2016 Environmental Summit
The turnout at this year's Summit was standing room only! The panelists were informative and engaging, the number of legislators who attended was impressive, and Governor Malloy, DEEP Commissioner Klee, and US Senator Blumenthal all took the time to speak. Video links to the panels and presenters, as well as some of the conference materials are below.
The 2016 Summit Program contains information about the speakers, contacts for environmental groups and useful advocacy resources. Panel: Protecting Our State's WatersWater is cheap and well undervalued while water infrastructure is old and costs to replace it are expensive. The most recent drought in Connecticut reminds us that this resource requires careful planning to ensure there is enough to go around for future generations. How can diverse interests come together to keep the water flowing in our rivers and watersheds while also flowing from our faucets?
Panelists discuss the intersection of water advocacy, government planning, and water utility companies.Topics incluce the state water planning process, the true cost of water, water utility infrastructure, and the water diversion proposal. Moderator: David Sutherland Panelists: Alicia Charamut, David Radka, and Mike Sullivan Resources: Please click on the link below to view the PDF or article.
Clean Water Action: Healthy Waters, Healthy Communities Water Planning Save Our Water CT: 5 Point Plan to Protect Our Water Supply Water Diversion "Proposed Regulations Set Stage For Battle Over Water" by Gregory B. Hladky "Bottling plant a wake-up call on state water" by Tom Condon "Proposed Regulations Set Stage for Battle Over Water" by Gregory Hladky "Connecticut cities better able than state to handle drought experts say" by Jack Kramer Panel: Climate ActionConnecticut's greenhouse gas emissions have been on the rise again since 2013. The state legislature's Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008 calls for a 10% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020 and 80% reduction by 2050. What are the short and long term actions that Connecticut can take to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions?
Panelists discuss the state's reliance on fossil fuels, renewable energy solutions such as shared solar, a climate strategy that focuses on energy efficiency in our transportation and building sectors, and a public-private partnership to invest in clean energy solutions. Moderator: Leah Schmalz Panelists: John Humphries, Bryan Garcia, and William Dornbos Resources: Please click on the link below to view the PDF or article.
Connecticut Statewide Greenhouse Gas Emissions Citizen's Campaign for the Environment: Let's Stop CT's Dependence on Fossil Fuels Natural Gas in Connecticut Acadia Center: Updated Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory for CT "Does Connecticut's Green Bank Hold the Secret to the Future of Clean Energy?" by Jan Ellen Spiegel "CT works on a new energy strategy as old one misses the mark" by Jan Ellen Spiegel "Low Fuel Costs Hurting Environmental Efforts" by Jack Kramer Panel: State Budget and Investing in Environmental ProgramsWith an unprecedented budget deficit projected at $1.4-1.7 billion, the 2018-2019 state budget will mean cuts of 10%-25% for agencies across the state. What do these cuts in funding mean for our environment?
Panelists discuss how the state's budget got to this point, how programs and what we will be missing when the 10% budget cut goes through, and various ways to generate funding for conservation efforts. Moderator: Eric Hammerling Panelists: Keith Phaneuf, Spencer Cain, and Karl Wagner Resources: Please click on the link below to view the article.
"Malloy Warns Budget Woes Will Hit State Park" by Gregory Hladky Please check back again soon, information is frequently being updated. Please contact CTLCV with any questions or comments by phone at (860) 236-5442 or by email at [email protected].
Photographs of the 2016 Summit by Justin O'Brien Photography |
Environmental Summit Made Possible By These Generous SponsorsValerie Friedman Fund |