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Connecticut Climate CoalitionWhat's New As the science supporting global warming moves beyond dispute and Congress begins to consider global warming regulations, increased scrutiny is on the successes and failures of climate action in the states. Today, on the second anniversary of the state’s climate plan, the Connecticut Climate Coalition released a new report assessing Connecticut’s progress. A Climate For Action reveals that of the 55 policies in the state’s climate action plan, 14 account for a full 90% of the total emissions reductions. But of those top 14, only six are currently being implemented. Without further action, the state’s emissions are estimated to be between 6.4% and 10.7% above 1990 in 2010, missing the legal mandate of returning to 1990 emission levels. With only three years before this deadline, Connecticut is losing ground at the time when its successes are most needed to propel stronger Federal policies. More. Click here for the full report. (PDF)
Background What The Citizen Connecticut Climate Coalition Stands For Click here to download the endorsement packet so that your organization can join the CT Climate Coalition. (PDF) Groundbreaking Progress In Connecticut Clean Water Action and Connecticut Climate Coalition members have been working to generate public support to make this plan a reality. In 2003, after thousands of letters from citizens asking Connecticut to reach these goals, the governor brought together stakeholders from government, business, non-profits, and academia, and held public hearings to identify policies to address global warming. Of the 55 stakeholder recommendations, 52 were unanimous, including policies to reduce pollution from cars and trucks, increase energy efficiency, protect forests and farmland, boost recycling and invest in clean energy. To keep the momentum going, Clean Water Action, with Environment Northeast and other allies, worked to pass global warming legislation in the spring of 2004. The legislation created a framework for action on global warming by putting the governors' commitment into law and mandating that the plans to hit the short and medium-term goals be completed by February 2005. The full Connecticut Climate Change Action Plan is available from www.ctclimatechange.com Progress to date: In December 2005, Governor Rell joined 6 other northeastern states to limit carbon dioxide pollution from power plants in a program known as the “Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative” which will serve as a model for other states and for Washington. The state government is leading by example with Executive Order 32 (April 2004), which committed the state to purchase clean energy for state facilities and universities with targets of 20% by 2010, 50% by 2020, and 100% by 2050. At the town level, over 35 municipalities have committed to the 20% by 2010 goal, and over 11,000 individual households have voluntarily signed up for a new clean energy electricity program. Unfinished business: In 2007 Clean Water Action will continue to work with Environment Northeast, ConnPIRG and allies to reduce pollution from diesel vehicles, invest in energy efficiency for electricity and heating, and support the implementation of a regional program to reduce carbon pollution from power plants. Click here to e-mail the Connecticut Climate Coalition to learn about the many ways individuals and organizations can get more involved in the campaign. Local Action on Global Warming Municipal Level Personal Level How does your lifestyle contributing to global warming? Calculate your own carbon footprint. The state maintains a list of global warming related events here. Climate Related Links Links to Connecticut non-profits active on global warming Copyright © 2004 New England
Climate Coalition. Updated January 25, 2006
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