CT League of Conservation Voters Awards Rep. Paris a Perfect Scorecard for Votes on Environmental Bills

February 25, 2022

Conservation efforts and investment in a green energy future all work to protect our planet for generations to come, but they also work to create a more resilient economy. During the 2021 legislative session, I was proud to join my colleagues in voting for legislation that works to reduce emissions and improve our air quality, invests in workforce development initiatives to advance the transition to climate-protective energy production, and safeguards our natural ecosystems. 

Here's a look at some of the bills I proudly supported last session:

  • PA 21-191, An Act Concerning the Use of PFAS in Class B Firefighting Foam, limits the use of PFAS, or "forever chemicals," in firefighting foam and food packaging. These substances accumulate within the human body and cause conditions including thyroid disease, liver damage, testicular cancer, and impact fetus development.
  • PA 21-48, An Act Establishing an Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grant Program for Affordable Housing, creates a grant program to support energy efficient upgrades and improvements to affordable housing, public housing, and other landlord-owned units. Improvements can range from installing solar panels, energy storage, EV charging stations, and asbestos, lead, and mold abatement, among others.
  • PA 21-43, An Act Concerning a Just Transition to Climate-Protective Energy Production and Community Investment, establishes a job training program support green jobs and equity in workforce development.
  • PA 21-53, An Act Concerning Energy Storage, works to alleviate energy costs and requires Connecticut's Public Utility Regulatory Authority (PURA) to consider energy storage programs and projects that are in ratepayers' best interest, promote energy reliability, and comply with our state's emissions reduction goals.
  • HJ 53, Resolution Proposing the Adoption of the Long Island Sound Blue Plan, will enable us to use the Sound more sustainably while taking into account ecological and recreational needs. 

These laws take steps to forge a future that's environmentally smart, equitable, and just. Our work in the Connecticut General Assembly doesn't end here, and we'll continue to support strategies that invest in communities that have been overburdened by pollution and climate change.