communities from holding 100 percent of the financial burden of climate disasters, was not treated as a priority.
Sierra Club Connecticut recognizes and commends Senator Rick Lopes for his leadership in advancing S.B. 319, a bill to support the transition to cleaner, quieter battery-powered lawn equipment. Although the bill ultimately did not receive a vote in the House, it was a priority bill for the Sierra Club to reduce health and climate harming air pollution..
We also commend Representative Aundre Bumgardner for his leadership on H.B. 5524, the comprehensive waste reduction bill, another priority for the Sierra Club. While the bill ultimately did not receive a vote, Rep. Bumgardner’s efforts reflected a clear commitment to addressing Connecticut’s waste crisis and moving toward a more sustainable system. His work helped advance a strong framework to reduce waste, improve materials management, and expand recycling and organics solutions across the state.
Sierra Club Connecticut will continue to bring these pressing environmental issues to the state legislature and fight for the future of our planet and communities."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.