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Connecticut has seen an economywide 14% decline in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990. Although emissions hit an all-time low in 2020, the data show the dip did not last. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Climate change must be addressed at CT special session

Connecticut environmental advocates want the General Assembly to address climate action in this week's special session, since lawmakers failed to act …

House Bill 5004 would have updated Connecticut's 2008 Global Warming Solutions Act, establishing the state's climate goals. It also would have aligned gas-system planning with greenhouse gas emission reduction mandates. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Failure of CT climate change legislation stagnates state progress

Bills addressing climate change are some of the biggest casualties of Connecticut's legislative session. One in particular is House Bill 5004…

Governor Ned Lamont's budget proposal advocates using $5.75 million in ARPA funds to support statewide resiliency and climate preparedness. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: CT General Assembly must act on climate bills

Connecticut's General Assembly is weighing several climate change bills. It comes after what advocates describe as detrimental inaction on the …

A 2021 Yale School of Public Health report found energy security is a top priority for low-income communities facing climate change effects, which also affects such other priority areas as food security and health. (Helen Humphreys/CCAG)

Advocates want CT General Assembly to maintain climate goals

As Connecticut's legislative session begins, advocates want the General Assembly to tackle climate action. The state established climate goals in 200…

An American Public Transportation Association report found the average purchase price of a new car has increased 30% since 2019. The average price for a used car rose 40% in the same period, figures which may prompt more people to use public transit. (Adobe Stock)

CT advocates want public transit investments in state budget

In honor of Rosa Parks' birthday, Transit Equity Day is today. Connecticut advocates are calling for greater investment in public transit. In …

In 2008, Connecticut passed the Global Warming Solutions Act, which established its climate goals. This means getting greenhouse-gas emissions 10% below 1990 levels by 2020, and 80% below 2001 levels by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Misinformation slows CT’s new emission standards

Connecticut lawmakers are reluctant to approve new emission standards that would require 90% cleaner emissions from internal-combustion engines and re…

Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection finds 67% of nitrogen oxide emissions, a key component of smog, came from transportation. (Adobe Stock)

Highway changes could make Hartford a walkable city

A Connecticut Department of Transportation study has outlined plans to make Hartford a walkable city. The Greater Hartford Mobility Study proposes …

A 2021 study found people are willing to pay almost $20 to $30 to support their community's climate resilience plan. Additionally, when developers own resources, they consider the willingness to pay when setting prices to charge customers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Climate resilience hubs could bolster CT plans

A new report from Yale University looked at the effectiveness of green resilience hubs in Connecticut communities. The hubs are made up of renewable …

In 2019, Connecticut had economy-wide emissions of 39.3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, a 13.9% decline since 1990. Emissions hit an all time low in 2020 at 32.7%, but post-pandemic estimates show they're creeping upward again. (Adobe Stock)

CT Groups Head to New York City for Climate March

Community groups across the U.S. are making their way to New York City for the March to End Fossil Fuels - including some from Connecticut. The …

Rising temperatures and heat waves are having severe effects on incarcerated people's physical and mental health. A Prison Policy Initiative report found suicides increased by 23% in the three days following days of extreme heat. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Extreme Heat Lethal to U.S. Prison Population

A recent report found extreme heat can be lethal for incarcerated people. Connecticut and other Northeastern states experienced a 21% increase in …

A medida que empeora el cambio clim�tico, la National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration encuentra que cada a�o desde 2013 hasta 2021 fue el a�o m�s c�lido registrado. 2021 fue el 45� a�o consecutivo con temperaturas globales por encima del promedio del siglo XX. (Adobe Stock)

CT proporciona seguridad a personas mayores contra las altas temperaturas

A medida que el verano llega a su temperatura máxima, Connecticut está trabajando para mantener a las personas mayores a salvo del calor …

A new report finds the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative has created a 50% increase in economic growth per capita for the 12 states in it. However, experts worry it isn't as effective in helping communities living with the effects of power plant emissions. (Adobe Stock)

Report: RGGI Could Do More than Reduce Emissions

A new report aims to make the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative more effective. The Acadia Center's report finds since the RGGI's creation in 2009…

According to the U.S. Environmental Information Administration, Connecticut's 13 hydroelectric facilities generate around 120 megawatts of electricity. (Adobe Stock)

Connecticut Weighs Pros and Cons of Hydropower

While Connecticut elected officials want to import hydroelectric power from Canada, one group said the option would not be as environmentally …

Connecticut has made progress in getting more climate-friendly policies in the states. One such policy, approved by Gov. Ned Lamont, expands the use of electric vehicles for public and private use. (Adobe Stock)

CT Sierra Club Looks Back on 2022, Ahead to 2023

As the year comes to a close, the Sierra Club of Connecticut is looking back on some of its accomplishments and challenges. The group focuses on …

Earlier this year, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 4, giving the state's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection the authority to expand public and private use of electric vehicles. (Adobe Stock)

New Federal Funding Helps CT Get Electric School Buses

Connecticut school districts and bus companies will be receiving more than $8 million in federal funding for electric school buses. The grant is …

The recently passed CHIPS and Science Act is expected to provide major investments for infrastructure to build the semiconductors necessary for electric vehicles. (Adobe Stock)

CT Begins Transition to Electric Vehicles

The United States is seeing a national push from the federal government and car companies to pivot toward electric vehicles, and Connecticut is …

Part of the Inflation Reduction Act's $369 billion climate-change investment creates the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, which aims to reduce leaks from producing and distributing natural gas. (Adobe Stock)

Inflation Reduction Act is Law: What Next for Climate?

Although President Joe Biden has signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, he's getting pressure to declare a climate emergency to provide further …

Connecticut's National Estuarine Research Reserve is expected to provide economic benefits as well. Long Island Sound is responsible for about $9.4 billion annually in economic impact in the region, according to a study. (Adobe Stock)

CT to Commemorate Securing First National Estuarine Research Reserve

Connecticut is celebrating its first estuary reserve, which will help identify environmental threats to waterways and natural resources. …

Connecticut's National Estuarine Research Reserve is expected to provide economic benefits too. Long Island Sound is responsible for about $9.4 billion annually in economic impact in the<br />region, according to a study. (Adobe Stock)

CT's Estuarine Research Reserve to Focus on Preserving Long Island Sound

Connecticut has secured its first National Estuarine Research Reserve along part of the state's Long Island Sound. Conservationists applaud the news …

The semipalmated sandpiper may not be one of the most common shorebirds in the Americas if its population continues to decrease, as it has for four decades. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT Can Play Key Part in Migratory Bird Conservation

GREENWICH, Conn. -- North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and a new report shows how Connecticut, a major stopover for migratory …

The Great Meadows Marsh is an important habitat for horseshoe crabs, blue crabs and fish such as the Atlantic silverside and menhaden. (Audubon Connecticut)

Restoration Project at Great Meadows Marsh Aims to Invest in CT's Coastline

STRATFORD, Conn. -- A restoration project broke ground yesterday that will revive one of Connecticut's largest salt marshes thanks to a $4 million …

A new report says a 29 percent reduction in transportation emissions from 2014 is needed to meet a 2030 clean air target. (Adobe Stock)

Report: CT Not On Track To Meet Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals

HARTFORD, Conn. - A new report reveals Connecticut is not on track to meet either of its 2030 or 2050 greenhouse gas emissions goals, and advocates …

The Reconnecting Communities Initiative would work to eliminate certain highways that dissect neighborhoods in cities including Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven and Waterbury. (Adobe Stock)

Infrastructure Bill Shortchanges CT Climate-Justice Program

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut is expected to see over $500 billion in federal funds to modernize roads, bridges, transit, broadband and more…

Research from Harvard School of Public Health shows potential pollution reduction from the Transportation Climate Initiative would prevent 300 deaths a year in the Northeast. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Transportation Climate Bill Needs Vote in Special Session

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut environment and health advocates are pushing for the Transportation and Climate Initiative to get a vote in the …

About 30% of Connecticut households don't have access to a car. Legislation just passed in the Environment Committee aims to tackle transportation inequities, and to clean up the environment. (Adobe Stock)

Improved Transportation on Horizon for CT

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Strides to strengthen and modernize public transit are underway in Connecticut. The General Assembly's Environment Committee …

Unlike prior years, the 2021 environmental summit will he held online. (Connecticut League of Conservation Voters)

21st Annual Environmental Summit Starts Today, Goes Virtual

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Legislators, advocates and experts are gathering today, virtually, to brainstorm solutions for the myriad threats facing …

Protests Today & Sunday Against Proposed Killingly Gas Plant

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Opponents of the proposed Killingly natural-gas power plant are ramping up public pressure, with a protest today in Hartford and …

The Connecticut River is one of many across the country polluted by companies that have sought environmental waivers during the pandemic. (idenimadept/Wikimedia Commons)

Groups Sue EPA Over Suspending Pollution Rules During Pandemic

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Conservation groups are asking a federal judge to make the Environmental Protection Agency enforce pollution controls. They're …

Conservation advocates argue that we need to go all-electric and transition away from using natural gas for heating. (Donnie B/Morguefile)

Clean Air Advocates Slam Move Toward "Renewable" Natural Gas

HARTFORD, Conn. - Proposals to transition from natural gas to so-called "renewable" gas won't solve our emissions problems - according to a new …

Connecticut is part of a lawsuit that seeks to force the EPA to limit methane pollution from oil and gas pipelines, because the greenhouse gas is linked to global warming. (Caitlyn Cromwell)

CT Pushes For Federal Action on Methane Waste to Combat Climate Change

HARTFORD, Ct. -- Connecticut and 15 other states and cities are asking a federal judge to force the Environmental Protection Agency to regulate …

Connecticut has the fifth highest share of electricity provided by nuclear power in the nation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (Ralf Vetterle/Pixabay)

CT Has Higher Power Plant Emissions Among Northeastern States

HARTFORD, Conn. -- The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative has lowered power plant emissions dramatically in the Northeast, but Connecticut has made …

As water temperatures rise, some shorebirds can�t find enough of the fish they need to feed their young. (porojnicu/Adobe Stock)

Report: Changing Climate Threatens CT Birds

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Rising sea levels and warmer waters are threatening some of Connecticut's bird species, according to a new report. The …

A survey of prospective U.S. car buyers found 63% are interested in electric vehicles. (stlee000/Adobe Stock)

Connecticut Consumers Support Cleaner Cars

HARTFORD, Conn. – Consumers are calling on carmakers to oppose Trump administration efforts to freeze auto-emission standards and block states …

A proposal by Senate minority leader Charles Schumer would help build the charging stations needed for the transition to electric vehicles. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Proposal Could Put Millions of Electric Cars on Road

HARTFORD, Conn. – Clean air advocates say combating climate change requires switching from gas-powered cars to clean electric vehicles…

Electrifying passenger vehicles and buses will improve air quality and reduce operating costs for vehicle owners and taxpayers. (baranq/Adobe Stock)

New Transportation Policy Big Win for Connecticut

HARTFORD, Conn. – A new analysis says Connecticut could see major gains from a new approach to transportation. The report from the Acadia …

Improving agricultural practices will be critical in the fight against climate change. (ValentinValkov/Adobe Stock)

Good Farming Practices Help Slow Climate Change

HARTFORD, Ct. — A new report says farming has an important role to play in fighting climate change. The Climate Change and Land Use report from …

Environmental groups want Connecticut to set a goal of 2000 megawatts of offshore wind power by 2030. (Peterjohn Chisholm/AdobeStock)

Climate Change Tops CT Environmental Legislative Agenda

HARTFORD, Conn. – Fighting climate change is at the top of the legislative priorities list for many Connecticut environmental groups. The …

The Environmental Protection Agency says the air is getting cleaner while it is attempting to roll back clean air regulations. (pxhere)

EPA Sued for Allowing Interstate Air Pollution

HARTFORD, Conn. – Obey the law by reducing interstate air pollution – that's the message environmental groups want a federal court to …

The Trump administration has lost 16 of the 17 lawsuits brought by Earthjustice that have resulted in major environmental court decisions so far. (Pixabay)

Report: Trump Administration Sets New Records for Court Losses

HARTFORD, Conn. – The Trump administration's efforts to weaken public health and environmental regulations are being roundly defeated in the …

Solar-power advocates say increasing distributed solar installations could create 1,960 new, long-term jobs in Connecticut. (colmkay/Pixabay)

Solar Advocates Present Next Steps to Better Solar Legislation

HARTFORD, Conn. – Solar-energy advocates will meet with state legislators next week to discuss the unintended consequences of an energy bill …

Hartford has the highest rate of asthma in Connecticut, and one of the highest rates in the country. (USN/Wikimedia Commons)

EPA Fuel-Efficiency Rollback Called a Bad Deal for Everyone

HARTFORD, Conn. – City officials and environmentalists say the EPA's plan to freeze the fuel-efficiency standard is bad for public health…

Many of the EPA regulations that Scott Pruitt scrapped or delayed as EPA administrator had not yet taken effect before his resignation. (Wikimedia Commons)

Government Watchdog Groups: Pruitt's EPA Exit "Long Overdue"

WASHINGTON – After allegedly overspending on everything from pens to lavish trips and accepting questionable deals from lobbyists, government …

Air pollution raises health risks for people with heart disease, asthma and other respiratory diseases. (Martin Vorel/Wikimedia Commons)

EPA Changes Put Courts in Environmental Spotlight

HARTFORD, Conn. — Environmental advocates say the federal courts are serving an increasingly critical role in protecting the air we breathe and …

Building the infrastructure for electric vehicles will be key to reducing carbon emissions from transportation. (stanvpetersen/Pixabay)

CT Hosts Regional Clean Transportation Listening Session

HARTFORD, Conn. — The second in a series of public listening sessions on the development of a regional clean transportation and climate …

Senate Bill 346 would require that repairs to leaking natural gas pipes be monitored and verified. (Lee Haywood (CC BY-SA 2.0)/Flickr)

Bill Seeks to Clamp Down on Methane Leaks

HARTFORD, Conn. — A recent survey of Hartford streets found many more leaks in gas lines than utilities acknowledge - but a bill now in the …

The fuel-efficiency standards call for an average of 50 mpg by 2025, but the EPA wants to roll them back and set new ones. (BillaJatt/Pixabay)

Advocates of Clean Car Standards Condemn Rollback

Hartford, CT - Environmental groups are already mounting opposition to the Monday announcement by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it …

New London could become a regional hub for offshore wind development. (hpgruesen/Pixabay)

CT Takes First Step Toward Offshore Wind

HARTFORD, Conn. - The bids are in on a request for proposals that will bring offshore wind energy to Connecticut. Clean-energy advocates say …

Critics say the loophole will allow more emissions of mercury, benzene, lead and other toxins. (SD-Pictures/Pixabay

EPA "Polluter Loophole" Challenged in Court

HARTFORD, Conn. – Clean-air advocates want the federal courts to stop a new rule that would allow major polluters to turn their pollution …

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CT: Climate Change