ENVIRONMENT

Climate change is an existential threat to Connecticut, our nation, and our world. Bold measures right now are required to prevent the destructive weather patterns and mass extinction events currently predicted by research scientists. The U.S. is a leading driver of climate change. Connecticut must be a leader to help mitigate and reverse climate change, plus help drive needed preventive measures.

Connecticut must be a leader in environmental justice, directing resources to areas of the state that have suffered from projects that have hurt local communities’ environments.

I am committed to ending our reliance on fossil fuels by increasing renewable energy sources and offering incentives to both households and businesses to adopt wind, solar, heat pumps, geothermal, and other renewable energy technologies. We must also not allow utility companies to disincentivize adoption of solar panels on houses and businesses. Though strides led by Connecticut Democrats have been made, we must continue to make policy commitments that transition our state toward a clean energy economy at the scale and pace needed to address climate change. These efforts must include creating a much more aggressive Renewable Portfolio Standard that will lead the nation, along with increased investments to modernize the power grid to support the distribution and storage of renewable energy.

Our state should support robust investment in coastal resiliency efforts, as well as in our many other natural resources. The state must take steps to:

● Protect our water by protecting aquafers and limiting runoff

● Restore wetlands

● Continue to acquire open space and protect watersheds.

Additionally, we must accelerate the protection of farmland and our agricultural heritage. This should include:

● Creating additional financial incentives that encourage private landowners to protect forests and agricultural land

● Promoting and supporting farmers’ implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices

● Increasing investments in urban farms and farms run by women and farmers of color.

All public offices should continue to adopt sustainable options, including energy efficient/electric vehicles and office equipment. Consideration should also be given to more sustainable methods of operation, such as transitioning to digital versus paper documents, virtual versus in-person meetings, and incentives for similar changes in the private sector and homes.