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2009 Legislative Agenda
Global Warming and Green Jobs
Investment In Clean Water - Creating 3,000 good jobs!
Transit For Connecticut - Up to $20 Return On Every State Dollar Invested
Protecting Watershed and Riverfront Lands
Strengthening Inland Wetlands Laws
Protecting Water Company Lands
Green Infrastructure Investment
global warming and green jobs
Last year Connecticut passed H.B. 5600, the Carbon Cap Bill, committing to reducing carbon pollution to avert global warming. Now, we need to further implement this law with policy that encourages smart development and creates green jobs by:
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Improving Connecticut's Green Building Code
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Creating Advanced Building Energy Codes
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Adding a class of Certified Energy Inspectors & raising code compliance
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Expanding Appliance and Equipment Efficiency Standards
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investment in clean water - creating 3,000 good jobs!
Investing in clean water infrastructure will provide high quality jobs where we need them the most–in the older cities. Through this investment we can achieve critical environmental outcomes: safe, sewage-free waterways by 2020 and a restored Long Island Sound by 2014. To clean up and restore Connecticut's waterways, including Long Island Sound, CFE advocates:
A minimum investment of $130 million in Clean Water Fund general obligation bonds for each of Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011span>
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A much needed $35 million dollar increase over the current $90 million. This increase is necessary to restore Connecticut's waterways, to protect Long Island Sound's commercial fishing industry, and to assist in providing Connecticut and its municipalities with a sustainable economy.
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transit for connecticut - up to $20 return on every state dollar invested
Increased investment in public transit is essential for environmental health and economic growth in Connecticut. Using clean diesel or alternative technology mass transit vehicles, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing better transportation by:
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Increasing and improving inter-city and local bus service
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Building bus rapid transit, the proposed New Britain Busway
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Supporting the expediting of approval for the New Haven-Springfield Commuter Rail
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protecting watershed and riverfront lands
Increased investment in public transit is essential for environmental health and economic growth in Connecticut. Using clean diesel or alternative technology mass transit vehicles, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while providing better transportation by:
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Added flood control within the watercourse
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Erosion and sedimentation mitigation
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Absorption and filtering of pollutants, pesticides and pathogens from toxic runoff
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Protection of the aquatic ecosystem and fisheries within watercourses and wetlands
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strengthening inland wetland laws
The purpose of the Inland Wetlands Act is to protect watershed lands. To strengthen its application, CFE seeks to:
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Clarify the language of the Inland Wetlands Act to facilitate protection of inland wetland resources
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Grant inland wetland agencies the ability to rely on data provided by the DEP, local water companies, expert environmental review teams, and the CT Department of Health permission
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Change the application process to place the burden of proof of environmental suitability on the applicant
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protecting water company lands
The quality of Connecticut's water supply is increasingly threatened by proposed development of critical watershed lands. CFE is seeking to:
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green infrastructure investment
As we face a time of economic stress for the state, federal stimulus spending may make funding available for "shovel ready" infrastructure projects. Connecticut also has the ability to finance the green investments that will help jump-start our economy. CFE is working with other groups, including advocates for public transit, brownfields-reinvestment, open space & farmland, energy efficiency & renewable energy, affordable housing, and clean water. We should define a broad program of environmentally-positive infrastructure investments that create economic development opportunities that will benefit the state.
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