Our climate work here at Sierra Club Connecticut is focused on two major themes. One theme is stopping expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure like gas pipelines, gas power plants. The other is advocating for clean energy like wind, solar, heat pumps, electric vehicles, and more. Our work in both these areas was in high gear in September.

 

The relentless attacks on the environment from the Trump administration included a stop work order on Revolution Wind, which is 80% complete, and will deliver enough clean and renewable electricity to power over 350,000 homes in Connecticut and Rhode Island. In late September, a judge ruled work could continue while the case against the Trump administration decision continues. Offshore wind is absolutely critical to reducing climate and health harming pollution in Connecticut, and meeting our state’s 100% zero-carbon electricity law. Sierra Club co-authored this op-ed with allies, and this tool for our members to write letters to the editor in support of offshore wind and against the stop work order. Here’s one of the letters written by member Joe Wasserman that appeared in the Hartford Courant. We encourage you to write a letter to the editor today!

 

At the state level, despite Connecticut’s more environmentally-friendly posture, there are also dark clouds in the form of proposed new and expanded methane/fracked gas pipelines and facilities. As I reported last month, Connecticut DEEP made a tentative decision to issue permits to expand the Brookfield compressor station. If approved, the Brookfield compressor station will double the turbines at the facility and push an additional 125 million cubic feet of methane gas per day through the pipeline. We asked for your comments in opposition to this decision. We asked, and you responded. DEEP received over 190 comments, including these from Sierra Club Connecticut. Save the Sound, the Brookfield Board of Selectmen and community members in Brookfield have requested a hearing, we will keep you posted on the hearing and next steps.

 

September provided opportunities to advocate for and celebrate the benefits of clean energy. Our Chapter has a vision for energy efficiency and renewable energy to power our state, heat our buildings and provide our transportation. This vision would replace fossil fuels with clean energy in electricity generation, buildings, and transportation resulting in a reduction of health- and climate- harming pollution.  

 

Connecticut’s Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) is doing a study of Connecticut’s solar programs which will result in a report to the legislature on possible changes to the programs. Sierra Club has hosted educational sessions for advocates for each of the public comment periods and submitted comments including these in July and these in September to advocate for better access to solar and more solar for our residents.

 

Sierra Club staff and volunteers hosted and helped with Sun Day events on September 20 and 21 including the statewide event at Central Connecticut State University. These Sun Day events were part of a nationwide movement to celebrate, educate and mobilize in support of clean and renewable energy.

 

Sierra Club staff and volunteers also hosted and helped with National Drive Electric Month (NDEM) events in September. NDEM continues through October 12, so find an event near you.

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​Thank you for joining us in these events and actions for our climate. Together, we make a difference.

 

Samantha Dynowski is State Director of Sierra Club Connecticut