Cristin McCarthy Vahey

State Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield) has been recognized by the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) for her 100% support of environmental legislation during the 2015 legislative session and for her leadership on microbeads legislation.

“Fighting to protect our common home is something I will continue to do every day in the legislature. It is an honor to be recognized by the CTLCV for my commitment to the environment. The microbeads legislation is a great example of business and industry working with environmental groups to create sustainable solutions that will protect our ecosystem,” Rep. McCarthy Vahey said.

CTLCV’s Environmental Scorecard assesses both lawmakers’ votes on environmental legislation and their roles in championing specific issues. Environmental issues this year included banning microbeads, encouraging residential solar, reducing pesticide use on municipal playgrounds, preserving the fiscal sustainability of state parks, open space and various clean water projects including the Long Island Sound Blue Plan. CTLCV Scorecards dating back to 2000 can be found online at www.ctlcv.org.

From the report: Rep. McCarthy Vahey played a lead role in legislation that outlaws the use of microbeads in personal care products such as skin exfoliants and toothpaste. When these tiny plastic beads, like grains of sand, are eventually washed down the drain, they pass through sewage treatment plants and into our waterways and are mistaken for food by fish. Like all plastics, microbeads easily absorb toxins. As they work their way up the food chain, they are harmful to wildlife and ultimately humans.

This bill, which passed as part of the budget implementer during the Special Session, features a two-year phase-in with a complete ban of the sale of personal care products containing microbeads by 2018. It is one of the first and strongest laws of its kind in the country.