Newington Town Crier - A step toward ratepayer relief: "One of the votes that I'm most proud of in my thirteen years as a state legislator is my vote in 1998 against electrical deregulation. I was one of seventeen out of the 151 State House of Representative members that did not believe it was the right move for Connecticut. Since then, electric bills have gone up and ratepayers have struggled with the increased costs.
During this year's regular session, we took steps to help fix the energy problems that we're facing. We passed legislation with overwhelming support that I hope will help to reduce our demand for electricity and lower prices. It's not a perfect bill, but we're working with a system that, because of federal regulations and the high price of gas and oil, we have very limited control over. ..."
Friday, June 29, 2007
TheDay.com - Report Finds State Commitment to Environment Faltering
TheDay.com - Report Finds State Commitment to Environment Faltering: "Hartford - Progress toward meeting the environmental goals the state has set for itself has faltered, and needs a renewed commitment of funding and effort from the governor’s office, the state legislature, environmental and business groups and ordinary citizens.
That was the message delivered in the annual report released Thursday by the Council on Environmental Quality, an agency charged with overseeing the state’s stewardship of its environment.
“We’re disappointed to have to report to you that somebody in the state or a combination of people have pushed the pause button,” said Thomas Harrison, chairman of the Council. “The goals are in sight, and they’re realistic, but we can’t get there without more funding, more awareness and more thoughtful action. ..."
That was the message delivered in the annual report released Thursday by the Council on Environmental Quality, an agency charged with overseeing the state’s stewardship of its environment.
“We’re disappointed to have to report to you that somebody in the state or a combination of people have pushed the pause button,” said Thomas Harrison, chairman of the Council. “The goals are in sight, and they’re realistic, but we can’t get there without more funding, more awareness and more thoughtful action. ..."
News Times Live State fails environmental goals
News Times Live State fails environmental goals
The state has its collective finger on the "pause'' button when it comes to the environment, in the view of a key state environmental official.
"We've always been able to talk about progress,'' said Thomas Harrison, chairman of the state Council on Environmental Quality on Thursday, releasing the council's 2006 report on Connecticut's environment. "We can't say that this year.''
The state has its collective finger on the "pause'' button when it comes to the environment, in the view of a key state environmental official.
"We've always been able to talk about progress,'' said Thomas Harrison, chairman of the state Council on Environmental Quality on Thursday, releasing the council's 2006 report on Connecticut's environment. "We can't say that this year.''
The Advocate - Sound's fish and sediment rate poorly in EPA report
The Advocate - Sound's fish and sediment rate poorly in EPA report: "Wetlands, river mouths and other Long Island Sound estuaries were rated among the poorest in the nation in a report by the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
The agency looked at sediment toxicity, fish contamination, bottom-feeder diversity and water quality in estuaries on the East Coast, West Coast, Gulf of Mexico and Puerto Rico."
The agency looked at sediment toxicity, fish contamination, bottom-feeder diversity and water quality in estuaries on the East Coast, West Coast, Gulf of Mexico and Puerto Rico."
Thursday, June 28, 2007
New Haven Register - Environmentalists await bond package
New Haven Register - Environmentalists await bond package: "HARTFORD — Democratic and Republican lawmakers agree that the newly approved state budget does a good job in several key environmental areas, but some activists say legislators still have lots of work to do.
Members of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters acknowledge the new two-year budget plan funds a number of important new programs involving clean water, invasive plants, energy conservation and diesel pollution.
But Lori Brown, the group's executive director, said Wednesday that the final verdict on how well or poorly the 2007 General Assembly did on environmental issues can't be determined until the legislature finishes work on a new state bond package.
A new two-year plan for using state bond money to pay for all kinds of state and local capital projects would provide badly needed new funding for clean water programs and open space and farmland preservation. ..."
Members of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters acknowledge the new two-year budget plan funds a number of important new programs involving clean water, invasive plants, energy conservation and diesel pollution.
But Lori Brown, the group's executive director, said Wednesday that the final verdict on how well or poorly the 2007 General Assembly did on environmental issues can't be determined until the legislature finishes work on a new state bond package.
A new two-year plan for using state bond money to pay for all kinds of state and local capital projects would provide badly needed new funding for clean water programs and open space and farmland preservation. ..."
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Business: Company forms natural gas plan
Business: Company forms natural gas plan: "Even as Congress again debated whether to allow drilling in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, a Norwegian company was touting its plans to anchor a natural gas terminal just 28 miles from Tampa Bay.
The floating terminal calls for special tankers to convert liquefied natural gas, then pump it to the mainland via a pipeline to Port Manatee...."
The floating terminal calls for special tankers to convert liquefied natural gas, then pump it to the mainland via a pipeline to Port Manatee...."
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
The Connecticut Post Online - Council hears strategies from state DECD chief
The Connecticut Post Online - Council hears strategies from state DECD chief: "After just five weeks on the job, Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Joan McDonald is promising to shake up the state's business growth strategies by reviewing them for effectiveness.
'At the end of the summer we will hold a series of roundtable discussions about which programs work and which programs do not,' McDonald said Monday during The Business Council of Fairfield County's 37th Annual Meeting. This was her first speaking engagement in Fairfield County since Gov. M. Jodi Rell selected her to run the state's economic development agency.
She drew laughs from the more than 250 in the audience at the start when she noted the speed with which the business council approached her to visit Fairfield County.
And, proving business has fully embraced the movement to go green, the council awarded honors to Donald Strait, executive director of Connecticut Fund for the Environment. ..."
'At the end of the summer we will hold a series of roundtable discussions about which programs work and which programs do not,' McDonald said Monday during The Business Council of Fairfield County's 37th Annual Meeting. This was her first speaking engagement in Fairfield County since Gov. M. Jodi Rell selected her to run the state's economic development agency.
She drew laughs from the more than 250 in the audience at the start when she noted the speed with which the business council approached her to visit Fairfield County.
And, proving business has fully embraced the movement to go green, the council awarded honors to Donald Strait, executive director of Connecticut Fund for the Environment. ..."
Monday, June 25, 2007
It's Getting Easier To Be Green | Business New Haven
06/25/2007 It's Getting Easier To Be Green Business New Haven: "Whether it is fear of global warming, Al Gore's movie, overall concern of the environment or, instead, overall concern of the other green stuff (i.e., money), interest in green building of both new and existing homes is growing throughout the state and region. And a growing number of architects, engineers and contractors are prepared to meet this need.
What does 'green' mean? In this instance, the word is defined as anything that's done to enhance or conserve the environment or to conserve energy - designing environmentally sensitive development sites, employing energy-saving technologies, and leveraging advances in the science of building...."
What does 'green' mean? In this instance, the word is defined as anything that's done to enhance or conserve the environment or to conserve energy - designing environmentally sensitive development sites, employing energy-saving technologies, and leveraging advances in the science of building...."
Sunday, June 24, 2007
courant.com | Pinning Up The Carbon Credits
courant.com | Pinning Up The Carbon Credits: "Pinning Up The Carbon Credits
Let's Reward Conservation - And Hang Energy Hogs Out To Dry
June 24, 2007
By SUSANNA RODELL
Summer has finally sprung in leafy Connecticut. I'm reveling in its gifts, including simple sunshine. I'm a devotee of that most ancient use of solar power: the clothesline.
It goes back a long way. I lived for many years in Australia where the Hills Hoist - that contraption with concentric squares of clothesline - is a cultural icon. Australians are thrifty by nature and, even before emissions became a concern, they've been loath to waste energy. To Australians, using a dryer on a sunny day is unforgivable, evidence of weak character.
Here in the USA there are still plenty of suburbs and neighborhoods that ban the humble clothesline as an eyesore, despite the fact that in modern households, the clothes dryer is the second energy-greediest appliance after the refrigerator.
I do a lot of my best thinking while I'm hanging out clothes. It's a great pleasure, a meditative break in my day. One day last week, pinning the upside-down shirttails to the line, I had an idea.
"
Let's Reward Conservation - And Hang Energy Hogs Out To Dry
June 24, 2007
By SUSANNA RODELL
Summer has finally sprung in leafy Connecticut. I'm reveling in its gifts, including simple sunshine. I'm a devotee of that most ancient use of solar power: the clothesline.
It goes back a long way. I lived for many years in Australia where the Hills Hoist - that contraption with concentric squares of clothesline - is a cultural icon. Australians are thrifty by nature and, even before emissions became a concern, they've been loath to waste energy. To Australians, using a dryer on a sunny day is unforgivable, evidence of weak character.
Here in the USA there are still plenty of suburbs and neighborhoods that ban the humble clothesline as an eyesore, despite the fact that in modern households, the clothes dryer is the second energy-greediest appliance after the refrigerator.
I do a lot of my best thinking while I'm hanging out clothes. It's a great pleasure, a meditative break in my day. One day last week, pinning the upside-down shirttails to the line, I had an idea.
"
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Review on gas terminal to go on - Newsday.com
Review on gas terminal to go on - Newsday.com: "Legislation that would have halted federal regulators' review of the proposed Broadwater liquid natural gas terminal in Long Island Sound failed to gain House support yesterday.
An amendment to the House energy bill introduced by Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) would have barred the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from using any federal funds next year to continue processing Broadwater's application. The amendment failed, 285-'.
Bishop said he sought to halt progress on federal approval of Broadwater after a recent federal report on liquid natural gas terminals raised questions from lawmakers about the Long Island project. More studies on Broadwater are pending.
'It's very possible this project will be licensed before that further study is available for review,' Bishop said. 'I wanted to halt this before it was approved and then it's discovered that there are major problems.'"
An amendment to the House energy bill introduced by Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) would have barred the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission from using any federal funds next year to continue processing Broadwater's application. The amendment failed, 285-'.
Bishop said he sought to halt progress on federal approval of Broadwater after a recent federal report on liquid natural gas terminals raised questions from lawmakers about the Long Island project. More studies on Broadwater are pending.
'It's very possible this project will be licensed before that further study is available for review,' Bishop said. 'I wanted to halt this before it was approved and then it's discovered that there are major problems.'"
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
News Times Live Old plant going green
News Times Live Old plant going green
"By Robert Miller
THE NEWS-TIMES
REDDING -- In its past, the Gilbert & Bennett wire factory in Georgetown provided people jobs. It gave them a life.
But it also polluted the Norwalk River and belched smoke into the air.
In its newest incarnation, the plant will once again be filled with people -- folks living in factory space converted into lofts and condominiums, and working in its offices, stores and restaurants.
It will be green -- built with new energy-efficient technology, boasting pedestrian walkways instead of roads, tied to mass transit through the construction of a new train station on the Danbury-to-Norwalk Metro-North line.
"Moving from what was brown to what will be green is consistent with our corporate philosophy,'' Stephen Solar, president of the Georgetown Land Development Company, which is building the Gilbert & Bennett project, said in a press statement Friday.
The factory complex, which opened in the 19th century, closed for good in the 1980s.
In recognition of what Solar's company will do with Gilbert & Bennett's 55 acres, the U.S. Green Building Council has included the project in a pilot program to create Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards not just for individual buildings, but for an entire neighborhood.
"This is about Smart Growth design,'' Taryn Holowka, spokeswoman for the Green Building Council, said Monday. "We're seeing that we can transfer the LEED standards to neighborhoods. ..."
"By Robert Miller
THE NEWS-TIMES
REDDING -- In its past, the Gilbert & Bennett wire factory in Georgetown provided people jobs. It gave them a life.
But it also polluted the Norwalk River and belched smoke into the air.
In its newest incarnation, the plant will once again be filled with people -- folks living in factory space converted into lofts and condominiums, and working in its offices, stores and restaurants.
It will be green -- built with new energy-efficient technology, boasting pedestrian walkways instead of roads, tied to mass transit through the construction of a new train station on the Danbury-to-Norwalk Metro-North line.
"Moving from what was brown to what will be green is consistent with our corporate philosophy,'' Stephen Solar, president of the Georgetown Land Development Company, which is building the Gilbert & Bennett project, said in a press statement Friday.
The factory complex, which opened in the 19th century, closed for good in the 1980s.
In recognition of what Solar's company will do with Gilbert & Bennett's 55 acres, the U.S. Green Building Council has included the project in a pilot program to create Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards not just for individual buildings, but for an entire neighborhood.
"This is about Smart Growth design,'' Taryn Holowka, spokeswoman for the Green Building Council, said Monday. "We're seeing that we can transfer the LEED standards to neighborhoods. ..."
Maine governor signs regional global warming bill - Boston.com
Maine governor signs regional global warming bill - Boston.com: "AUGUSTA, Maine --Gov. John Baldacci signed legislation Monday that includes Maine in the nation's first regional effort to control greenhouse gas emissions through a cap-and-trade system.
Maine joins Connecticut and other states that have already joined the 10-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which is intended to reduce pollution from northeastern power plants by 10 percent over a decade through 2018.
The law signed by Baldacci requires Maine's six largest power plants to pay for the right to release carbon dioxide, the heat-trapping gas most blamed for global warming.
Baldacci said industries that will be affected by the law worked collaboratively with environmentalists and state regulatory officials to write the complex legislation. Baldacci said the regional effort will trigger green energy development, which will be benefit the economy.
"Reducing global warming pollution protects our natural treasures for future generations, and it protects our children's future while placing Maine at the forefront of new economic opportunities," Baldacci said. ..."
Maine joins Connecticut and other states that have already joined the 10-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which is intended to reduce pollution from northeastern power plants by 10 percent over a decade through 2018.
The law signed by Baldacci requires Maine's six largest power plants to pay for the right to release carbon dioxide, the heat-trapping gas most blamed for global warming.
Baldacci said industries that will be affected by the law worked collaboratively with environmentalists and state regulatory officials to write the complex legislation. Baldacci said the regional effort will trigger green energy development, which will be benefit the economy.
"Reducing global warming pollution protects our natural treasures for future generations, and it protects our children's future while placing Maine at the forefront of new economic opportunities," Baldacci said. ..."
Monday, June 18, 2007
New Haven Register - Wind power may be in the future for Elm City
New Haven Register - Wind power may be in the future for Elm City: "Wind power may be in the future for Elm City
Randall Beach, Register Staff
06/13/2007
-NEW HAVEN — Wind turbines may be headed to the Elm City, with possible locations ranging from the summits of East Rock and West Rock to Long Wharf and Lighthouse Point.
The idea is just starting to get off the ground, but the first turbines could be built by fall 2008, according to Emily Byrne, a policy analyst for Mayor John DeStefano Jr.
These turbines should not be confused with windmills, which are used to grind grains and other agricultural products, Byrne noted. The turbines vary in height from 30 to 100 feet.
The city has pledged to reduce carbon emissions 20 percent by 2010. Some city officials see these wind turbines as one way to reach that goal. Byrne estimated each turbine would generate about $7,200 per year in electricity savings.
Byrne and the aldermen who favor the turbines are braced for potential NIMBY, or "not in my backyard," opposition, as happened when the turbines were proposed for Cape Cod, Mass.
"Some people don't find these to be the prettiest things," acknowledged Alderman Roland Lemar, D-9, who supports the concept. He termed it "exciting" and "interesting."
Byrne declined to identify any possible sites for the first turbines. (Between three and five would go up initially as an experiment.) But Lemar said locations under consideration include the port or New Haven Harbor area. East Rock, West Rock and Lighthouse Point. He said these places have the greatest wind potential.
First come the necessary approvals. The board of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund must pass it, then the New Haven Board of Aldermen. A public hearing would be held and the New Haven Parks Commission also would have to approve installation of turbines on any park land.
Byrne is optimistic about the CCEF board because "they initiated the idea." Byrne said the CCEF board will meet in late June. If the proposal were to sail through as expected, it will go to the aldermen for consideration later this summer.
Alderman Edward Mattison, D-10, said, "I think this is the wave of the future." He added the turbines will need to be proven economically feasible in terms of how much electricity they would generate.
"They realize New Haven is a 'green' leader and they knew we'd be interested — and we are," she said. Best of all, Byrne added, "They (CCEF) would pay for everything."
CCEG, which was created by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2000, is funded by a surcharge on electric ratepayers' utility bills. CCEF is administered by Connecticut Innovations Inc., which makes investments to advance new technologies.
"If we don't start taking serious steps to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels," Mattison said, "we will suffer. Our dependency on Middle East oil is causing us all kinds of grief."
Mattison said wind turbines make sense because "our power costs are as high here as anywhere."
We have a terrible gridlock in the power system."
But Mattison "Global warming and climate change are issues beyond our ability to stop alone," Lemar said. "But we can do our part through these simple, small steps."
Randall Beach, Register Staff
06/13/2007
-NEW HAVEN — Wind turbines may be headed to the Elm City, with possible locations ranging from the summits of East Rock and West Rock to Long Wharf and Lighthouse Point.
The idea is just starting to get off the ground, but the first turbines could be built by fall 2008, according to Emily Byrne, a policy analyst for Mayor John DeStefano Jr.
These turbines should not be confused with windmills, which are used to grind grains and other agricultural products, Byrne noted. The turbines vary in height from 30 to 100 feet.
The city has pledged to reduce carbon emissions 20 percent by 2010. Some city officials see these wind turbines as one way to reach that goal. Byrne estimated each turbine would generate about $7,200 per year in electricity savings.
Byrne and the aldermen who favor the turbines are braced for potential NIMBY, or "not in my backyard," opposition, as happened when the turbines were proposed for Cape Cod, Mass.
"Some people don't find these to be the prettiest things," acknowledged Alderman Roland Lemar, D-9, who supports the concept. He termed it "exciting" and "interesting."
Byrne declined to identify any possible sites for the first turbines. (Between three and five would go up initially as an experiment.) But Lemar said locations under consideration include the port or New Haven Harbor area. East Rock, West Rock and Lighthouse Point. He said these places have the greatest wind potential.
First come the necessary approvals. The board of the Connecticut Clean Energy Fund must pass it, then the New Haven Board of Aldermen. A public hearing would be held and the New Haven Parks Commission also would have to approve installation of turbines on any park land.
Byrne is optimistic about the CCEF board because "they initiated the idea." Byrne said the CCEF board will meet in late June. If the proposal were to sail through as expected, it will go to the aldermen for consideration later this summer.
Alderman Edward Mattison, D-10, said, "I think this is the wave of the future." He added the turbines will need to be proven economically feasible in terms of how much electricity they would generate.
"They realize New Haven is a 'green' leader and they knew we'd be interested — and we are," she said. Best of all, Byrne added, "They (CCEF) would pay for everything."
CCEG, which was created by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2000, is funded by a surcharge on electric ratepayers' utility bills. CCEF is administered by Connecticut Innovations Inc., which makes investments to advance new technologies.
"If we don't start taking serious steps to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels," Mattison said, "we will suffer. Our dependency on Middle East oil is causing us all kinds of grief."
Mattison said wind turbines make sense because "our power costs are as high here as anywhere."
We have a terrible gridlock in the power system."
But Mattison "Global warming and climate change are issues beyond our ability to stop alone," Lemar said. "But we can do our part through these simple, small steps."
When push comes to guv | Gristmill: The environmental news blog | Grist
When push comes to guv | Gristmill: The environmental news blog | Grist:
"Ahhhnold is calling out the U.S. government for being a bunch of girly men and women on climate change. On Monday, he teamed up with Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell, a fellow Republican, to chastise the folks on the Hill for 'inaction and denial' on climate change in an open letter published in the Washington Post. Not only have they failed to take major federal action, they've also tried to thwart actions by progressive states like California and Connecticut, the governors said.
'It's bad enough that the federal government has yet to take the threat of global warming seriously,' wrote the guvs, 'but it borders on malfeasance for it to block the efforts of states such as California and Connecticut that are trying to protect the public's health and welfare.'"
"Ahhhnold is calling out the U.S. government for being a bunch of girly men and women on climate change. On Monday, he teamed up with Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell, a fellow Republican, to chastise the folks on the Hill for 'inaction and denial' on climate change in an open letter published in the Washington Post. Not only have they failed to take major federal action, they've also tried to thwart actions by progressive states like California and Connecticut, the governors said.
'It's bad enough that the federal government has yet to take the threat of global warming seriously,' wrote the guvs, 'but it borders on malfeasance for it to block the efforts of states such as California and Connecticut that are trying to protect the public's health and welfare.'"
News Times Live Walking the walk on climate change
News Times Live Walking the walk on climate change
If climate change is going to be one of the defining issues of the 21st century, schools must teach it.
Maybe just as importantly, they have to live it.
Western Connecticut State University in Danbury has taken that step this week, signing the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.
"It's an important place for us to be,'' said WestConn president James Schmotter.
It's also an increasingly crowded place. Since December, nearly 300 colleges and universities have signed the commitment.
In Connecticut, four other schools -- Eastern Connecticut State University, Manchester Community College, the University of Connecticut and Yale University -- are on board.
"The schools range from small private colleges to big public universities,'' said Julian Dautremont-Smith, associate director of the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education in Lexington, Ky. "And we're in 45 states, so it's across the country.''
By signing the commitment, WestConn pledges to develop a plan to reduce campus greenhouse emissions within two years. Some of the steps the university could take include:
_ Requiring all new campus buildings to meet standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council.
_ Buying energy-efficient appliances for university buildings.
_ Encouraging students and faculty to use public transportation whenever possible.
_ Purchasing 15 percent of the energy WestConn uses from renewable sources.
Schmotter said the university has already begun to take some of these steps...."
If climate change is going to be one of the defining issues of the 21st century, schools must teach it.
Maybe just as importantly, they have to live it.
Western Connecticut State University in Danbury has taken that step this week, signing the American College & University Presidents Climate Commitment.
"It's an important place for us to be,'' said WestConn president James Schmotter.
It's also an increasingly crowded place. Since December, nearly 300 colleges and universities have signed the commitment.
In Connecticut, four other schools -- Eastern Connecticut State University, Manchester Community College, the University of Connecticut and Yale University -- are on board.
"The schools range from small private colleges to big public universities,'' said Julian Dautremont-Smith, associate director of the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education in Lexington, Ky. "And we're in 45 states, so it's across the country.''
By signing the commitment, WestConn pledges to develop a plan to reduce campus greenhouse emissions within two years. Some of the steps the university could take include:
_ Requiring all new campus buildings to meet standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council.
_ Buying energy-efficient appliances for university buildings.
_ Encouraging students and faculty to use public transportation whenever possible.
_ Purchasing 15 percent of the energy WestConn uses from renewable sources.
Schmotter said the university has already begun to take some of these steps...."
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
courant.com | Congress' Bill Has Bad Energy
courant.com | Congress' Bill Has Bad Energy
June 12, 2007
While the Republican-led Congress and the Bush administration stalled and dawdled for years, California, Connecticut and 10 other states forged ahead, adopting laws that would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from cars and 18 percent from sport utility vehicles beginning in 2009.
A lot has changed since fall. Scientists around the world are agreed that human activity is speeding up global warming. Congress now has a Democratic majority. This spring, the Supreme Court told the Environmental Protection Agency to start regulating carbon dioxide, the chief cause of global warming.
Conditions seem ripe for a new course on energy, and California has officially asked the EPA for a waiver to implement its tougher-than-federal standards for tailpipe emissions.
But the EPA is still stalling. Worse, Democratic Congressman Rick Boucher of Virginia (with the support of Michigan Democrat John Dingell) is proposing a bill that would prohibit the EPA from issuing any waiver "designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions." This would undercut state efforts to reduce tailpipe emissions. ...
June 12, 2007
While the Republican-led Congress and the Bush administration stalled and dawdled for years, California, Connecticut and 10 other states forged ahead, adopting laws that would cut greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from cars and 18 percent from sport utility vehicles beginning in 2009.
A lot has changed since fall. Scientists around the world are agreed that human activity is speeding up global warming. Congress now has a Democratic majority. This spring, the Supreme Court told the Environmental Protection Agency to start regulating carbon dioxide, the chief cause of global warming.
Conditions seem ripe for a new course on energy, and California has officially asked the EPA for a waiver to implement its tougher-than-federal standards for tailpipe emissions.
But the EPA is still stalling. Worse, Democratic Congressman Rick Boucher of Virginia (with the support of Michigan Democrat John Dingell) is proposing a bill that would prohibit the EPA from issuing any waiver "designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions." This would undercut state efforts to reduce tailpipe emissions. ...
Monday, June 11, 2007
TheDay.com - Going Up
TheDay.com - Going Up: "'Eel-evator' in Old Saybrook is designed to make upstream a little easier to get to
By the time these tiny olive brown serpentines started squiggling down the aluminum slide in the upstream reaches of the Oyster River this spring, they'd already passed through two major life stages and traveled more than 1,000 miles. ...
“This helps them to get up into the upper ponds, otherwise they'd just stay in the lower portions of the river” and face more competition for less habitat, says Chris Cryder, director of restoration and stewardship for Save the Sound, one of the groups involved in the project.
Before the “eel-evator” was built, some of the eels would slither across the grassy top of the dam on rainy nights during high tide. But the numbers reaching the upstream waters above the dam had dwindled, and wildlife biologists concerned about overall decreases in eel populations are looking to projects such as this to help restore it. ..."
By the time these tiny olive brown serpentines started squiggling down the aluminum slide in the upstream reaches of the Oyster River this spring, they'd already passed through two major life stages and traveled more than 1,000 miles. ...
“This helps them to get up into the upper ponds, otherwise they'd just stay in the lower portions of the river” and face more competition for less habitat, says Chris Cryder, director of restoration and stewardship for Save the Sound, one of the groups involved in the project.
Before the “eel-evator” was built, some of the eels would slither across the grassy top of the dam on rainy nights during high tide. But the numbers reaching the upstream waters above the dam had dwindled, and wildlife biologists concerned about overall decreases in eel populations are looking to projects such as this to help restore it. ..."
Friday, June 8, 2007
TheDay.com - Study: Ocean Alternative To LNG Project Could Be Built
TheDay.com - Study: Ocean Alternative To LNG Project Could Be Built
Broadwater Officials Say Report Didn't Take A Close Enough Look
By Judy Benson, June 8, 2007
A report weighing Broadwater Energy's proposal for a floating gas terminal in Long Island Sound says the level of wind and wave action in the nearby Atlantic Ocean does not preclude an alternative type of facility from being built there instead.
The April report was done by consultants at the Duxbury, Mass., offices of Battelle, a science and technology firm, for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. It was provided to media outlets by the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, one of the main groups opposing Broadwater Energy, which proposed the gas terminal...
The report was done as part of the ongoing evaluation by the New York Department of State into whether the Broadwater project is consistent with the permitted uses in its waterways, said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens Campaign.
“This report is immensely hopeful,” Esposito said Wednesday. “We've been strongly searching for alternative locations and technologies. Is this perfect? No. Is it better that putting it in an estuary? Yes.”
Broadwater Officials Say Report Didn't Take A Close Enough Look
By Judy Benson, June 8, 2007
A report weighing Broadwater Energy's proposal for a floating gas terminal in Long Island Sound says the level of wind and wave action in the nearby Atlantic Ocean does not preclude an alternative type of facility from being built there instead.
The April report was done by consultants at the Duxbury, Mass., offices of Battelle, a science and technology firm, for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. It was provided to media outlets by the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, one of the main groups opposing Broadwater Energy, which proposed the gas terminal...
The report was done as part of the ongoing evaluation by the New York Department of State into whether the Broadwater project is consistent with the permitted uses in its waterways, said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens Campaign.
“This report is immensely hopeful,” Esposito said Wednesday. “We've been strongly searching for alternative locations and technologies. Is this perfect? No. Is it better that putting it in an estuary? Yes.”
Thursday, June 7, 2007
News Times Live Saving energy can save money
News Times Live Saving energy can save money
By Robert Miller
THE NEWS-TIMES
It's fairly straightforward, said Ben Maldonado,owner of Scalzo Appliances in Danbury. Once consumers agree that energy-efficient appliances are worth the cost, and dealers start to feature them, they'll sell...
The state will also drop the sales tax on florescent light bulbs. That tax exemption will be retroactive to June 1 -- you must have the sales receipts to claim it for the first few days of the month -- and will be permanent...
"I think taking advantages of the energy efficiencies these appliances offer makes a lot of sense,'' said Charles Rothenberger, staff attorney for the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. "If anything I think the state needs to publicize this a lot more. I bought a bunch of weatherization stuff for my house a year-and-a-half ago, and I had no idea it was tax exempt...."
By Robert Miller
THE NEWS-TIMES
It's fairly straightforward, said Ben Maldonado,owner of Scalzo Appliances in Danbury. Once consumers agree that energy-efficient appliances are worth the cost, and dealers start to feature them, they'll sell...
The state will also drop the sales tax on florescent light bulbs. That tax exemption will be retroactive to June 1 -- you must have the sales receipts to claim it for the first few days of the month -- and will be permanent...
"I think taking advantages of the energy efficiencies these appliances offer makes a lot of sense,'' said Charles Rothenberger, staff attorney for the Connecticut Fund for the Environment. "If anything I think the state needs to publicize this a lot more. I bought a bunch of weatherization stuff for my house a year-and-a-half ago, and I had no idea it was tax exempt...."
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
News Times Live Saving energy begins at home
News Times Live Saving energy begins at home
By Robert Miller THE NEWS-TIMES
If you have an old-fashioned oil furnace, you're burning money as well as fuel.
Now, the state will give you $500 to get rid of your outdated furnace and get a new, energy-efficient model -- smaller, better for your home and the environment.
"The furnaces they sell now are at 80 to 85 percent efficient," Bill Crowe, president of DDD Heating and Air Conditioning in Danbury and Ridgefield said Monday. "Some of the new models are even better.
"With old furnaces, you're probably only looking at 60 to 70 percent efficiency."
The $500 rebate is one of the features in the state's new energy bill, passed Friday by the General Assembly's House of Representatives and Saturday by the state Senate.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell must now sign the bill into law. ..."
By Robert Miller THE NEWS-TIMES
If you have an old-fashioned oil furnace, you're burning money as well as fuel.
Now, the state will give you $500 to get rid of your outdated furnace and get a new, energy-efficient model -- smaller, better for your home and the environment.
"The furnaces they sell now are at 80 to 85 percent efficient," Bill Crowe, president of DDD Heating and Air Conditioning in Danbury and Ridgefield said Monday. "Some of the new models are even better.
"With old furnaces, you're probably only looking at 60 to 70 percent efficiency."
The $500 rebate is one of the features in the state's new energy bill, passed Friday by the General Assembly's House of Representatives and Saturday by the state Senate.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell must now sign the bill into law. ..."
courant.com | Small Towns Need Funds After Falling Behind
courant.com | Small Towns Need Funds After Falling Behind
June 5, 2007
BART RUSSELL
Connecticut's smaller towns in suburban and rural areas rely on state aid to provide their residents and businesses with essential municipal services, such as safe roads, good schools and effective police and fire safety services. Unfortunately, state aid to municipalities was cut significantly in 2003 in an effort to reduce the state's deficit and in many cases has still not been restored to pre-2003 levels.
The result? Towns have had to raise property taxes, and this has placed an even greater burden on already beleaguered local taxpayers. They need, and deserve, property tax relief now.
The Connecticut Council of Small Towns is calling on the governor and legislative leaders to consider the following priorities in drafting this year's state budget and bond package:
The council of small towns strongly supports the efforts of the governor and General Assembly to significantly increase kindergarten to 12th-grade school funding under the state's Education Cost Sharing formula. We also urge support for making long overdue changes to the formula, including eliminating the cap and significantly raising the foundation level, to help all of Connecticut's communities meet their obligation to provide quality education. ..."
June 5, 2007
BART RUSSELL
Connecticut's smaller towns in suburban and rural areas rely on state aid to provide their residents and businesses with essential municipal services, such as safe roads, good schools and effective police and fire safety services. Unfortunately, state aid to municipalities was cut significantly in 2003 in an effort to reduce the state's deficit and in many cases has still not been restored to pre-2003 levels.
The result? Towns have had to raise property taxes, and this has placed an even greater burden on already beleaguered local taxpayers. They need, and deserve, property tax relief now.
The Connecticut Council of Small Towns is calling on the governor and legislative leaders to consider the following priorities in drafting this year's state budget and bond package:
The council of small towns strongly supports the efforts of the governor and General Assembly to significantly increase kindergarten to 12th-grade school funding under the state's Education Cost Sharing formula. We also urge support for making long overdue changes to the formula, including eliminating the cap and significantly raising the foundation level, to help all of Connecticut's communities meet their obligation to provide quality education. ..."
Monday, June 4, 2007
Hartford Business Jrnl | As Session Ends, Lobbyists Report Raking In Millions
Hartford Business: ... Halloran & Sage, which never ranked in the top 10 from 1999 to 2004, pulled in $285,760 already this year, putting it in the seventh pole position. Part of a 72-year-old law firm based in Hartford, the lobbying unit was buoyed by $26,076 for its difficult work pushing the Broadwater liquid natural gas project.
The Connecticut Post Online - Legislature OKs energy reform bill
The Connecticut Post Online - Legislature OKs energy reform bill: "
HARTFORD — Despite opposition from two Democratic leaders on a key legislative committee, the General Assembly on Saturday approved a bill aimed at repairing the damage of a 1998 law that led to sky-high energy costs.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell indicated that she will sign the legislation, which would allow the state's two major electricity providers back into the power-generation business under limited conditions.
While consumers are offered incentives and rebates for buying more-efficient appliances, it would also reward generators with additional payments if ratepayers are successful in conservation efforts.
Environmental activists said that parts of the bill would cut pollution linked to global warming and promote clean energy to try to obtain 20 percent of the state's energy from renewable sources, including wind and solar power, by the year 2020."
HARTFORD — Despite opposition from two Democratic leaders on a key legislative committee, the General Assembly on Saturday approved a bill aimed at repairing the damage of a 1998 law that led to sky-high energy costs.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell indicated that she will sign the legislation, which would allow the state's two major electricity providers back into the power-generation business under limited conditions.
While consumers are offered incentives and rebates for buying more-efficient appliances, it would also reward generators with additional payments if ratepayers are successful in conservation efforts.
Environmental activists said that parts of the bill would cut pollution linked to global warming and promote clean energy to try to obtain 20 percent of the state's energy from renewable sources, including wind and solar power, by the year 2020."
TheDay.com - Conservation Offers The Biggest Savings
TheDay.com - Conservation Offers The Biggest Savings:
By Charles Rothenberger
June 3, 2007
As the Connecticut General Assembly works toward the adoption of appropriate energy policies for our state, our elected officials must remain focused on the fact that overcoming the many energy challenges facing our state will require a comprehensive and multi-faceted series of policy initiatives.
As Connecticut attempts to address rising energy costs and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens, it is clear that our emerging energy policy must include a clear commitment to improving the environmental performance of our economy.
A key element of any successful energy initiative must include aggressive, yet common-sense and achievable efforts to promote the use of green building standards. Buildings in the United States account for 68 percent of total electricity consumption, 39 percent of total energy use and 38 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions in the country."
By Charles Rothenberger
June 3, 2007
As the Connecticut General Assembly works toward the adoption of appropriate energy policies for our state, our elected officials must remain focused on the fact that overcoming the many energy challenges facing our state will require a comprehensive and multi-faceted series of policy initiatives.
As Connecticut attempts to address rising energy costs and improve the overall quality of life for its citizens, it is clear that our emerging energy policy must include a clear commitment to improving the environmental performance of our economy.
A key element of any successful energy initiative must include aggressive, yet common-sense and achievable efforts to promote the use of green building standards. Buildings in the United States account for 68 percent of total electricity consumption, 39 percent of total energy use and 38 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions in the country."
TheDay.com - Ladder Allows Herring To Follow Their Noses
TheDay.com - Ladder Allows Herring To Follow Their Noses: "Waterford — To certain river herring, there's no place that has quite the olfactory allure of the freshwater portions of Jordan Brook.
But the magnetic attraction of that particular piece of water for those particular fish, stirred every spring by memories of smells imprinted at birth, had been confounded for 300 years. That's when the brook was dammed for a grist mill just at the place where the brackish tidal waters of Jordan Cove meet the fresh waters of the brook.
The adult herring would swim in from Long Island Sound to the cove, seeking the freshwater place where they were born and could start the next generation, only to meet the impenetrable obstacle of the dam. Some would still spawn just below the dam, but if the eggs drifted too close to the nearby brackish water, they would die. Spring herring runs that once numbered in the thousands had dwindled to just dozens of fish.
“Hundreds of years ago, people put up dams all across this watershed,” said Curt Johnson, project director of Save the Sound, during an event celebrating the opening of a fish ladder on the brook. “The problem is, the fish would come up here and say, 'Damn! (sic) I can't get through.' They were blocked from the places they had traditionally come.”"
But the magnetic attraction of that particular piece of water for those particular fish, stirred every spring by memories of smells imprinted at birth, had been confounded for 300 years. That's when the brook was dammed for a grist mill just at the place where the brackish tidal waters of Jordan Cove meet the fresh waters of the brook.
The adult herring would swim in from Long Island Sound to the cove, seeking the freshwater place where they were born and could start the next generation, only to meet the impenetrable obstacle of the dam. Some would still spawn just below the dam, but if the eggs drifted too close to the nearby brackish water, they would die. Spring herring runs that once numbered in the thousands had dwindled to just dozens of fish.
“Hundreds of years ago, people put up dams all across this watershed,” said Curt Johnson, project director of Save the Sound, during an event celebrating the opening of a fish ladder on the brook. “The problem is, the fish would come up here and say, 'Damn! (sic) I can't get through.' They were blocked from the places they had traditionally come.”"
Journal Inquirer - Suffield celebrates wastewater treatment plant's $5 million upgrade
Journal Inquirer - Suffield celebrates wastewater treatment plant's $5 million upgrade: "SUFFIELD - The Water Pollution Control Authority held a dedication ceremony Thursday to celebrate the completion of the $5 million expansion of the wastewater-treatment plant, on schedule and under budget.
Although almost invisible to the general public, the facility quietly performs an important service to the town and the environment, cleaning sewage and wastewater and returning it to the environment.
And with the upgrade and expansion of the facility, that's done more efficiently."
Although almost invisible to the general public, the facility quietly performs an important service to the town and the environment, cleaning sewage and wastewater and returning it to the environment.
And with the upgrade and expansion of the facility, that's done more efficiently."
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