Connecticut

CONNECTICUT

Located between New York’s Hudson River Valley and Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay, Connecticut is home to 3.5 million people and encompasses 5.5 thousand square miles, making it the third smallest state by area, the 29th most populous, and the fourth most densely populated of the fifty states.

Connecticut’s topography varies from hilly slopes in the northwestern portion of the state to the southeastern coast along the Long Island Sound. Its climate, like many of its Southern New England neighbors, is experiencing shorter and warmer winters, hotter summers, longer and more intense heat waves, rising sea level, and bigger rain storms – all things that show climate change isn’t something that’s coming, it’s something that is here. Since the beginning of the 20th century, Connecticut’s temperatures have increased an average of 3 degrees.

Connecticut’s greatest climate change risks are inextricably intertwined with its 217 miles of Long Island Sound shoreline. Nearly 40 percent of its population lives in 36 coastal communities, all of which now face a dangerous combination of rising water levels and frequent storms.

As sea levels have risen along the Connecticut coastline, the number of tidal flood days have gradually increased overwhelming storm drains. Global sea levels are projected to rise another 1 to 4 feet by 2100 as a result of both past and future emissions from human activities, and even greater increases can be expected along the northeast U.S. coast following historical trends.

Natural gas and nuclear power fueled almost 95% of Connecticut’s utility-scale electricity generation in 2020. Only one nuclear power plant exists in Connecticut, the 2,073-megawatt Millstone nuclear power station. It supplied 38% of Connecticut’s net generation. Connecticut had one remaining coal-fired power plant at the Bridgeport Harbor Station, which contributed less than 0.1% of the state’s net generation in 2020. It closed in 2021. Renewable resources  (primarily solar, biomass and hydroelectric) provided about 5% of Connecticut’s electricity net generation in 2020 with petroleum contributing less than .1%

Connecticut does not have any crude oil reserves and does not produce or refine petroleum. However, a pipeline originating in New Haven delivers refined petroleum products to central Connecticut and terminates in central Massachusetts. About seven-tenths of the petroleum consumed in Connecticut is used in the transportation sector, primarily as motor gasoline. Connecticut does not have any natural gas reserves or production. Nor coal.

The Connecticut legislature has taken multiple steps to combat climate change and global warming. They first passed landmark legislation in 1990 and immediately strengthened it with an Act Concerning Connecticut Global Warming Solutions  requiring the state to reduce emissions by 10 percent (from 1990 emissions) by 2020, as well as mandating an 80 percent reduction (from 2001 emissions) by 2050. Their renewable portfolio standard (RPS), created in 1998,  has been revised several times since then. It now requires that increasing amounts of electricity sold in the state be generated from renewable resources, reaching 40% by 2030. Additionally, in June, 2019, Connecticut’s governor called for 100% carbon-free power by 2040 and almost simultaneously Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)  issued a RFP to solicit proposals to install up to 2,000 megawatts of offshore wind generating capacity by 2030. The state now has two offshore wind projects:  Revolution Wind, developed by Eversource Energy and Orsted, as well as Park City Wind, developed by Vineyard Wind.

The following year, in December, 2020, DEEP published a roadmap to achieve a 100% zero carbon electric sector by 2040.  Six months later, in June, 2021, the governor signed another bill establishing a goal of deploying 1,000MW of energy storage by the end of 2030, making it the eighth state to set an energy storage target.

Later that same month, West Hartford became the first town in Connecticut to commit to 100% clean energy, adopting a new Comprehensive Energy Plan and joining 14 counties, nine states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and more than 180 communities across the United States in that commitment. A month later, Hamden, a town of about 62,000, approved an energy plan to build its first microgrid by 2025.

Connecticut is one of twenty four states, and Puerto Rico, committed to the U.S. Climate Alliance, which is working to implement policies that advance the goals of the Paris Agreement.

CURRENT NEWS

As climate change warms coastal waters, a rare bacterial infection could pose more of a threat

By Michayla Savitt 08/24/23
Several people along the East Coast have contracted a rare “flesh-eating” bacterial infection that scientists say is exacerbated by climate change.
Read more

CT’s electric vehicle debate brings out passion and anger. Don’t ‘follow that communist cesspool California,’ resident pleads.

By ED Stannard 08/22/23
While supporters of electric vehicles point to them as less polluting and a tool to combat climate change, opponents have several arguments against the state’s proposal to require all vehicle sales be electric in 2035.
Read more

Last winter was second-warmest in Conn. since 1950s

By Jose Luis Martinez 08/22/23
People across the state either celebrated or lamented the lack of snow last winter. But was it a one-time event or part of a longer trend? One way to find out is by looking at…
Read more

Connecticut likely to see more extreme weather as region warms the fastest, experts say

By Vincent Gabrielle 08/19/23
If you thought the planet was hotter than usual this past July, it wasn't your imagination. And it's only going to get worse for Connecticut, which sits on the edge of the North America section…
Read more

‘Sticker shock.’ Connecticut insurers warn about rising climate change costs

By John Craven 08/05/23
Hartford is the “Insurance Capital of the World.” But on Friday, insurers warned Connecticut leaders about skyrocketing costs for property owners – if the state doesn’t take aggressive action to harden homes and infrastructure against…
Read more

Ranking Predicts Connecticut Faces Less Danger from Climate Change than 37 States

By David Flemming 08/04/23
A Climate Change Risk Index created by SafeHome.org predicts that Connecticut will fare better under climate change than most states. Connecticut received a 128 score, tying with Montana and North Dakota for 9th least affected…
Read more

Deluge of rain prompts CT communities to assess climate resiliency

By Michayla Savitt 07/18/23
Local experts are brainstorming with Connecticut municipalities about possible resilience measures against climate change’s impact on future storms, as more rain is expected through this weekend.
Read more

Lamont announces $8.8M in state funding to support climate resilience efforts, including flood mitigation

By Angelo Bavaro 07/11/23
Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced that the State of Connecticut is awarding $8.8 million in grants through the inaugural round of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Climate Resilience Fund (DCRF)
Read more

Extreme 100-year floods could happen every few decades in CT, report shows

By Vincent Gabrielle 07/10/23
Flooding in Connecticut is likely to get worse due to climate change, a newly updated model demonstrates. Extreme 100-year floods predicted by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration are estimated to be more frequent. In…
Read more

Connecticut insurers face new calls for data, action on climate change

By Liese Klein 07/10/23
If the wildfire smoke stinging your eyes or your electricity bill after the last heat wave didn’t convince you of the impact of climate change, perhaps this fact will: Climate-related catastrophes cost the global insurance…
Read more

Guess Who’s Been Paying to Block Green Energy. You Have.

By David Pomerantz 07/05/23
To avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we have to make two big transitions at once: First, we have to generate all of our electricity from clean sources, like wind turbines and solar panels,…
Read more

Key climate change proposal dies in CT legislature — for now

By John Moritz 05/03/23
A bill that would empower Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration to take a heavier hand in regulating climate-altering carbon emissions is in jeopardy this week after members of the legislature’s budget-writing committee opted to pass over…
Read more

PLANS TO ACCELERATE RENEWABLES

UConn’s School of Engineering Aims to Help Impoverished Families Power Homes with Renewable Energy

09/18/23
Researchers at the University of Connecticut are scratching beneath the surface to supply renewable energy to an affordable housing development.

Adapture Renewables completes 20-MW Connecticut solar project

09/06/23
Adapture Renewables, a developer, owner and operator of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects, announced the completion of the North Stonington Solar Center, a 20-MWDC solar project in New London County, Connecticut. The North…

Connecticut retirement community leads charge for 732 kW solar system

09/05/23
The Meadow Ridge retirement community in Redding, Connecticut, has signed an agreement with Verogy to build a 732 kW solar installation. When complete, the project will supply Meadow Ridge with more than 850,000 kWh —…

Dynamic Energy and DSD Energize Connecticut’s First Community Solar Project on STAG Industrial Rooftop in Milford, CT

08/30/23
Dynamic Energy Solutions, LLC, a leading developer and installer of commercial and community solar projects, has completed construction on a groundbreaking rooftop solar project in Connecticut. The 2.1 MW solar system became operational in August…

Greenskies installs ground-mount solar array for Connecticut high school

08/29/23
The Town of Killingly partnered with Greenskies Clean Focus to install an additional 1-MW solar array at Killingly High School in Connecticut.

Connecticut’s Renewable Energy Focus Gains Momentum

08/18/23
I’ve been spending my summer in Connecticut. It’s a very different place to live than Florida, in ways that extend beyond heat and humidity and into perspectives about equity, fair play, and climate pollution. That’s…

UConn selected to lead a nationwide clean energy project

07/24/23
The U.S. Department of Energy named the University of Connecticut to run a technical analysis and support center for the effort.

United Illuminating officials expect to double investment for commercial clean energy projects

07/19/23
Officials at The United Illuminating Co. said this week that the Orange-base electric utility is on track to double its investment in a commercial clean energy program that offers commercial customers incentives to install solar…

Cutting-Edge Microgrid Technology Ensures Energy Resilience in Connecticut

07/18/23
The Daughters of Mary of the Immaculate Conception have long sought to make their facilities in Connecticut energy efficient and work with sustainability in mind. As early as 2015, the Daughters of Mary installed a…

Blumenthal, Murphy back project to bring more Canadian hydropower into New England

06/10/23
Connecticut's U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy are joining with several of their counterparts around New England to encourage Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to support a transmission line project that would bring hydropower from…

First farm in Conn. to turn cow manure into clean, safe natural gas in pipeline

06/07/23
The project at Oakridge Dairy Farm in Ellington has been eight years in the making. It's almost ready to be injected into the state’s gas pipeline and become the first farm in the state to…

Connecticut Green Bank increases loan maximums to finance more comprehensive renewable energy projects

06/02/23
The Connecticut Green Bank is pleased to announce updates to its Smart-E loan program designed to help more homeowners take advantage of low-interest financing to access energy-saving technologies. The loan’s maximum amount will increase from…

Is CT’s largest offshore wind project headed for the shoals?

05/22/23
Connecticut could be in danger of losing its biggest offshore wind project — the more than 800 megawatt plan known as Park City Wind.

Affordable solar power coming to New Haven in new partnership with PosiGen

05/04/23
The power of the sun is renewable, and in New Haven, soon to be accessed for energy in a more equitable way.

Partnership Turns Food Waste Into Renewable Energy

04/23/23
That is what’s happening in Southington thanks to a partnership between Cingari Family ShopRite and Quantum Biopower. They are going beyond traditional composting and also producing sustainable energy to power Connecticut homes.

Lavigne Leaves Port Authority to Coordinate Administration Efforts on Renewable Energy and Green Economy

03/31/23
Andrew Lavigne is leaving his job at the Connecticut Port Authority to coordinate the state’s efforts to develop a green economy and a renewable energy industry.

Ground geothermal systems cut home energy use in half; CT lawmakers want to make them cheaper

03/19/23
A measure that would incentivize the installation of ground geothermal systems, heating pumps and heat batteries — shaving 10 percent off the upfront cost of installation, the most expensive part of the technology — has…

How one CT town is teaming with Eversource to reduce energy bills

03/14/23
Branford has a total of 1,800 businesses and if you give Bob Babcock enough time, he will visit all of them in an effort to extol the value of energy efficiency programs and clean power…

New Approach to Taxation of Solar Facilities Proposed in Connecticut

03/02/23
The inconsistent property tax treatment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems by Connecticut municipalities has created impediments to their development. These impediments run counter to the State’s policies seeking to promote various renewable energy sources such…

Nuclear-Powered Data Center Planned in Connecticut

02/24/23
The rapidly expanding data center sector, with a voracious appetite for electricity, increasingly has been embracing renewable energy as the most viable path for expanding data-processing capacity while reducing carbon footprints.

High-Tech Farmington Company Announces Massive Expansion

02/23/23
The company will manufacture components critical in turning water into hydrogen fuel, which is seen as a green form of energy.

The changing face of nuclear power: New tech could lead to an energy renaissance

02/22/23
Climate change has been a windfall for the nuclear power industry, both here and nationwide. Atomic energy does not emit greenhouse gasses, and Connecticut has set an ambitious goal of eliminating these planet-warming pollutants from…

Vermont Joins Multi-State Effort to Create Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub in Northeast

02/09/23
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Vermont has signed on to a multi-state agreement, joining with New York, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Rhode Island, to develop a proposal to become one of up to…

Comcast to Source Clean, Renewable Electricity for Nearly Half of New England Operations

02/06/23
Comcast today announced an agreement with Constellation to purchase 70 megawatts (MW) of renewable solar electricity from the Gravel Pit Solar project in East Windsor, Connecticut for nearly half of its Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal…

Connecticut Republicans pitch energy relief plan

01/23/23
Connecticut Republicans are pitching their own energy relief plan that calls for reducing electricity costs by cutting state taxes and eliminating utility bill surcharges.

Governor Lamont Introduces Energy Action Plan Highlighting Help With Energy Affordability

01/11/23
Governor Ned Lamont today announced a comprehensive statewide strategy funded by federal and state dollars to provide energy assistance to Connecticut residents in the short-term and improve affordability and reliability in the long-term.

Solar program aims to cut energy costs for lower-income Rhode Island residents

01/10/23
The New England state recently issued a request for proposals from solar companies to partner on a program that will lease and install solar equipment on homes owned by low- to moderate-income residents. Solar program…

In Connecticut, Climate Change is Another Way to Say Opportunity

11/17/22
A panel of University of Connecticut climate experts discussed how Connecticut could become the Silicon Valley of sustainable energy during a roundtable in Greenwich on Nov. 16.

Avangrid officials: Company still committed to Park City Wind project despite pushing back completion

11/03/22
A spokesman for Orange-based Avangrid's Park City Wind project said the company remains committed to the renewable energy project and plans to redevelop a portion of Bridgeport's waterfront as a staging area for the project,…

New England states poised to capitalize on new federal climate law incentives

10/24/22
Years of work crafting climate and clean energy plans have left New England states in a prime position to take advantage of renewable energy incentives in the historic climate bill enacted by Congress over the…

Connecticut energy and environment chief outlines updated clean energy plan on path to zero emissions

10/13/22
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is preparing to issue a request for proposals for solar generation in the first step of an updated procurement plan that aims to meet the state’s goal…

Governor Lamont Announces Clean Energy Investment Plan and Plans for Next Procurement of Energy Resources To Meet Climate Goals

09/27/22
Governor Ned Lamont today announced a new energy investment plan to secure low-cost clean energy to meet Connecticut’s climate goals through the release of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) 2022 Procurement Plan.…

Governor Lamont Signs Key Climate Change And Energy Legislation

05/17/22
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed into law two bills that further demonstrate Connecticut’s commitment to mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis by decarbonizing our electric sector and expanding existing renewable…

STATE OF CONNECTICUT BY HIS EXCELLENCY NED LAMONT EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 21-3

02/02/22
WHEREAS, there is overwhelming and incontrovertible evidence that man-made greenhouse gas emissions are causing climate change, and that according to the Long Island Sound Study and the

CATALYST POWER LAUNCHES CLEANER ENERGY SERVICES FOR CONNECTICUT COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL BUSINESSES

01/13/22
Catalyst Power Holdings LLC ("Catalyst Power"), an integrated provider of cleaner energy solutions for the commercial and industrial sector, is launching diversified power services in Connecticut. Catalyst Power provides a range of cleaner energy solutions…

DEEP and City of Meriden Announce Food Scrap Co-Collection Pilot Program For 1,000 Households

01/05/22
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the City of Meriden announced today the launch of “Making Meriden Green,” a first-of-its-kind municipal food scrap co-collection pilot program that will demonstrate how waste…

Buoyed by federal funding, Connecticut makes big investments in transportation and climate projects

12/21/21
The state bond commission on Tuesday approved nearly $840 million to fund transportation system upgrades, including highways, bridges and train stations. It also approved $124 million for downtown redevelopment projects, job creating grants and minority…

Governor Lamont, Congressman Courtney, and Mayor Passero Applaud Final Approval To Proceed in State Pier Redevelopment Project

12/21/21
Governor Ned Lamont, Congressman Joe Courtney, and Mayor Michael Passero today are applauding the Connecticut Port Authority Board of Directors for issuing a notice to proceed to its construction manager to begin permitted dredging activities…

Governor Lamont Signs Executive Order Directing Connecticut State Agencies To Implement Actions That Reduce Carbon Emissions and Adapt to Climate Crisis

12/16/21
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed an executive order (Executive Order No. 21-3) directing Connecticut executive branch state agencies to take significant actions within their authority to reduce carbon emissions and prepare…

West Hartford is First Connecticut Town to Commit to 100% Clean Energy

09/12/21
On June 22, 2021, West Hartford adopted a new Comprehensive Energy Plan and joined 14 counties, nine states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and more than 180 communities across the United States in committing to 100%…

Connecticut details incentives, equity goals for energy storage program

07/29/21
Connecticut announced Wednesday that it will offer incentives for residential and business customers to purchase and install energy storage systems as part of an Equitable Modern Grid initiative.

Hamden, Connecticut, Plans Microgrids to Help Meet Energy Goals

07/21/21
Hamden, Connecticut’s city council approved an energy plan that calls for building microgrids, shifting to renewable energy and slashing overall energy use.

In Connecticut, another boost for fuel cell industry reignites subsidy debate

07/19/21
Connecticut’s fuel cell industry scored a win last week when Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law a bill requiring the state’s electric distribution companies to solicit up to 30 megawatts in new fuel cell generation projects by…

Wind power and renewable energy are big growth opportunities for CT

06/28/21
As Connecticut emerges from the pandemic, clean technology can catapult the state’s economy for years to come.

Branford Announces New Solar Initiatives

By Press Release , town of Branford 06/06/21
Utilizing the Connecticut Green Bank's Solar Marketplace Assistance Program (MAP), First Selectman James Cosgrove requested an analysis of all municipal and school buildings to identify ways to achieve energy savings through energy efficient projects and/or…

An act concerning energy storage

04/06/21
To (1) create solar energy storage goals, (2) increase the virtual net metering cap, (3) permit ownership of solar power generation facilities by electric distribution companies, and (4) direct the Department of Energy and Environmental…

Preparing for Climate Change in Connecticut

08/30/20
This page provides an overview of the steps Connecticut is taking to prepare for the impacts of climate change.

Connecticut Renewable Portfolio Standard

01/10/20
The Connecticut Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is a state policy that requires electric providers to obtain a specified percentage or amount of the energy they generate or sell from renewable sources.

State of Connecticut Bill No. 1138

01/10/20
AN ACT CONCERNING CONNECTICUT'S CLEAN ENERGY GOALS

State of Connecticut Executive Order

01/09/20
One of the State of Delaware’s major steps toward creating a better environment was passing the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards Act in 2005, which was intended to establish a market in Delaware for electricity from…

Building a low carbon future for Connecticut

04/10/19
Achieving a 45% GHG reduction by 2030: Recommendations from the Governor's council on climate change

Hartford Climate Stewardship Initiative Climate Action Plan

04/10/19
The City of Hartford Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council have formally approved Hartford’s first Climate Action Plan!

2018 Comprehensive Energy Strategy

01/01/18
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has prepared an update to the CES to advance the State’s goal to create a cheaper, cleaner, more reliable energy future for Connecticut’s residents and businesses. By statute, DEEP…

KEY RESOURCES

Oregon Solar Panels: Pricing and Incentives

02/02/22
Oregon was one of the earliest adopters of solar power in the country. And despite the state’s reputation for gloomy weather, it ranks among the top half of states for solar energy generation, and it’s…

Connecticut Solar Panels: Pricing and Incentives

01/21/22
Like many states, Connecticut began investing in solar energy decades ago. Currently, the state ranks in the top half of all states for solar generation, with 2.53% of Connecticut’s energy coming from solar power. Solar…

Connecticut State Profile and Energy Estimates

09/23/21
Connecticut is located in southern New England on hilly terrain between New York's Hudson River Valley and Rhode Island's Narragansett Bay. Although Connecticut does not have any fossil fuel reserves, it does have renewable resources.2…

Energy State Bill Tracking Database

09/10/21
The searchable Energy Storage Legislation Database displays information in interactive maps and charts, tracking state activity from 2017 to the present.

The First National Flood Risk Assessment

10/06/20
The First Street Foundation Flood Model represents the culmination of decades of research and development made possible by building upon existing knowledge and frameworks regularly referenced in the identification of flood risk.

The Impacts of Climate Change and the Trump Administration’s Anti-Environmental Agenda in Connecticut

09/19/20
Between 2017 and 2019, Connecticut experienced two severe storms and two winter storms. The damages of these events led to losses of at least $1 billion.

State-by-State: Connecticut

07/31/20
Connecticut is vulnerable to increasing temperatures, floods and droughts, and coastal flooding

Our Focus: Climate Change

03/05/20
We’re working towards a New England powered by affordable, homemade energy, with a thriving economy built on innovation and invention… a New England where our communities are healthy and safe and our environment fortified against…

Connecticut Solar

01/24/20
Connecticut is one of the fastest growing of the smaller states in the solar industry. This success comes after the state launched the Connecticut Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program to offer property assessed clean…

Connecticut Renewable Energy

01/24/20
Almost half of the electricity produced in Connecticut comes from the Millstone Nuclear Power Plant. This plant has 0 carbon emissions, and produces enough electricity to power 2 million homes. Natural gas accounts for most of…

Renewable Energy

01/24/20
The term renewable energy generally refers to electricity supplied from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, geothermal, hydropower, and various forms of biomass. These energy sources are considered renewable sources because they…

Energize Connecticut

01/24/20
The Energize Connecticut initiative helps you save energy in your Connecticut home or business with rebates, financing and services for energy efficiency and clean energy improvements. Use Connecticut’s Official Rate Board to compare generation supplier…

CT Climate Change

01/24/20
A longtime leader on climate change, Connecticut strives to develop and support forward-thinking climate-related policies and legislation, as well as participate in groundbreaking regional initiatives. Addressing climate change in a meaningful way presents residents, businesses, non-profits,…

Renewable Energy

01/24/20
Renewable energy is a form of clean energy that is provided by natural sources that continuously replenish themselves. Our Energy 101: Renewable Energy pages give an overview of Class I renewable energy sources as updated…

Southeastern Connecticut Regional Resilience Guidebook

05/31/19
The communities in Southeastern Connecticut already exhibit strong regional action in some arenas and have a number of institutional bodies in place to facilitate a regional approach to planning. The Southeastern Connecticut Council of Governments…

MORE NEWS

Air quality emergencies to become more common in CT due to climate change, experts say

By Alex Putterman and Vincent Gabrielle   06/08/23  
As climate change leads to increasingly frequent and intense wildfires, Connecticut residents must prepare for a future where staying inside for days, planning events around predicted air quality and keeping N95 masks handy are part…
Read more

Climate change all but ignored by the CT legislature in 2023

By Jan Ellen Spiegel   06/08/23  
On a day when Connecticut experienced firsthand the apocalyptic look and effects of climate change — with the smoke and pollution from Canadian wildfires choking the state — it was no small irony that the…
Read more

South Norwalk streets should be raised by 3 feet due flooding and climate change, experts say

By Katherine Lutge   05/23/23  
Streets in South Norwalk must be raised by at least 3 feet to prepare for future storm surges in 2050, experts with the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation report.
Read more

Climate change will worsen CT kids’ asthma and overall health, EPA report says

By Michayla Savitt   05/13/23  
Children across Connecticut and the nation face a variety of health risks due to climate change. That’s according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency.
Read more

Mix of progress and lags in CT environmental goals, report shows

By Michayla Savitt   05/09/23  
A new report assessing the state of Connecticut’s environment says solar installations rose in 2022, which is helping to lower carbon emissions. But the report found those same solar installations are also complicating some efforts…
Read more

How climate change is affecting flooding along the Connecticut River

By Emily DiSalvo   05/03/23  
Every spring, as the snow melts in the north, the Connecticut River swells and spills onto the land around it. Connecticut residents are used to it. Many towns and cities have claimed the land alongside…
Read more

Building emissions are the climate change contributor you hadn’t heard of – until now

By Jan Ellen Spiegel   04/28/23  
The not-quite-finished home on Rainbow Road, not far from Bradley Airport in Windsor, has the unmistakable scent of fresh paint. The trim four-bedroom sits in a row with three other identical Habitat for Humanity homes…
Read more

Connecticut Will Require Public Schools to Teach Climate Change. Can More States Follow?

By Sena Wazer   04/28/23  
Starting in July, every K-12 public school in Connecticut will be required to teach their students about climate change. After years of organizing from environmental groups, advocates, and students, the new standards garnered bipartisan support…
Read more

Small CT farms diversify with agritourism to survive, grow

By Hanna Snyder Gambini   03/20/23  
John and Carolyn Torello are looking to add a new revenue stream to their farm by building a little sunshine in Cheshire.
Read more

Hartford residents push for transparency as sewage and flooding concerns escalate to legislature

By Maricarmen Cajahuaringa   03/20/23  
A new bill is generating support from Hartford’s North End advocates who are seeking systemic changes after what they’ve described as years of sewage and flooding problems in their community.
Read more

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $28.4+ Million for Clean Water Infrastructure Upgrades Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in Connecticut

02/24/23  
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $28,424,000 to Connecticut from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure through this year's Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). The funding will support Connecticut communities in upgrading essential water,…
Read more

Little snow in forecast for CT as Bridgeport breaks least snowy winter record

By Abby Weiss   02/20/23  
The 2022-23 winter season has been the least snowy to date for Bridgeport and the New York City area, the National Weather Service announced Sunday.
Read more

Sunk: Connecticut’s Growing Flood Risk

By Tricia Ennis   02/19/23  
Ten years ago, Super Storm Sandy slammed into the East Coast, damaging homes, flooding neighborhoods, and knocking out critical infrastructure across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Ten-foot storm surges pushed coastal waters onto the…
Read more

Climate change threatens Connecticut. Coastal communities are in the crosshairs

By Ryan Caron King   02/15/23  
Long Island Sound has been an essential part of life along Connecticut’s shoreline for thousands of years. But climate change now poses a severe threat to both the communities and natural ecosystems along the coast.
Read more

How a Connecticut Theater Put Energy Efficiency in the Spotlight

By Miguel Yanez-Barnuevo   02/03/23  
The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, a nonprofit theater in Hartford, Connecticut, has been a mainstay for over 90 years, serving more than 30 million people and hosting more than 20,000 performances over that…
Read more

Air quality can affect health. Climate change is worsening both.

By Jan Ellen Spiegel   01/22/23  
Sandra Rapp has had breathing problems for at least 20 years. She was a heavy smoker — a habit she gave up 30 years ago — spent many years working in manufacturing and has lived…
Read more

New England clean energy goals slam into oil reality

By Miranda Willson   01/18/23  
New England power plants burned more oil for electricity on a single day during last month’s deep freeze than they have in four years, underscoring the gap between Northeastern states’ clean energy targets and the…
Read more

Sea levels could rise 20 inches by 2050 due to climate change. Norwalk is developing plans to combat that.

By Abigail Brone   01/14/23  
Staring down the possibility of a 20-inch rise in the sea level by 2050, city and state officials are outlining the flooding that Norwalk could experience if nothing is done to mitigate climate change.
Read more

January in CT has been unusually warm. How does it compare to a ‘normal’ winter?

By Abby Weiss   01/12/23  
After experiencing one of the top-10 warmest years on record in 2022, Connecticut is starting the New Year with an unusually mild winter.
Read more

Boston Is Losing Its Snow Wicked Fast

By Katherine J. Wu   12/19/22  
My first winter in Boston, the last patches of snow on my street didn’t melt until late June. It was 2015, the year the city broke its all-time record for annual snowfall: 110.3 inches, more…
Read more

Connecticut becomes second US state to make climate change studies must for grades 5 to 12

By Mukul Sharma   12/18/22  
Climate Change studies will be mandatory in the US state of Connecticut from grades 5 to 12. The development, hailed as ‘landmark’ by climate change activists, comes after a new law passed earlier this year…
Read more

‘Face it head on’: Connecticut makes climate change studies compulsory

By Maya Yang   12/17/22  
Enshrining the curriculum in law insulates the subject from budget cuts and culture wars related to the climate crisisStarting next July, Connecticut will become one of the first states in America to mandate climate change…
Read more

James O’Donnell: A decade of change for Connecticut and climate change

By James O'Donnell   11/14/22  
Connecticut has always been a leader in climate change research and policy. In 1862 professors from Yale published the results of their analysis of temperature measurements in New Haven. They compared data from 1779-1820 to…
Read more

Connecticut towns awarded climate leader designation

By Hallie Letendre   11/11/22  
Connecticut towns are doing well recently in helping the environment during times of heightened threats of climate change, an NBC Connecticut article said. The organization Sustainable CT has awarded five Connecticut towns climate leader designation titles,…
Read more

Stratford Awarded Climate Leader Designation From Sustainable CT

By Vincent Salzo   11/06/22  
The Town of Stratford was recently awarded the Climate Leader Designation by Sustainable CT at the annual CCM Conference and the award will be presented once more at the upcoming Sustainable CT Awards Celebration on…
Read more

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Nearly $600,000 for Community Air Pollution Monitoring Projects in Connecticut Communities

11/03/22  
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has selected two Connecticut organizations to receive $568,755 in grants to conduct community air quality monitoring in Ansonia, Derby, and Stamford, Conn. The grants are among 132 air monitoring…
Read more

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $8.8 Million from EPA’s Clean School Bus Program for Four Connecticut School Districts

10/26/22  
Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the Fiscal Year 2022 recipients of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Clean School Bus Program rebate competition, awarding $8,810,000 from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to four school districts…
Read more

Connecticut energy and environment chief outlines updated clean energy plan on path to zero emissions

By Ethan Howland   10/13/22  
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is preparing to issue a request for proposals for solar generation in the first step of an updated procurement plan that aims to meet the state’s goal…
Read more

Connecticut Becomes One of the First States to Require Schools to Teach Climate Change

By Kimberly White   09/21/22  
Connecticut schools will soon be required to teach students about climate change thanks to a new state law. The new law requires every school district within the state to teach climate change education in line…
Read more

Connecticut’s Shellfish Population Gets a Boost With State’s First Restoration Guide

By Aaron Kornbluth and Others   08/11/22  
Over the past century, populations of shellfish on the East Coast—particularly of the native Eastern oyster—have declined to a fraction of their previous numbers due to overharvesting, water pollution, disease, and habitat destruction. But there…
Read more

Governor Lamont Signs Key Climate Change And Energy Legislation

05/17/22  
Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has signed into law two bills that further demonstrate Connecticut’s commitment to mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis by decarbonizing our electric sector and expanding existing renewable…
Read more

New England energy demand recently dropped to its lowest point ever

By Patrick Skahill   05/10/22  
New England’s energy demand dropped to its lowest point ever earlier this month thanks to good weather and the continued adoption of rooftop solar on homes and businesses. Officials at regional grid operator ISO New…
Read more

New noaa climate projections forecast increase in southern new england flooding

By Frank Carini   03/23/22  
The climate crisis has taken root. The United Nations’ latest climate report explains how deep this worldwide problem is embedded. Closer to home, another report published last month is equally alarming, for the present and…
Read more

As states ramp up storage targets, policy maneuvering becomes key

By Jason Plautz   02/08/22  
In June 2021, Connecticut launched a new phase of its clean energy transition when Gov. Ned Lamont, D, signed a bill committing the state to a goal of deploying 1,000 MW of energy storage by…
Read more

Connecticut launches charging program to support 500,000 EVs by 2030

By Robert Walton   01/28/22  
EV enthusiasts are excited about Connecticut's charging program, but warn that utilities will need to explain the new incentives thoroughly in order to create more electric converts.
Read more

Connecticut estuaries designated ‘living laboratories’ by NOAA

By Jennifer Glatz   01/14/22  
Parts of Connecticut's coastline and waters are now designated as a "living laboratory" by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Read more

Study: Climate change puts New England’s distinctive four seasons and its outdoor economy in peril

By John Moritz   01/14/22  
Temperatures in New England are rising faster than in the rest of the world, according to a new study that warns that the climate change is likely to diminish the region’s distinctive change in seasons,…
Read more

The new State Pier in New London will create jobs, boost offshore wind

By Keith R. Brothers   01/11/22  
With the Connecticut Port Authority’s final State Pier permit recently approved by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, our state is on the brink of being home to one of the country’s premier port facilities…
Read more

Four solar projects expected to save Connecticut town $200,000 per year

By SB Staff   01/06/22  
Connecticut commercial solar developer Greenskies Clean Focus has completed the installation of four solar energy systems totaling approximately 1 MW in the town of Killingly, CT. Greenskies worked closely with Titan Energy, a local energy…
Read more

Greenskies completes 1-MW solar portfolio for Connecticut town

By Kelsey Misbrener   01/04/22  
Greenskies Clean Focus has completed the installation of four solar energy systems totaling approximately 1-MW in the Town of Killingly, Connecticut. Greenskies worked closely with Titan Energy, a local energy consultancy, to determine the town…
Read more

Report Unpacks Influence on CT’s Climate, Energy Policies

By Emily Scott   01/04/22  
Brown University researchers found in Connecticut's efforts to combat climate change, electric and gas utilities spent the most on climate and energy lobbying at the Capitol.
Read more

Connecticut has ‘many offshore assets in place’

12/23/21  
A study into opportunities for offshore wind in the US state of Connecticut has concluded that many of the assets required by the industry are already in place, but that other elements should be added…
Read more

Key US federal permit at last for $235m Connecticut State Pier offshore wind revamp

By Tim Ferry   12/22/21  
Final approval clears New London port to press ahead with redevelopment to become major manufacturing and marshalling hub
Read more

Groups urge bigger targets, more equity as RGGI states consider changes

By Lisa Prevost   12/21/21  
As the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, known as RGGI, undergoes a thorough review by participating states, environmental advocates are demanding more ambitious emission reduction targets and a mandate for equitable distribution of the revenues.
Read more

Gardner Falls hydroelectric dam in Buckland gets $217K from USDA

By Domenic Poli   12/16/21  
Work got underway at the Gardner Falls hydroelectric plant last month as the facility’s owner learned it would receive a six-figure grant to replace the equipment that safely interconnects the generator to the power grid.
Read more

Climate change arrives in Connecticut, imperiling coastal towns like Groton

By Eliza Fawcett and Alex Putterman   11/13/21  
Along the banks of the Mystic River in Groton, Zell Steever points to landmarks he doesn’t expect to survive climate change.
Read more

Climate Change Is Killing Trees And Causing Power Outages

By Julia Simon   09/21/21  
On a hill in Oakland, Calif., Igor Lacan looks out from under his Stetson hat at the neighborhood below and begins listing trees.
Read more

West Hartford Town Council urges state to adopt climate change initiative

By Michael Walsh   09/17/21  
The town council is urging the Connecticut General Assembly to adopt legislation that would implement the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program.
Read more

Nature Conservancy Calls On State To Pass Climate Initiative

09/15/21  
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) released its latest greenhouse gas reduction progress report, which tracks the state's performance in meeting goals to address climate change.
Read more

Group calls on state lawmakers to do more to curb climate change

By Ayah Galal and Rob Polansky   09/15/21  
Members of a group called Save the Sound and other supporters want transportation and climate change initiative legislation to be discussed in a special session.
Read more