Beyong Gas, Clean Energy, & Climate

• IRP: CT DEEP issued its draft Integrated Resource Plan analyzing Connecticut’s current energy sources and outlining pathways to achieve 100% zero carbon electricity by 2040. On February 17, Sierra Club submitted these comments with recommendations including ensuring that all electricity generated in CT meet the 100% goal not just electricity supplied to CT customers. 

• Opposition to New Fossil Fuel Power Plants: Sierra Club Connecticut is actively opposing a brand new 650 megawatt fossil fuel power plant in Killingly and 375 megawatts in Middletown.

• Killingly: On February 27, a car caravan and rally, organized by allies, was held to protest the Killingly power plant. On February 23, op-ed “Does Gov. Lamont Have the Courage of this Convictions on Climate Change” and on Feb 25 “Lamont must stop waffling on the Killingly power plant issue” were published on CTMirror.org. 

• Middletown: In November 2020, DEEP tentatively approved 375MW fracked gas generation in Middletown. Sierra Club is working with local advocates including the Jonas Center in opposition to the proposal; see fact sheet here. DEEP held a public hearing on NRG gas expansion in Middletown on March 3 at 3pm via Zoom.

• End Gas Expansion: Connecticut policies continue to expand the use of gas at a time when we must be making a transition from fossil fuels to zero-emission technologies. Sierra Club Connecticut is advocating to end ratepayer subsidies of gas pipelines, customer conversions, equipment and appliances and transition to clean, renewable alternatives. On February 9 and 23rd, Sierra Club held webinars on this issue and actions that can be taken.

• Waste Reduction: Sierra Club CT is working with allies led by CT Coalition for Environmental Justice to close the MIRA trash incinerator in Hartford and to implement Zero Waste policies. We held an online meeting on March 2 at noon to focus on the topic of diverting organics from the waste stream.

• TC/ Dominion Expansion: FERC docket number CP 20-48. The compression stations in Milford and Brookfield will be expanded to supply NY with more fracked gas. The pipeline will not be enlarged.

Ready for 100​

• Local campaigns for 100% clean and renewable energy: Teams in five Connecticut towns (Hartford, Milford, Stamford, West Hartford and Windsor) are actively recruiting supporters to transition their communities to 100% clean and renewable energy. Join the conversation on Tuesday, March 30 at 6:30 pm for “Your Town, Our Planet: CT Municipalities & 100% Clean & Renewable Energy.” The event will feature municipal leaders in Connecticut discussing their clean energy progress and future plans. Co-hosted by Sierra Club, PACE and CT Energy Network.

Clean Transportation​

• Electric Vehicle  Policy: Sierra Club is working with allies to advocate for policies that promote EV charging, fleet transition, rebates and more. On February 16, Sierra Club submitted these comments urging an all-electric round of VW diesel mitigation grants. The Sierra Club joined our partners Plug In America, Forth, and the Electrification Coalition to release Version 4.0 of the AchiEVe: Model Policies to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption, the most comprehensive and current toolkit for transportation electrification in the nation. Share with your local elected officials, city/town staff, businesses and legislators.

Land & Water​

• Remington Woods: Sierra Club Connecticut’s Save Remington Woods campaign aims to protect Remington Woods from development and to be preserved in its entirety. Remington Woods is a 422 acre forest in Bridgeport and Stratford. See new video here! Sign the petition to Save Remington Woods here. Donate to the campaign here.​

Insure Our Future​

• Insure Our Future: Insure Our Future: Sierra Club is partnering with CCAG and the Insure Our Future campaign to urge the Connecticut insurance industry to stop investing in and underwriting fossil fuels.  In February, the Travelers became the 30th insurance company to rule out insuring the controversial Adani coal mine in Australia. Insure Our Future tweeted out CT advocate response.

Wildlife​

• Wildlife:  The Wildlife team is recruiting activists to support wildlife protection bills in the 2021 legislative session. Read more and show your support here.