CCE works to advance legislation that will protect our natural environment and public health, while working to oppose legislation that will have an adverse impact on our shared environment.

The Connecticut General Assembly is the legislative branch of State Government. Made up of the House of Representatives (151 members) and the Senate (36 members), it enacts laws dealing with the collection and allocation of funds, public welfare, the environment, education, public works, civil and criminal law and other matters. Regular sessions of the Connecticut General Assembly are held from January to June in odd-numbered years, and from February to May in even-numbered years.

Below is a list of proposed legislation that CCE is working to advance in the 2009 State of Connecticut Legislative Session.

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA ITEMS:

Promoting Reusable Bag Use

Flimsy plastic bags, designed for one use, are ubiquitous litter and often end up polluting our waterways, endangering marine life, and clogging gutters and sewers. Unfortunately, voluntary efforts to reduce the amount of plastic bags consumed by shoppers have not produced the results necessary to protect the environment, wildlife, and to reduce our use of petroleum-based products. Reusable grocery bags, readily available at most stores, provide an easy and sustainable alternative. Learning from a successful Irish fee program that resulted in a 90% reduction in plastic bags, during the 2009 CT session CCE is advocating for a statewide mandatory in-store fee on disposable bags.
CCE's memo of support for this legislation
CCE’s campaign page on plastic bag pollution

Harbor Improvement Fund

Many harbors and inlets in Connecticut require routine dredged to remove sediment build-up and improve navigation. Dredged sediments or “dredged materials” often contain toxic heavy metals and other pollutants. CCE is opposed to open water disposal of dredged materials. As a result of overwhelming public support CT, NY and the EPA entered into a historic bi-state agreement to phase out the dumping of dredged materials in the Long Island Sound. Funding safer disposal options continues to be a barrier for CT’s compliance with the open-water dumping ban. Dedicated funding will help CT with routine maintenance activities, and assist the State to utilize the most environmentally-friendly means of reuse and disposal of dredged materials.
CCE's memo of support for this legislation

Restoring Funding for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

The mission of the DEP is to protect, preserve and manage the state’s natural resources. For years the demand for environmental programs has outpaced appropriated budget, creating a backlog of projects and creating roadblocks to implement critical environmental initiatives in every part of the State. The General Assembly and Governor should maintain funding in this budget cycle to allow DEP to maintain critically-underfunded programs.
CCE's testimony regarding DEP funding
CCE’s campaign page on DEP funding

In early November, Governor Rell issued an executive order to reduce $1.26 million in funding for the DEP
These cuts include:

• Air Quality: The DEP was formed in 1971 and has produced marked improvements in air quality for CT. The Bureau of Air Management regulates air quality to protect public health and the environment through pollution control and abatement strategies. The Governor cut $245,155 from the Clean Air Account.
• Recycling Programs: Solid Waste Management is DEP’s comprehensive program to reduce garbage generation and mandates municipal recycling. The Governor cut $141,621 from the waste reduction program, hindering critical recycling efforts that conserve natural resources, save consumers money, and sustain the environment for present and future generations
• Clean Water: DEP carries out numerous programs to improve water quality in our rivers and streams, protect public health by monitoring beach water quality, and reduce polluted storm water. The health of our regional economy depends on the health of the Long Island Sound. Generating $8 billion to the regional economy annually, the health of the Long Island Sound is dependent upon DEP programs that invest in Long Island Sound restoration. For example, the successful Lobster Restoration V-notch program promotes lobster population recovery while providing economic assistance to lobstermen. The Governor cut $10,000 from the V-notch program.

Bigger, Better Bottle Bill

Since 1980, the Bottle Bill has reduced litter and promoted recycling by placing a five-cent deposit on carbonated bottles and cans. Drinking preferences have greatly changed in the almost 30 years since the Bottle Bill was enacted. Now ice tea, sports drinks, and bottled water are growing in popularity. Although these drinks are often sold in the same kind of bottles, they are not currently returnable under the current law. CCE is advocating to update and modernize the bottle bill.
CCE’s testimony in support of expanding the bottle bill

Updated by bferenz 12/8/09