Climate & Environment
Because of you, CCAG has one of the best track records in Connecticut for fighting and winning on environmental and climate justice issues. Thank you!
Please be sure to check this site often and/or join our email list for updates and action.
Electric Rate Shock - Two Critical Actions to Take NOW!
Republican leaders and utility companies are spreading lies about the cause of skyrocketing energy bills - and throwing clean energy under the bus.
Here are the facts: In 2017, mostly Republican lawmakers caved to pressure from Dominion and voted to give it a sweetheart deal on power generated by the Millstone nuclear plant.
More recently, two PURA commissioners voted to recoup associated costs in just 10 months instead of 3 years.
Your voice is needed! Please take both of the following actions now!
Here are the facts: In 2017, mostly Republican lawmakers caved to pressure from Dominion and voted to give it a sweetheart deal on power generated by the Millstone nuclear plant.
More recently, two PURA commissioners voted to recoup associated costs in just 10 months instead of 3 years.
Your voice is needed! Please take both of the following actions now!
- Tell PURA Commissioners Betkoski and Caron to reverse their decision to recoup costs over a 10 month period and adopt Chairperson Marissa Gillett's recommendation that costs be spread out over three years. Let Commissioners Betkoski and Caron know we are sick and tired of energy corporations driving up our costs. Click here to send your message.
- Tell Your Legislators to Support Efficiency to Lower Energy Costs and start addressing the real issues driving up electric bills. Send your message to your legislators and Republican leadership today!
CT Utilities Want to Invest in More Polluting Gas at Your Expense
Right now, the Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA), Connecticut’s utility regulator, is seeking public comments on the proposals from two of Connecticut's gas utility corporations.
These corporations seek to increase rates and prolong our state’s dependence on fossil gas by making big investments in gas pipelines and other gas infrastructure.
PURA needs to hear from you that this is the wrong direction for Connecticut’s ratepayers and our climate. Instead, they should require the gas companies to plan for a clean energy future that all Connecticut residents can participate in.
The customer charges should not be increased.
Each utility proposes to increase their residential heating monthly fixed customer charges. For CNG, they propose an increase from $18.00 to $21.25 per month; and for SCG from $15.64 to $21.25 per month. If approved, this would go into effect on November 1st, 2024.
We need to put gas in the past, and invest in clean energy instead of more gas pipelines. Our energy bills, our air, and our climate are all at risk when we increase our dependence on fossil fuels. Connecticut residents deserve affordable energy bills and a healthier climate.
Please send your comments to PURA today!
News Article: Connecticut Utilities Want to Invest in More Polluting Gas – at Your Expense
FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | SHANNON LAUN Vice President of Conservation Law Foundation, CT
These corporations seek to increase rates and prolong our state’s dependence on fossil gas by making big investments in gas pipelines and other gas infrastructure.
PURA needs to hear from you that this is the wrong direction for Connecticut’s ratepayers and our climate. Instead, they should require the gas companies to plan for a clean energy future that all Connecticut residents can participate in.
The customer charges should not be increased.
Each utility proposes to increase their residential heating monthly fixed customer charges. For CNG, they propose an increase from $18.00 to $21.25 per month; and for SCG from $15.64 to $21.25 per month. If approved, this would go into effect on November 1st, 2024.
We need to put gas in the past, and invest in clean energy instead of more gas pipelines. Our energy bills, our air, and our climate are all at risk when we increase our dependence on fossil fuels. Connecticut residents deserve affordable energy bills and a healthier climate.
Please send your comments to PURA today!
News Article: Connecticut Utilities Want to Invest in More Polluting Gas – at Your Expense
FEBRUARY 22, 2024 | SHANNON LAUN Vice President of Conservation Law Foundation, CT
Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2024 Cycle4CT
The Cycle4CT Challenge raises funds to strengthen our organizing capacity in Connecticut to make progress towards a Zero Carbon Future.
The Cycle4CT Challenge raises funds to strengthen our organizing capacity in Connecticut to make progress towards a Zero Carbon Future. Watch this site for updates!
To Our Courageous Challengers
Your commitment helped raise crucial funds for CCAG's climate and environmental justice advocacy. Special thanks to: Tony Adamcyzk with Team Our Only Planet, Duste Dunn, Liz Dupont-Diehl with Team Dupont-Diehl Farm Riders, Daniel Livingston, Donald Rogers, and L.J. Spring with Team Power Peddling for Our Planet.
To Our Generous Donors
Your contributions have fueled our mission and empowered us to continue our vital work. We couldn't do this without you.
To Our Business Sponsors: Your partnership and support have been instrumental in making Cycle4CT a success. We are deeply grateful to you all.
Livingston, Adler, Pulda, Meiklejohn & Kelly, PC is a law firm based in Hartford, CT. The firm's experienced attorneys are dedicated to providing their clients with the best possible representation. Livingston, LAPMK is committed to fighting for the rights of their clients in employment, labor, and civil rights laws to ensure a more just workplace.
Kaia Yoga offers a comprehensive approach to yoga, meditation, teacher trainings, and wellness education. With 10 locations in CT and NY, as well as virtual classes, they provide accessibility and flexibility for individuals seeking a holistic and mindful practice. Their commitment to creating a sense of community and offering diverse class options sets them apart, making Kaia Yoga a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their physical and mental well-being.
CEUI is a labor union that has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and interests of workers in CT. Their team of experienced union representatives works tirelessly to ensure that workers are treated fairly and with respect.
Between the Lines on WPKN hosted by CCAG Alumni Scott Harris offers a platform for in-depth discussions on a wide range of social, political, and environmental issues. With a commitment to independent journalism and grassroots activism, the show provides a valuable space for marginalized voices and alternative perspectives to be heard. Through thought-provoking interviews and insightful analysis, Between the Lines fosters a more informed and engaged citizenry.
ComForCare provides in-home care for seniors and individuals with disabilities. They offer a variety of services, including personal care, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation. ComForCare has been recognized for it's high-quality care with numerous awards and accolades for its services. They are a trusted and reliable choice for anyone in need of home care services.
Sacrament is a local epicenter for creatives to exchange resources and heighten intuitive gifts. By cultivating our relationship with ourselves, we can create connections extending beyond our own inner worlds. Available resources at Sacrament include reiki healing & aura reading, a Sunlighten infrared sauna, custom Bach flower essences, custom essential oil blends and a shop offering vintage treasures and various tools for self-care rituals. Located at 95 Main St., Norwalk, CT. Walk-ins welcome. Visit sacrament.us to shop online or book an appointment.
Cycle4CT is more than just a fundraiser; it's a movement. Your involvement has not only helped us financially but has also raised awareness about the urgent need for climate action. Together, we are making a significant impact.
Contact Natasha Kuranko for questions regarding our climate work. If you're inspired by this year’s event and would like to participate as a challenger next year, we would love to hear from you!
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support and for being a part of the CCAG community. Together, we’re pedaling towards a brighter, greener future. View the August Climate newsletter here. To see what your contribution supports.
TOGETHER WE CAN SAVE OUR PLANET ONE REVOLUTION AT A TIME!
Leadership Fails to Address Climate in Special Session
Thank you to everyone who contacted Governor Lamont House Speaker Matt Ritter & Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney agree to encouraged them to include climate in the special session this summer.
Unfortunately leadership failed again to address this issue.
Many Connecticut residents are already facing health and financial burdens from the impacts of climate change—effective climate policies cannot wait until 2025. This past session, a number of feasible bills on climate change were blocked by inaction and scientifically illiterate rhetoric.
Now we must keep up the pressure to make sure this happens before the end of the year. Stay tuned for updates on how we can get this done.
Unfortunately leadership failed again to address this issue.
Many Connecticut residents are already facing health and financial burdens from the impacts of climate change—effective climate policies cannot wait until 2025. This past session, a number of feasible bills on climate change were blocked by inaction and scientifically illiterate rhetoric.
Now we must keep up the pressure to make sure this happens before the end of the year. Stay tuned for updates on how we can get this done.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to hold Travelers Insurance Company accountable on May 15th!
On May 15th, CCAG and Third Act CT activists attended the Travelers Insurance Company stockholder meeting in Hartford.
Travelers is one of the top fossil fuel insurers in the world. From inside the meeting, we presented our list of demands including that they stop insuring fossil fuel projects.
Over the summer, we will continue to pressure these companies. If fossil fuel projects aren't insured or underwritten, they can't exist.
CCAG and Insure Our Future continue to work to hold insurance companies accountable for climate destruction. The Connecticut legislature failed to pass any regulatory policies for insurance companies in our state that invest in and underwrite fossil fuels this year.
Once again, we find we must take this issue into our own hands and directly to the insurance companies. Stay tuned for more actions coming soon. Be sure to join our email list for updates on this issue.
For questions or comments contact Helen Humphreys at: [email protected]
PRESS & MEDIA:
Climate activists in Hartford urge insurance giant Travelers to cut ties with fossil fuel companies
By Matt Dwyer, CT Public Radio, 5/15/24
What happened inside the meeting? Excerpt from Insure Our Future Twitter page.
Connecticut Climate Activists to Rally at Travelers Shareholder Meeting
Travelers Shareholder Press Advisory, 5/14/24
Student Climate Campaign Targets CT-Based Insurance Companies for Fossil Fuel Investments. Interview with Joanna Mallary, a clinical psychology doctoral candidate at the University of Hartford, conducted by Scott Harris-
Counter Point, 5/13/24
Travelers is one of the top fossil fuel insurers in the world. From inside the meeting, we presented our list of demands including that they stop insuring fossil fuel projects.
Over the summer, we will continue to pressure these companies. If fossil fuel projects aren't insured or underwritten, they can't exist.
CCAG and Insure Our Future continue to work to hold insurance companies accountable for climate destruction. The Connecticut legislature failed to pass any regulatory policies for insurance companies in our state that invest in and underwrite fossil fuels this year.
Once again, we find we must take this issue into our own hands and directly to the insurance companies. Stay tuned for more actions coming soon. Be sure to join our email list for updates on this issue.
For questions or comments contact Helen Humphreys at: [email protected]
PRESS & MEDIA:
Climate activists in Hartford urge insurance giant Travelers to cut ties with fossil fuel companies
By Matt Dwyer, CT Public Radio, 5/15/24
What happened inside the meeting? Excerpt from Insure Our Future Twitter page.
Connecticut Climate Activists to Rally at Travelers Shareholder Meeting
Travelers Shareholder Press Advisory, 5/14/24
Student Climate Campaign Targets CT-Based Insurance Companies for Fossil Fuel Investments. Interview with Joanna Mallary, a clinical psychology doctoral candidate at the University of Hartford, conducted by Scott Harris-
Counter Point, 5/13/24
Climate & Environment Legislative Wrap Up Highlights 2024
We are very happy to report that SB 292 AAC Concerning the use of PFAS in Certain Products passed and will help to prevent these toxic chemicals from entering our bodies and water by banning them from use in more consumer goods such as apparel, homewares, furniture, children’s products, and personal hygiene products.
More good news is that the bill ended up including firefighting "turnout gear" meaning protective clothing worn by firefighters and emergency medical services personnel during firefighting and post-fire operations which will keep our heroes from PFAS contamination while they are saving lives.
HB 5232. Expanding Solar Projects. This bill will allow for expansion of caps on non-residential solar projects, which have been severely limiting the ability of farmers, among others, to install solar to produce energy to benefit their farming
operations. It will also simplify the process for putting up solar canopies (over parking lots, walkways, driveways, etc.)
One of the biggest bills on climate change was HB 5004 known as the Big Green Monster. The bill contained legislation that would have offered measures to advance CT’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, phase out the use of natural gas, invest in renewable energy, incentivize sustainable purchasing by local governments, and enhance nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change. The bill passed the house but was never called for a vote in the senate due to republican opposition. Over the summer we will be pushing for federal protections where our state failed.
CCAG and Insure Our Future continue to work to hold insurance companies accountable for climate destruction. As many of you know, the Connecticut legislature was not able to accomplish any regulatory policies for insurance companies in our state who invest in and underwrite fossil fuels. Once again we find we must continue to take this issue into our own hands and directly to the insurance companies.
On May 15th activists from CCAG and Third Act CT attended the Travelers insurance company stockholder meeting in Hartford. Travelers is one of the top fossil fuel insurers in the world. We presented our list of demands including that they stop insuring fossil fuel projects.
Over the summer we will continue to keep pressure up on these companies. If fossil fuel projects can’t be insured or underwritten, they can’t exist. Stay tuned. For questions or to join in this campaign, please contact Helen Humphreys: [email protected]
More good news is that the bill ended up including firefighting "turnout gear" meaning protective clothing worn by firefighters and emergency medical services personnel during firefighting and post-fire operations which will keep our heroes from PFAS contamination while they are saving lives.
HB 5232. Expanding Solar Projects. This bill will allow for expansion of caps on non-residential solar projects, which have been severely limiting the ability of farmers, among others, to install solar to produce energy to benefit their farming
operations. It will also simplify the process for putting up solar canopies (over parking lots, walkways, driveways, etc.)
One of the biggest bills on climate change was HB 5004 known as the Big Green Monster. The bill contained legislation that would have offered measures to advance CT’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, phase out the use of natural gas, invest in renewable energy, incentivize sustainable purchasing by local governments, and enhance nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change. The bill passed the house but was never called for a vote in the senate due to republican opposition. Over the summer we will be pushing for federal protections where our state failed.
CCAG and Insure Our Future continue to work to hold insurance companies accountable for climate destruction. As many of you know, the Connecticut legislature was not able to accomplish any regulatory policies for insurance companies in our state who invest in and underwrite fossil fuels. Once again we find we must continue to take this issue into our own hands and directly to the insurance companies.
On May 15th activists from CCAG and Third Act CT attended the Travelers insurance company stockholder meeting in Hartford. Travelers is one of the top fossil fuel insurers in the world. We presented our list of demands including that they stop insuring fossil fuel projects.
Over the summer we will continue to keep pressure up on these companies. If fossil fuel projects can’t be insured or underwritten, they can’t exist. Stay tuned. For questions or to join in this campaign, please contact Helen Humphreys: [email protected]
Legislative Climate & Environment Agenda Highlights 2024
HB 5004 AAC the Implementation of Certain Climate Change Measures aka The Big Green Monster Bill codifies a zero-carbon electricity goal by 2030 and offers measures to advance CT’s goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, phase out the use of natural gas, invest in renewable energy, incentivize sustainable purchasing by local governments, and enhance nature-based solutions to mitigate climate change. UPDATE! HB 5004 has passed the house, but is in trouble in the senate. Please contact your state senator now to urge passage of this bill. Find your Senator here and make your call!
It's disheartening to note that what was once a bipartisan issue - protecting our climate and environment - seems to be eroding in Connecticut, with some Republicans aligning themselves with the climate change denial rhetoric that has unfortunately become all too prevalent in national politics.
During the recent debate in the Connecticut House on HB 5004, we witnessed some alarming displays of poor scientific literacy and outright climate change denial from several Republican representatives. Their lack of understanding and refusal to acknowledge the urgency of addressing climate change is deeply concerning and underscores the importance of our collective action.
Your voice matters now more than ever. Please contact your state senator now to urge passage of HB 5004 for our climate and for our future. Find your Senator here and make your call!
CT Mirror article: On final day of session, a showdown is threatened in CT Senate by Mark Pazniokas, May 8, 2024
NPR article: https://www.ctpublic.org/.../cts-latest-big-climate-bill...
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
SB 292 AAC the Use of PFAS in Certain Products would turn off the tap on PFAS or “forever chemicals” into our bodies and water streams by banning these toxic chemical from use in consumer goods such as apparel, homewares, furniture, children’s products, and personal hygiene products. UPDATE Exciting news! The PFAS bill, SB 292, passed both chambers and is now on it's way to the Governors desk!
Thank you to everyone who helped to make this possible.
More: Babies and toddlers are uniquely susceptible to PFAS in floor polishes and waxes since they spend much of their lives on the floor and frequently put their hands (and everything else) in their mouths as a way to explore the environment around them. ● Decades' worth of these compounds are sitting in landfills right now – presenting a contaminant to manage for waste handlers who didn't create the pollution, but now find themselves awash in it. ● Those working with PFAS such as chemical manufacturing workers and those working to manufacture products that have high levels of PFAS like ski wax are also at higher risk
Over the last few years, with your help, we fought for and won legislation to restrict PFAS in food packaging and in firefighting foam, required our state to implement a take-back program of old foam, and utilized a fluorine free foam in the future unless required by federal law. In 2023 we passed a bill which established an account in the general fund to provide grants to towns that need testing and remediation. This is helpful for dealing with earlier problems. But failing to do more to prevent future poisonings will only necessitate the allocation of more resources in the future while unnecessarily impacting the health of countless people. We can’t get the PFAS out of our environment if we continue selling products containing PFAS in our state!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
HB 5232. Expanding Solar Projects. This bill will allow for expansion of caps on non-residential solar projects, which have been severely limiting the ability of farmers, among others, to install solar to produce energy to benefit their farming operations. It would also simplify the process for putting up solar canopies (over parking lots, walkways, driveways, etc.) UPDATE! Passed and is on it's way to the Governor's desk.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
SB 191 AAC Food Scrap Diversion From The Solid Waste Stream And The Redemption Of Out-Of-State Beverage Containers. CCAG supports the passing and implementation of this bill because it takes a big step toward reducing what goes into our waste stream. UPDATE: As of 3/28 this bill was slated for the senate calendar.
Food that ends up in landfills and incineration is not good for the environment or our waste stream. The volume of food that ends up wasted is staggering, tons and tons of food is wasted every year by commercial food wholesalers, distributors, industrial food manufacturers and processors, supermarkets, institutions, resorts and conference centers.
We are glad to learn that the bill will make it possible for excess edible food to be donated. There are plenty of residents that could use this food for consumption. The requirement to make it safe is necessary to prevent food related illnesses. There are so many groups of residents that will surely benefit from the passing of this bill. Watch your email or check back here often for updates and action.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SB 287 An Act Concerning Indoor Air Quality In Schools. CCAG supports all three parts of this bill including:
This bill mentions thorough inspections of the HVAC systems in our schools. CCAG supports bills like this that address the air quality in schools where our children, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren go every day to learn and better themselves. SB 287 will help school boards meet the demand without straining them and provide a way to be reimbursed for performing these inspections and evaluations.
We are glad that these inspections will determine humidity levels, temperature and air quality which will help students including those with asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Fatigue will be reduced and the quality of life of Connecticut students will be improved.
UPDATE: This bill is in the senate, read the latest press here.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
It's disheartening to note that what was once a bipartisan issue - protecting our climate and environment - seems to be eroding in Connecticut, with some Republicans aligning themselves with the climate change denial rhetoric that has unfortunately become all too prevalent in national politics.
During the recent debate in the Connecticut House on HB 5004, we witnessed some alarming displays of poor scientific literacy and outright climate change denial from several Republican representatives. Their lack of understanding and refusal to acknowledge the urgency of addressing climate change is deeply concerning and underscores the importance of our collective action.
- "The big 800-lb gorilla in the room with regard to climate is what? The sun! The sun changes our climate far more than anything us puny humans could ever do on the surface of this marble. So, Mr Speaker, there is no purpose for this bill."
- "We’re humans, we’re very adaptable. As the climate changes, we’ll change. This is done over a huge, huge amount of time. It’s ten thousand years to go into a glacier, an ice age. It’s ten thousand years to come out of a glacier period. We’re in an inter-glacial time. About ten thousand years ago, I’d be standing under a half mile of ice speaking to you, but, um, so it’s just very, very cyclical. It’s nothing to be worried about."
Your voice matters now more than ever. Please contact your state senator now to urge passage of HB 5004 for our climate and for our future. Find your Senator here and make your call!
CT Mirror article: On final day of session, a showdown is threatened in CT Senate by Mark Pazniokas, May 8, 2024
NPR article: https://www.ctpublic.org/.../cts-latest-big-climate-bill...
___________________________________________________________________________________________________
SB 292 AAC the Use of PFAS in Certain Products would turn off the tap on PFAS or “forever chemicals” into our bodies and water streams by banning these toxic chemical from use in consumer goods such as apparel, homewares, furniture, children’s products, and personal hygiene products. UPDATE Exciting news! The PFAS bill, SB 292, passed both chambers and is now on it's way to the Governors desk!
Thank you to everyone who helped to make this possible.
More: Babies and toddlers are uniquely susceptible to PFAS in floor polishes and waxes since they spend much of their lives on the floor and frequently put their hands (and everything else) in their mouths as a way to explore the environment around them. ● Decades' worth of these compounds are sitting in landfills right now – presenting a contaminant to manage for waste handlers who didn't create the pollution, but now find themselves awash in it. ● Those working with PFAS such as chemical manufacturing workers and those working to manufacture products that have high levels of PFAS like ski wax are also at higher risk
Over the last few years, with your help, we fought for and won legislation to restrict PFAS in food packaging and in firefighting foam, required our state to implement a take-back program of old foam, and utilized a fluorine free foam in the future unless required by federal law. In 2023 we passed a bill which established an account in the general fund to provide grants to towns that need testing and remediation. This is helpful for dealing with earlier problems. But failing to do more to prevent future poisonings will only necessitate the allocation of more resources in the future while unnecessarily impacting the health of countless people. We can’t get the PFAS out of our environment if we continue selling products containing PFAS in our state!
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
HB 5232. Expanding Solar Projects. This bill will allow for expansion of caps on non-residential solar projects, which have been severely limiting the ability of farmers, among others, to install solar to produce energy to benefit their farming operations. It would also simplify the process for putting up solar canopies (over parking lots, walkways, driveways, etc.) UPDATE! Passed and is on it's way to the Governor's desk.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
SB 191 AAC Food Scrap Diversion From The Solid Waste Stream And The Redemption Of Out-Of-State Beverage Containers. CCAG supports the passing and implementation of this bill because it takes a big step toward reducing what goes into our waste stream. UPDATE: As of 3/28 this bill was slated for the senate calendar.
Food that ends up in landfills and incineration is not good for the environment or our waste stream. The volume of food that ends up wasted is staggering, tons and tons of food is wasted every year by commercial food wholesalers, distributors, industrial food manufacturers and processors, supermarkets, institutions, resorts and conference centers.
We are glad to learn that the bill will make it possible for excess edible food to be donated. There are plenty of residents that could use this food for consumption. The requirement to make it safe is necessary to prevent food related illnesses. There are so many groups of residents that will surely benefit from the passing of this bill. Watch your email or check back here often for updates and action.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SB 287 An Act Concerning Indoor Air Quality In Schools. CCAG supports all three parts of this bill including:
- The extension of the reporting date by the task force to improve the air quality of our schools.
- Reimbursement for the cost of performing inspections of HVAC systems in schools as well as the evaluations of said systems under the grant program.
- And providing flexibility in the performance and evaluation of uniform inspections to school boards of education.
This bill mentions thorough inspections of the HVAC systems in our schools. CCAG supports bills like this that address the air quality in schools where our children, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren go every day to learn and better themselves. SB 287 will help school boards meet the demand without straining them and provide a way to be reimbursed for performing these inspections and evaluations.
We are glad that these inspections will determine humidity levels, temperature and air quality which will help students including those with asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Fatigue will be reduced and the quality of life of Connecticut students will be improved.
UPDATE: This bill is in the senate, read the latest press here.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
SB 11 AAC Connecticut Resiliency Planning and Providing Municipal Options for Climate Resilience. For the last 4 years, CCAG has been working hard to hold insurance companies accountable for propping up fossil fuel projects and fueling the climate crisis.
the Connecticut General Assembly’s Environment Committee just voted a groundbreaking policy out of committee.
UPDATE: The committee voted to approve the Governor's Climate Resiliency bill (SB11) with an amendment that advances a climate resiliency fund to support communities in Connecticut harmed by extreme weather disasters fueled by climate chaos.
However, an amendment that would have held insurance companies accountable for funding and investing in fossil fuel projects was stripped from the bill. That amendment would have taken a crucial step in highlighting insurers' role in the climate crisis, and hold them accountable for the devastation their underwriting policies have caused.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
the Connecticut General Assembly’s Environment Committee just voted a groundbreaking policy out of committee.
UPDATE: The committee voted to approve the Governor's Climate Resiliency bill (SB11) with an amendment that advances a climate resiliency fund to support communities in Connecticut harmed by extreme weather disasters fueled by climate chaos.
However, an amendment that would have held insurance companies accountable for funding and investing in fossil fuel projects was stripped from the bill. That amendment would have taken a crucial step in highlighting insurers' role in the climate crisis, and hold them accountable for the devastation their underwriting policies have caused.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Climate & Environment Advocay Day 3/15/24
Thank you to everyone who attended Advocacy Day to support strong and meaningful legislation to protect our environment and keep Connecticut's climate promise!
At this event you will hear from speakers about bills before the legislature on topics including climate, clean energy, pollution reduction, toxics, and waste reduction. We'll have materials available for you to share with your legislators following the program. Once you have signed up, please reach out to your own legislators, invite them to the program, and ask to meet with them after the program ends at 10:30 am.
Cohosted by Sierra Club CT, CTLCV, Clean Water Action, CT Environmental Rights Amendment Alliance, CT NOFA, CCAG, Coalition for Pesticide Reform, Third Act CT, CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, CLF, Save the Sound, Connecticut Coalition for Environmental and Economic Justice
RSVP Here.
At this event you will hear from speakers about bills before the legislature on topics including climate, clean energy, pollution reduction, toxics, and waste reduction. We'll have materials available for you to share with your legislators following the program. Once you have signed up, please reach out to your own legislators, invite them to the program, and ask to meet with them after the program ends at 10:30 am.
Cohosted by Sierra Club CT, CTLCV, Clean Water Action, CT Environmental Rights Amendment Alliance, CT NOFA, CCAG, Coalition for Pesticide Reform, Third Act CT, CT Roundtable on Climate and Jobs, CLF, Save the Sound, Connecticut Coalition for Environmental and Economic Justice
RSVP Here.
Say "thank you!" to Environment Committee members who voted YES on S.B.11!
Insure Our Future campaigns Global Week of Action- CT Action 2/26/24
Holding Insurance Companies Accountable. SB 11 would implement the Governors’ bill. Crucial to the bill’s efficacy is an amendment that advances a climate resiliency fund, financed through a surcharge on insurers’ policies offered to fossil fuel projects. Those funds would then provide weatherization and clean energy to environmental justice communities harmed by extreme weather disasters fueled by climate chaos. This would be the first such law in the country. Connecticut needs to lead! Contact [email protected] to learn more and get engaged in this work.
This bill is awaiting a vote in the Senate.
This bill is awaiting a vote in the Senate.
Thank you to everyone who attended Insure Our Future campaigns Global Week of Action. There will be actions all around the world calling out insurance companies' role in the climate crisis, and in the US we are setting our sights on the insurers of the toxic LNG terminals.
Join us Monday (2/26) from 11:30am-1pm outside The Hartford insurance company in downtown Hartford to stand with Louisiana frontline activists and hold underwriters accountable!
On Monday (2/26) two activists from the Louisiana Gulf will be traveling all the way to Hartford to confront The Hartford, as they are one of the underwriters listed on US LNG export terminals. We will hear from activists and Lake Charles community members, Roishetta Sibley Ozane and James Hiatt, who have been fighting tirelessly to protect their community.
Insurance is Connecticut's keystone industry, and The Hartford touts themselves as one of the "world's most ethical companies" .
As Connecticut citizens, we must hold them accountable and stand in solidarity with the communities that are suffering from their greed.
Please feel free to share this action to your lists/contacts and let me know if you have any questions or would like to get more involved!
See you Monday!- Helen Humphreys, CCAG Communications Coordinator
Join us Monday (2/26) from 11:30am-1pm outside The Hartford insurance company in downtown Hartford to stand with Louisiana frontline activists and hold underwriters accountable!
On Monday (2/26) two activists from the Louisiana Gulf will be traveling all the way to Hartford to confront The Hartford, as they are one of the underwriters listed on US LNG export terminals. We will hear from activists and Lake Charles community members, Roishetta Sibley Ozane and James Hiatt, who have been fighting tirelessly to protect their community.
Insurance is Connecticut's keystone industry, and The Hartford touts themselves as one of the "world's most ethical companies" .
As Connecticut citizens, we must hold them accountable and stand in solidarity with the communities that are suffering from their greed.
Please feel free to share this action to your lists/contacts and let me know if you have any questions or would like to get more involved!
See you Monday!- Helen Humphreys, CCAG Communications Coordinator
Climate and Environment 2023
Take Action to Support Clean Air in Connecticut
At the direction of the General Assembly, Connecticut is proposing adoption of updated emissions standards for cars and new emissions standards for trucks.
Send your message for the Regulatory Review Committee to approve DEEP's proposed regulations now.
These standards will make new cars and trucks up to 90% cleaner and will require vehicle manufacturers to deliver more zero-emission vehicles and other advanced technology vehicles to Connecticut drivers while also increasing consumer protections.
Beginning in 2027, the proposed standards would apply to new vehicles only, not to used cars, and do not prohibit owning diesel or gas-powered vehicles.
These standards will improve public health, help Connecticut achieve our greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments, and strengthen the state’s economy.
Connecticut faces some of the worst air quality in the nation, so it is imperative that we protect public health by reducing emissions. Our state must join the 17 other states that have prioritized clean vehicles by adopting advanced emissions standards. More robust regulations will support Connecticut’s air quality and emissions reduction goals.
Republican lawmakers are spreading misinformation about these regs, so it is important to make your voice heard! Read more here.
Please send your message for the Regulatory Review Committee to approve DEEP's proposed regulations today!
Send your message for the Regulatory Review Committee to approve DEEP's proposed regulations now.
These standards will make new cars and trucks up to 90% cleaner and will require vehicle manufacturers to deliver more zero-emission vehicles and other advanced technology vehicles to Connecticut drivers while also increasing consumer protections.
Beginning in 2027, the proposed standards would apply to new vehicles only, not to used cars, and do not prohibit owning diesel or gas-powered vehicles.
These standards will improve public health, help Connecticut achieve our greenhouse gas emissions reduction commitments, and strengthen the state’s economy.
Connecticut faces some of the worst air quality in the nation, so it is imperative that we protect public health by reducing emissions. Our state must join the 17 other states that have prioritized clean vehicles by adopting advanced emissions standards. More robust regulations will support Connecticut’s air quality and emissions reduction goals.
Republican lawmakers are spreading misinformation about these regs, so it is important to make your voice heard! Read more here.
Please send your message for the Regulatory Review Committee to approve DEEP's proposed regulations today!
Cycle4CT23 Ends on October 30th - Take Action Now!
It's time for CCAG's Annual Virtual Cycle4CT Bike Challenge!Take the challenge physically or fiscally from anywhere in the world. From bicycles to tricycles. From the highest mountains to the seashore, your cul-de-sac or spin bike. Be as creative as you like.
Join us! You can take the challenge yourself or support another rider here. Thank you to Current Challengers:
Diane Keefe, Tony Adamczyk & the Our Only Planet Team (OOP), Dan Livingston, Ann Pratt, Joellen Reino, Donald Rogers, John Harmon, and everyone who has supported them so far.
Last year's challenge provided resources for a banner year on climate progress. So far this year, our staff, interns and members have researched and written meaningful policies, lobbied, organized and mobilized -- always prioritizing the voices of those who are impacted most.
View victories and current efforts here
Take the challenge! Physically or fiscally: Register to ride and/or contribute, to donate a prize or become a t-shirt sponsor, contact [email protected]
Thank you in advance for your courage and participation in this ride for our lives
Join us! You can take the challenge yourself or support another rider here. Thank you to Current Challengers:
Diane Keefe, Tony Adamczyk & the Our Only Planet Team (OOP), Dan Livingston, Ann Pratt, Joellen Reino, Donald Rogers, John Harmon, and everyone who has supported them so far.
Last year's challenge provided resources for a banner year on climate progress. So far this year, our staff, interns and members have researched and written meaningful policies, lobbied, organized and mobilized -- always prioritizing the voices of those who are impacted most.
View victories and current efforts here
Take the challenge! Physically or fiscally: Register to ride and/or contribute, to donate a prize or become a t-shirt sponsor, contact [email protected]
Thank you in advance for your courage and participation in this ride for our lives
#MarchtoEndFossilFuels - September 17th NYC
Your chance to take critical action on climate! You can help mitigate damaging climate changes that are affecting our lives and earth as we know it, both locally and globally.
On September 17th, CT citizens will join thousands of people at the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City.
The march will take place ahead of the first of its kind, UN Climate Ambition Summit. We will be calling on President Biden to stop fossil fuel expansion. Marchers will leverage as much national and international pressure as possible to call on him to change course.
Decisive action is needed now to prevent vast regions of earth from becoming practically or entirely uninhabitable. We need an emergency, unprecedented transition from fossil fuels to renewable power.
You can click here for details on how to join us for the March to End Fossil Fuels in NYC, Sep 17th.
On September 17th, CT citizens will join thousands of people at the March to End Fossil Fuels in New York City.
The march will take place ahead of the first of its kind, UN Climate Ambition Summit. We will be calling on President Biden to stop fossil fuel expansion. Marchers will leverage as much national and international pressure as possible to call on him to change course.
Decisive action is needed now to prevent vast regions of earth from becoming practically or entirely uninhabitable. We need an emergency, unprecedented transition from fossil fuels to renewable power.
You can click here for details on how to join us for the March to End Fossil Fuels in NYC, Sep 17th.
Thank You for Supporting PURA's UI Rate Denial - Docket 22-08-08
UPDATE! August 25th. PURA makes final decision on UI's rate hike request. Thank you to everyone who participated!
In a press release, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority said PURA "rejects The United Illuminating Company's proposed distribution rate increase of $131 million over three years. Instead, the Final Decision authorizes an increase of $22.957 million."
PURA also rejected UI's rejected UI's request for an extension to make their case.
There is no doubt that everyone who took action helped this to happen. Thank you!
Background:
PURA's decision is the result of years of reform in CT. Our Governor made some strides by recruiting and appointing Marissa Gillett as Chair of PURA, passing the Take Back Our Grid 2020 Act, and supporting Take Back Our Grid 2023. We need to stand strong together and continue to protect ratepayers.
In a press release, the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority said PURA "rejects The United Illuminating Company's proposed distribution rate increase of $131 million over three years. Instead, the Final Decision authorizes an increase of $22.957 million."
PURA also rejected UI's rejected UI's request for an extension to make their case.
There is no doubt that everyone who took action helped this to happen. Thank you!
Background:
- UI requested an extra $36 million in revenue. PURA's decision was to agree to an increase of roughly $3 million. This is an increase in revenue - not a reduction - just not as large an increase as they requested.
- In the last rate case UI promised to clean up English Station, which they never did. Our state must hold them accountable. UI should not continue to enjoy increasing profits from CT residents especially in environmental justice communities when they refuse to meet their previous legal and financial obligations.
PURA's decision is the result of years of reform in CT. Our Governor made some strides by recruiting and appointing Marissa Gillett as Chair of PURA, passing the Take Back Our Grid 2020 Act, and supporting Take Back Our Grid 2023. We need to stand strong together and continue to protect ratepayers.
June 21st Insure Our Future Rally, Travelers Championship Tournament
Travelers Insurance is one of the top 3 oil and gas insurers in the world.
For the last three years, CCAG has been urging Travelers to #InsureOurFuture and divest from fossil fuels.
However, we continue to be met with greenwashing and ineffective policies.
Travelers will be holding its annual Championship Golf Tournament in Cromwell, and Wednesday June 21st is their Pro-Am Day where Travelers Executives will be in attendance.
RSVP here to join CCAG, Sierra Club CT and the Insure Our Future coalition for a rally outside the gates of the Travelers Tournament! We will send logistics and more information after you RSVP.
Let's continue to hold Travelers accountable for their role in the climate crisis and urge them to #INSUREOURFUTURE!
June 7th Final Day of Session Action for Climate, Environmental Justice
Please contact your legislators for final passage of the following climate, environmental and social justice bills. Don't know who your legislator is? Find them here.
BILLS IN THE CT HOUSE:
BILLS IN THE CT HOUSE:
- SB 1147, An Act Concerning the Environmental Justice Program for DEEP - This bill will enhance environmental and public health impacts made under the environmental justice statute. It will give DEEP and the CT Siting Council the power to deny permits for a new facility or for the expansion of an existing one. This bill passed the Senate on June 2 and is awaiting a vote in the House!
Things to emphasize – This bill is a priority to strengthen the state’s current law. It allows DEEP to take into account the cumulative impacts of polluting facilities in environmental justice communities and gives residents more opportunity to engage in the permitting decision. This is the right thing to do and must get passed.
- SB 961, An Act Concerning Carbon-Free Schools - It would require any new construction, replacement, or extension of a public school to be net-zero energy. This bill passed the Senate on May 24 and is awaiting a vote in the House!
Things to emphasize - this will make it easier for public schools to implement cost-saving energy efficiency measures.
- HB 6397, An Act Concerning Zero-Carbon Emissions - requires DEEP to develop a decarbonization roadmap—a plan of the policies and regulations necessary to reach Connecticut’s climate commitments and a clear timeline for implementing those policies and achieving greenhouse gas reductions.
It passed the House of Representatives 95-53 last Friday. Now Senate leadership must call the bill for a vote TONIGHT, or it will die. We can’t let this year go by without taking action on the climate crisis.
Please, stop what you’re doing and call the offices of Senate leaders Martin Looney and Bob Duff right now. Ask them to call a vote on HB 6397. - Senate President Martin Looney: 860-240-0375
- Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff: 860-240-0414
- When you call these numbers, you will reach an aide or an answering machine. Read the following out loud:
“My name is ____ and I live in ____. Connecticut is in a climate crisis. We can see the evidence of it outside our own windows today. Every year that goes by makes it harder for us to reach our climate commitments. Please call HB 6397, Zero-Carbon Emissions, for a vote ASAP!” - SB 4, An Act Concerning CT's Present and Future Housing Needs - This bill establishes a grant program to allow low-income families to benefit from healthy home retrofits and energy efficiency savings, giving Connecticut residents more opportunities to save money on utility bills while conserving energy. It needs to be called for a vote in the Senate, then in the House.
Things to emphasize – justice is a key component of this bill in that it helps people stay in their homes, while also reducing their energy usage, energy costs, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Please make a phone call today! Leave a message urging your State Representative and Senator to get these priority bills passed by the end of this legislative session. Thanks for taking action.
June 5th- SB 7 for Ratepayers being heard. Help eliminate the rat in the bill!
UPDATE: The amendment to fix the bill passed in the senate failed & SB 7 passed the legislature with the rat intact. Other parts of the bill were good but we will all regret the amendment allowing nuclear to be classified as a Class I renewable. Thank you to everyone who made the calls!
CCAG has been supporting SB7, AAC Strengthening Protections for Connecticut's Consumers of Energy, which is supposed to help ratepayers - and it does have some good things. But it now contains a totally unrelated rat. It creates a state sponsored Commission to promote nuclear energy made up of pro-nuclear forces and classifies any future energy produced by these new plants will be considered a Class I renewable energy source.
Regardless of how you feel about nuclear energy, support should not come at the expense of renewables.
Representatives Peter Tercyak and Craig Fishbein have co-filed an amendment to eliminate this Nuclear Rat passed as an amendment in the Senate last week.
Call your House Representative TODAY and tell them to eliminate the rat in SB 7 by supporting the amendment co-filed by Representatives Peter Tercyak & Craig Fishbein.
- If you don't know your legislator you can find them here. House Republicans can be reached at (860) 240-8700 and House Democrats can be reached at (860) 240-8500.
- Please reply to this message & let us know how it went.
Thank you in advance for making this important call.
May 24th - Rally for Climate at the Annual Travelers Shareholder Meeting
Join CCAG and the Insure Our Future campaign for a protest outside Travelers shareholder meeting at the Hartford Marriott on Columbus Blvd. We will be calling on them to #InsureOurFuture not fossil fuels!
We have very exciting news about this Wednesday's rally at Travelers shareholder meeting
Leadership from the Gwich'in Steering Committee will travel over 4,300 miles from Alaska to CT to protect sacred land from oil and gas.
Please join @OurArcticRefuge in support of Executive Director Bernadette Demientieff, who will deliver a statement at the AGM. Members of the GSC Youth Council will be joining the rally as well.
Background
On May 24th, Travelers Insurance will hold their annual shareholder meeting in Hartford.
This year, investors will vote on shareholder resolutions calling on the insurance company to:
1. phase out underwriting of new fossil fuel projects,
2. to align its underwriting and investments portfolio 1.5ºC,
3. conduct a racial equity audit that incorporates considerations of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent
Travelers is one of the top 3 oil and gas insurers in the world and must be held accountable for their role in the climate crisis.
RSVP & find more info here to rally for climate action at the Travelers Insurance annual shareholder meeting!
We have very exciting news about this Wednesday's rally at Travelers shareholder meeting
Leadership from the Gwich'in Steering Committee will travel over 4,300 miles from Alaska to CT to protect sacred land from oil and gas.
Please join @OurArcticRefuge in support of Executive Director Bernadette Demientieff, who will deliver a statement at the AGM. Members of the GSC Youth Council will be joining the rally as well.
Background
On May 24th, Travelers Insurance will hold their annual shareholder meeting in Hartford.
This year, investors will vote on shareholder resolutions calling on the insurance company to:
1. phase out underwriting of new fossil fuel projects,
2. to align its underwriting and investments portfolio 1.5ºC,
3. conduct a racial equity audit that incorporates considerations of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent
Travelers is one of the top 3 oil and gas insurers in the world and must be held accountable for their role in the climate crisis.
RSVP & find more info here to rally for climate action at the Travelers Insurance annual shareholder meeting!
SB 4 Lobby Day 5/17
Join us for a day of action then stay after for the grand finale at 6pm.
Senate Bill 4 is a comprehensive housing bill that increases protections for tenants, increases the availability of affordable housing, and makes a meaningful investment in improved efficiency and clean energy in communities that need it most.
Happening Wednesday, May 17 at the Legislative Office Building for a lobby day to urge lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 4. At this event, you'll hear about the bill from advocates and the lawmakers who are championing it. You'll learn how to talk to lawmakers about the bill, and then we'll talk to lawmakers!
RSVP today!
You can also click here to tell your lawmakers to support SB4!
After this action, join us for the grand finale! Scroll down for details.
Senate Bill 4 is a comprehensive housing bill that increases protections for tenants, increases the availability of affordable housing, and makes a meaningful investment in improved efficiency and clean energy in communities that need it most.
Happening Wednesday, May 17 at the Legislative Office Building for a lobby day to urge lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 4. At this event, you'll hear about the bill from advocates and the lawmakers who are championing it. You'll learn how to talk to lawmakers about the bill, and then we'll talk to lawmakers!
RSVP today!
You can also click here to tell your lawmakers to support SB4!
After this action, join us for the grand finale! Scroll down for details.
Earth Day is our Birthday! April 22nd
Since its inception in 1970 on the First Earth Day as Earth Action, then incorporated as CT Citizen Action Group (CCAG) in 1971, the CCAG continues to take action on the issues you care about. You can read more about this year's environmental agenda here.
If you are not a current donor, we are asking those who are able, to help us remain the longest standing Citizen Action Group in the nation! If you can, please consider an Earth Day birthday gift of $5, $10, $20 or more for those who can’t.
Stay safe, stay informed, take care of each other. CCAG now more than ever!
Values that drive our work: We are based on the belief:
Through its history CCAG has utilized a variety of strategies towards this end. It has included community organizing, mass canvasses, legislative advocacy, direct action, political endorsements, trainings, research, and coalition building. This experience can not be matched in Connecticut or arguably in any other state. The staff and leaders who have participated in these efforts continue to play significant roles in Connecticut and across the country in the fight to build a more just and sustainable society. Please consider a donation to support this work today.
If you are not a current donor, we are asking those who are able, to help us remain the longest standing Citizen Action Group in the nation! If you can, please consider an Earth Day birthday gift of $5, $10, $20 or more for those who can’t.
Stay safe, stay informed, take care of each other. CCAG now more than ever!
Values that drive our work: We are based on the belief:
- that democracy is not a spectator sport and that an accountable government plays a vital role in any just society;
- that it is imperative for people to be willing to challenge powerful interests;
- that all people deserve an equal opportunity and to achieve this we must overcome our legacy of discrimination based upon race, gender, sexuality and ability;
- that as a society we must work to end poverty and exploitation, guarantee health security for all of families and equal access to a quality public education, and
- that we have a responsibility to leave future generations with a more sustainable and just place to live.
Through its history CCAG has utilized a variety of strategies towards this end. It has included community organizing, mass canvasses, legislative advocacy, direct action, political endorsements, trainings, research, and coalition building. This experience can not be matched in Connecticut or arguably in any other state. The staff and leaders who have participated in these efforts continue to play significant roles in Connecticut and across the country in the fight to build a more just and sustainable society. Please consider a donation to support this work today.
This shareholder meeting season - it's time fight for climate justice!
Shareholder season is the time of year when every publicly-traded company in America has their Annual General Meeting (AGM). At AGMs, investors vote on a variety of proposals introduced by fellow shareholders.
CCAG has a history of getting involved in these AGMs and pushing investors to to do the right thing. This year we are looking to our State Treasurer to join in the fight.
This April and May, investors in Wall Street banks and insurance companies will vote on at least four shareholder proposals related to climate justice and Indigenous rights.
Sign the petition to demand that State Treasurers and public pensions vote YES on critical climate justice and Indigenous rights resolutions this spring. Then send this petition to your networks and help spread the word!T Let's make sure Connecticut's voices are heard!
Thanks for all you do and stay tuned for more AGM season updates and actions coming soon!
CCAG has a history of getting involved in these AGMs and pushing investors to to do the right thing. This year we are looking to our State Treasurer to join in the fight.
This April and May, investors in Wall Street banks and insurance companies will vote on at least four shareholder proposals related to climate justice and Indigenous rights.
- A resolution calling for a time-bound phase-out of financing or insurance for companies engaged in fossil fuel expansion.
- A resolution demanding that big banks & insurance companies report on how they respect internationally-recognized human rights standards for Indigenous Peoples.
- An anti-greenwashing resolution that would push banks to adopt real climate targets.
- A resolution calling on big banks and insurance companies to publish a comprehensive plan to transition away from fossil fuels.
Sign the petition to demand that State Treasurers and public pensions vote YES on critical climate justice and Indigenous rights resolutions this spring. Then send this petition to your networks and help spread the word!T Let's make sure Connecticut's voices are heard!
Thanks for all you do and stay tuned for more AGM season updates and actions coming soon!
April 4th is National Healthy Schools Day
Join us as we celebrate this national day of action with our Breathe Better: Healthy Schools Forum.
WHO: Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools (ConnFESS), CEA, CT Coalition for Healthy Air in Schools
WHAT: Breathing Better: Healthy Schools Forum
WHERE: Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room 1C
WHEN: Tuesday, April 4th, 2023, 11 am
We will also be commemorating the 20th anniversary of Connecticut’s landmark 2003 School IAQ law and discussing opportunities for continued advocacy. We hope you will join us for this informative program.
Click HERE to Register Today!
The forum is sponsored by The Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools (ConnFESS), CEA, AFL-CIO, AFT Connecticut, CCAG, ConnectiCOSH, and the national Healthy Schools Network.
We hope you’ll join us and share this flyer with your members!
WHO: Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools (ConnFESS), CEA, CT Coalition for Healthy Air in Schools
WHAT: Breathing Better: Healthy Schools Forum
WHERE: Legislative Office Building, Hearing Room 1C
WHEN: Tuesday, April 4th, 2023, 11 am
We will also be commemorating the 20th anniversary of Connecticut’s landmark 2003 School IAQ law and discussing opportunities for continued advocacy. We hope you will join us for this informative program.
Click HERE to Register Today!
The forum is sponsored by The Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools (ConnFESS), CEA, AFL-CIO, AFT Connecticut, CCAG, ConnectiCOSH, and the national Healthy Schools Network.
We hope you’ll join us and share this flyer with your members!
Third Act Demands Bank of America and Chase Stop Funding Climate Disaster
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Seniors and activists rallied in West Hartford Center and in Norwalk March 22 as part of a national day of action to pressure the major banks to stop financing the expansion of the fossil fuel industry. Activists cut up credit cards and delivered letters demanding an end to banks’ contributions to climate disaster.
The Connecticut actions were among more than 90 events in more than half US states across the country. The day was organized by Third Act, a new group of climate activists over the age of 60, with more than 50 local and national partners, working with the CT Citizen Action Group for the Hartford area action. This national day of action against banks over climate change comes ahead of investor resolutions at their annual general meetings next month to pressure them to stop funding climate chaos. The top four fossil fuel financing banks are JP Morgan Chase, Citi, Bank of America and Wells Fargo, pumping over one quarter of the $4.6 trillion total financing for fossil fuels by the top 60 global banks between 2016 and 2021. Thousands of customers and potential customers have pledged to move their money out of these banks if the banks won’t move their investments out of fossil fuels. Click here for the Press Advisory, |
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Legislative Climate Updates 2/27/23
Low-income and Environmental Justice Communities. This is an historic opportunity to invest in clean energy, reduce bills, improve indoor health, and create job opportunities for our most vulnerable communities.
The Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1A of the LOB and via Zoom. The deadline to register to testify/submit testimony is Monday, February 27th at 3:00 PM.
Individuals who wish to testify in-person or via Zoom must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form. Please submit written testimony using the On-line Testimony Submission Form.
Need help? Find sample testimony & talking points Here.
Skyrocketing energy prices are disproportionately harming Connecticut's most vulnerable communities, and this bill will help to reduce bills through energy efficiency and improved housing. You can make a difference! Please consider testifying in person, via zoom or submitting written testimony today!
The Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. in Room 1A of the LOB and via Zoom. The deadline to register to testify/submit testimony is Monday, February 27th at 3:00 PM.
Individuals who wish to testify in-person or via Zoom must register using the On-line Testimony Registration Form. Please submit written testimony using the On-line Testimony Submission Form.
Need help? Find sample testimony & talking points Here.
Skyrocketing energy prices are disproportionately harming Connecticut's most vulnerable communities, and this bill will help to reduce bills through energy efficiency and improved housing. You can make a difference! Please consider testifying in person, via zoom or submitting written testimony today!
Climate & Environment 2022
Indigenous leaders joined by local activists to urge Travelers Insurance to act to protect the Arctic Refuge
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Press Release Hartford, CT –
On Thursday November 10, 2022, Gwich’in and Indigenous leaders and local activists gathered in downtown Hartford to support efforts to defend the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from drilling. Organizers delivered more than 64,000 petition signatures urging the CEO of Travelers Insurance, Alan Schnitzer, to join other insurance companies across the globe in committing to not underwrite or insure oil and gas exploration in the Arctic Refuge. In a letter delivered to Travelers with the petitions, Gwich’in Steering Committee Executive Director Bernadette Demientieff said: “The Arctic Refuge is known to the Gwich’in people as “Izhik Gwatsan Goodnaii Goodlit”(The Sacred Place Where Life Begins). The Gwich’in culture is intertwined with the Porcupine Caribou Herd, and we have been advocating not just for the caribou but for our lands and ways of life, which are all interconnected.” Since the Arctic Refuge was opened to drilling in the 2017 Tax Act, these groups have been working to convince major banks and insurance companies to make commitments and issue policies that they will not finance or insure drilling in the refuge. The Gwich’in and their allies have met with and convinced six of the largest banks in the United States, the five largest banks in Canada, and 18 other international banks to issue policies against financing drilling in the Arctic Refuge. The event was organized by a coalition led by the Gwich’in Steering Committee including Connecticut-based organizations Sierra Club Connecticut, Connecticut Citizen Action Group and Environment Connecticut. Read the full article here. |
Protect the Arctic Refuge
Join CCAG, Sierra Club Connecticut and Arctic Refuge Defense Campaign partners on November 10 to tell Travelers Insurance: Take a stand and cut ties with the companies drilling in the Arctic!
When projects are too inherently damaging and risky to ecosystems and humankind -- like plans to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- no insurance company should be involved.
And when insurance backs out, companies cannot drill.
We've been putting pressure on Travelers all year, with actions at their headquarters, letters, and social media. Now, join us in delivering the thousands of petitions that have been collected to their CEO calling on them not to underwrite oil and gas drilling in the Arctic.
Sign up and receive details here.
We'll hear from speakers working on this campaign, then deliver the petitions. Dress warmly!
QUESTIONS: Helen Humphreys- [email protected]
Coalition Partners Include: Gwich'in Steering Committee, Environment America and Environment Connecticut, Seeding Sovereignty, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, The Wilderness Society, First Peoples Worldwide, Insure our Future, Rainforest Action Network, and the Alaska Wilderness League.
When projects are too inherently damaging and risky to ecosystems and humankind -- like plans to drill in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- no insurance company should be involved.
And when insurance backs out, companies cannot drill.
We've been putting pressure on Travelers all year, with actions at their headquarters, letters, and social media. Now, join us in delivering the thousands of petitions that have been collected to their CEO calling on them not to underwrite oil and gas drilling in the Arctic.
Sign up and receive details here.
We'll hear from speakers working on this campaign, then deliver the petitions. Dress warmly!
QUESTIONS: Helen Humphreys- [email protected]
Coalition Partners Include: Gwich'in Steering Committee, Environment America and Environment Connecticut, Seeding Sovereignty, Connecticut Citizen Action Group, The Wilderness Society, First Peoples Worldwide, Insure our Future, Rainforest Action Network, and the Alaska Wilderness League.
IOF Report Includes Harford and Travelers in Top 30 Fossil Fuel Insurers
The Insure Our Future campaign launched its 6th annual Scorecard on Insurance, Fossil Fuels and the Climate Emergency ranking the top 30 global fossil fuel insurers.
Spoiler alert: CT-based companies, Travelers & The Hartford, did not rank well. Travelers ranked 19 out of 30, and The Hartford fell from 12th place in 2020, to 17th.
Spoiler alert: CT-based companies, Travelers & The Hartford, did not rank well. Travelers ranked 19 out of 30, and The Hartford fell from 12th place in 2020, to 17th.
- The Hartford has a policy to limit coal and tar sands, and has announced a commitment to net zero emissions, but shared no credible plan to get there. The climate emergency demands that the company takes ambitious near-term action, starting with critical steps such as ending support for harmful fossil fuel activities in the Arctic.
- Travelers has a very limited policy on coal and tar sands, and needs to step up urgently on improving its current policies, as well as taking bolder climate action and adopting human rights frameworks like requiring the Free, Prior, and Informed Consent from Indigenous communities impacted by projects.
- View or download your copy of this year's IOF Scorecard here.
Panel Discussion on Protecting the Arctic
Sept. 7th, 6pm. This panel discussion will feature community leaders and advocates working to protect sacred land and spotlight Gwich’in leadership and allies who are working to protect the sacred coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from destructive and unwanted oil and gas development. RSVP
Join us to talk about the issues, stakes, and action to take to stand with the Gwich’in.
This is a free and family friendly event.
Join us to talk about the issues, stakes, and action to take to stand with the Gwich’in.
This is a free and family friendly event.
Week of Travelers Actions
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CCAG and allies have been extremely busy with actions targeting Travelers, calling out its role in climate change with its investments in and insurance of fossil fuel. Click here for a summary video of actions so far! |
- In May, we sent several activists inside Travelers' annual shareholder meeting, while protesting outside. Then in late June...
- Monday we marched alongside the Travelers Gold Tournament with the Hartford Pride Drum Cops and dancers.
- Tuesday, we did a banner drop inside Hartford's convention center during the annual Insurance Capital Summit.
- Wednesday, Sunrise activists and UConn students called out Travelers VP Andy Bessette's troubling ties to fossil fuels at his induction to the UConn Board of Trustees Golf Hall of Fame.
- Sunday we returned to the golf tournament with T-shirts reminding people that Travelers Underwrites Climate Change.
For current actions visit this page often or sign up on our email list. Questions or comments contact Helen Humphreys
Rally For Climate: Travelers Company Annual Shareholder Meeting 5/25/22
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Travelers claims to be a climate leader but it is one of the biggest oil & gas insurers in the world.
Thank you to everyone who joined CCAG, CT Sierra Club, Insure our Future CT Coalition and more at the Travelers annual shareholder meeting on May 25th in Hartford with activists outside and inside the meeting urging the company to stop greenwashing & take real action! |
The results are in!
Learn more about Travelers Current policies here.
#InsureOurFuture
- The first resolution asking Travelers to report on its underwriting and investment emissions passed with 55% of the vote!
- The second resolution proposing to end underwriting of all new fossil fuels unfortunately failed, but received 13% of the vote.
Learn more about Travelers Current policies here.
#InsureOurFuture
Earth Day Climate Strike 4/22/22 |
As the climate crisis accelerates we need to see action at every level of government that is at the scale of the crisis we face, and centers around our state’s most vulnerable communities.
Thank you to everyone who participated on Earth Day! We demanded that Governor Lamont direct the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to immediately stop permitting all new fossil fuel power plants.
We demanded he support the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as they raise the following climate change concerns about shifts in suitable habitat for culturally significant species due to climate change; Climate change effects on culturally relevant species more broadly; Climate change effects on traditional food sources (Ex. through water chemistry and temperature changes); Climate change effects on traditional reliance and understanding from changing phenology; Climate change effects of higher temperatures on the health of the community, especially for members of the community with greater vulnerability; and mental health effects from ecological and cultural changes associated with climate change.
For more information about this and CCAG's other climate work, contact: Angel Serrano
Thank you to everyone who participated on Earth Day! We demanded that Governor Lamont direct the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to immediately stop permitting all new fossil fuel power plants.
We demanded he support the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation as they raise the following climate change concerns about shifts in suitable habitat for culturally significant species due to climate change; Climate change effects on culturally relevant species more broadly; Climate change effects on traditional food sources (Ex. through water chemistry and temperature changes); Climate change effects on traditional reliance and understanding from changing phenology; Climate change effects of higher temperatures on the health of the community, especially for members of the community with greater vulnerability; and mental health effects from ecological and cultural changes associated with climate change.
For more information about this and CCAG's other climate work, contact: Angel Serrano
CT Climate Justice March
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Thank you to everyone who participated in the CT Climate Justice March on February 8th, 2022.
Climate disruption is disproportionately harming our most vulnerable communities and stealing the future from our youth. Yet, the Connecticut government and corporations are failing us on climate action. Hundreds of us marched in Hartford to amplify the voices of the most vulnerable communities and urge Connecticut to Lead on Climate. The March was led by drummers with stops at Eversource (CT's largest utility), Travelers (the worst insurer for climate in the world), DEEP, and finishing at the State Capitol where the Governor and legislators kicked off the 2022 legislative session. Our legislative demands can be found here. |
Coalitions
CCAG, in partnership with our friends and allies, continue to make important advances in the fight against climate change. Coalitions include:
CT Renews
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Three crises - mass unemployment, climate change, and the coronavirus pandemic - disproportionately harm frontline and vulnerable communities including Black, Indigenous and Communities of Color. We can address these issues most effectively through regional coordination with other New England states. CT Renews, the Connecticut chapter of the Renew New England Alliance, is focused on environmental justice, food justice and ending our dependence on fossil fuels. More than 40 statewide advocacy organizations are actively engaged in CT Renews, with CCAG leading the work on holding community visioning events and organizing legislative meetings and actions. Contact [email protected] for details. |
Insure Our Future
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The Insure Our Future campaign is a part of an international coalition called “Stop the Money Pipeline” coalition, which is over 200 organizations strong.
Connecticut is a leader on climate action, yet our insurance industry is failing to take the action necessary to avoid climate catastrophe. Instead, the top insurers in our state are investing billions in fossil fuels, and insuring an untold number of fossil fuel projects. Through the Insure Our Future campaign & Stop the Money Pipeline, we are putting public pressure on decision makers at insurance companies to eliminate investments in fossil fuel projects, and instead focus on the movement towards a global transition to a low carbon economy. Together, in Connectictut, we've led actions against Travelers, WR Berkley and The Hartford, which all currently have billion-dollar policies with fossil fuel companies, such as coal and tar sands plants. Because of actions and support of members like yourself, the insurance industry is listening and we are winning on this issue. If you have not already, please sign-up to be a part of our Climate Justice work, either through CT Renews or the Insure Our Future Campaign |
Stop the Money Pipeline
The Stop the Money Pipeline is a coalition, which is over 200 organizations strong and includes CCAG and Insure Our Future.
Together we continue to put public pressure on decision makers at insurance companies to eliminate investments in fossil fuel projects, and instead focus on the movement towards a global transition to a low carbon economy.
If you have not already, please sign-up to be a part of our Climate Justice work, either through CT Renews or the Insure Our Future Campaign
Together we continue to put public pressure on decision makers at insurance companies to eliminate investments in fossil fuel projects, and instead focus on the movement towards a global transition to a low carbon economy.
If you have not already, please sign-up to be a part of our Climate Justice work, either through CT Renews or the Insure Our Future Campaign
The Fun Stuff!
Our Very First Cycle4CT Bike Challenge 2020
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When COVID-19 hit in 2020, we found ourselves without our usual Annual BBQ and other get togethers we rely on to fund momentum and community building.
So we decided to try a virtual Cycle for CT challenge to fight climate change one revolution at a time. It was a fun and beautiful success which continues to this day. Thank you to all Challengers, T-shirt sponsors and supporters! |
Cycle4CT Bike Challenge 2
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Thank you to everyone who participated in and supported the 2021 Cycle4CT ride to fight climate change!
Enjoy the photos sent in from challengers who participated in Connecticut and from as far away as Maine & Omaha. Watch this page for exciting updates & info for the 2022 challenge, scheduled for Oct. 15th & 16th! Together we can save our planet one revolution at a time! |
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CCAG builds and works with strong coalitions of activists and organizations to achieve climate justice. The 2021 Cycle4CT Challenge raised funds to strengthen our organizing capacity in Connecticut - and make significant progress towards a Zero Carbon Future.
Thank you to all of the 2021 Cycle4CT Sponsors! Together we can win on climate change. Join our email list for updates into 2022.
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Connecticut Citizen Action Group, 30 Arbor Street Ste 107, Hartford, CT 06106
(860) 233-2181 - [email protected]t
(860) 233-2181 - [email protected]t