LEGISLATION
Sierra Club Connecticut's staff and volunteers advocate before the Connecticut General Assembly to protect the environment and ensure that everyone has the right to a healthy world. Our Legislative Committee is comprised of members who promote new policy, closely follow legislative proposals, and inform and mobilize our members for action. Combining the work of our Legislative Committee with the grassroots support of our members gives us the ability to influence the Connecticut General Assembly to vote in the best interest of the environment, economy and people.
2027 Policy Priorities
Fires, floods, heat waves, and health impacts are just some of the climate impacts Connecticut has experienced. The reality is that this is just the beginning and Connecticut is not prepared. The escalating costs of climate impacts are adding up. Protecting Connecticut’s environment and ensuring a healthy, safe and stable climate for all is at the heart of Sierra Club Connecticut’s legislative and administrative policy priorities.
End Fossil Fuel Expansion & Subsidies that Cost Money and Harm the Climate
Fossil fuels are the cause of climate change, air pollution and high energy prices in Connecticut. It is critical that Connecticut stop building and expanding fossil fuel infrastructure, and end subsidies for fossil fuel projects.
Increase Energy Efficiency & Clean Energy to Save Money and the Climate
The solutions to our climate, pollution and high energy cost crises are renewable energy like wind, solar, battery storage, heat pumps, and electric vehicles. Connecticut must implement renewable energy solutions that save money and reduce pollution in communities most impacted.
Environmental Justice
Everyone deserves to live in a healthy and safe environment, yet due to the state's history of redlining and discriminatory policies, low-income and communities of color are exposed to greater pollution, substandard housing, contaminated air, water and soil, and are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change like heat and flooding. Connecticut must protect the more vulnerable communities from environmental harm.
Climate Resilience
Year after year, Connecticut is experiencing climate impacts including extreme heat and extreme weather events. It is critical that policies are in place to protect vulnerable populations, and that those responsible - polluters - pay.
Reduce Waste and End Incineration
Connecticut is the most incinerator dependent state in the nation; the negative impacts of trash incineration disproportionately burdens Connecticut's low-income and communities of color where incinerators are located. Connecticut must take action to reduce waste going to incinerators.
Protect Wildlife
Wildlife is under stress from habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, toxic chemicals, pollution and other stresses. Connecticut must take action to protect wildlife and reduce the use of toxic chemicals.
Contact: Julianna Larue, julianna.larue@sierraclub.org
See activity on bills we are tracking here. (bills will begin to be introduced in February 2026):
2025-26 Connecticut General Assembly Information
Visit cga.ct.gov to: Find Your Legislators, Find Legislative Leaders, Find Committees, Look up Bills, Track Bills, See the Legislative Calendar of Events
What can you do?
There is a lot you can do, and boy, do we need your help!
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Get in touch with your state legislators (Senate and House) and let them know exactly how you feel about these bills. Find out who your legislators are and their contact information here.
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Subscribe to our mailing list here. We will send you up-to-date emails on when and how to act to make sure Connecticut is moving in the right direction!
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Attend an upcoming event. See our calendar here.
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For more information, contact Steve Lewis, Legislative Committee Chair at swlewis276@gmail.com
Connecticut Chapter Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee is a team of volunteers dedicated to advancing environmental bills in the Connecticut legislature. We identify priority bills, track bills, monitor debates, and advise on strategies to ensure our Chapter’s values, clean air and water, renewable energy, climate action, and environmental justice, are represented in the Connecticut General Assembly.
Our Mission
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To protect Connecticut’s people, lands, air, and water and climate by developing and monitoring legislation, shaping advocacy strategies, and mobilizing our members to take action at the Capitol.
Our Purpose
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Monitor Environmental Legislation: Track bills on energy, conservation, land use, and public health that affect Connecticut’s environment and communities.
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Advise on Advocacy Strategy: Provide input and recommendations to guide the Chapter’s policy positions and priority bills.
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Strengthen Our Voice: Help connect members to meaningful action opportunities, like contacting legislators or testifying at hearings.
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Educate & Inform: Share updates in plain language so our members understand how legislation impacts Connecticut’s environment.
Why It Matters
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Policy decisions made by lawmakers in Hartford have a lasting impact on Connecticut’s environment.
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Industries and special interests often dominate the conversation, we provide a people-powered voice for environmental protection.
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Organized advocacy can stop harmful policies and advance solutions that create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Connecticut.
Who Can Join?
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Any dues paying member that is passionate about protecting Connecticut’s environment! No prior experience is required, just a commitment to learning, collaborating, and showing up for a healthy environment for everyone.
How We Work
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Meet once a week during the legislative session (January - June).
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Minimum commitment of 2 hrs a week during the legislative session, and regular meetings during interim.
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Attend session and testify in committee hearings as needed depending on priority bills.
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Collaborate with staff and Chapter leadership to align on environmental priorities.
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Mobilize members when action is needed, through letters, calls, testimony, and public engagement.
If you are interested in joining the Legislative Committee please email Steve Lewis: swlewis276@gmail.com or Julianna Larue: Julianna.larue@sierraclub.org