News

The 2024 legislative session, which ended on May 8, brought major disappointments and quiet victories, reminding us of the ongoing challenges and the importance of persistence in advocacy. Here are some reflections:

From requests for testimony to more recent and relentless calls to action, you, your land trust, and others in communities across the state responded with remarkable dedication and support. Thank you!

The two primary climate bills (HB 5004 and SB 11), which included CLCC priority provisions integrating nature-based solutions (NBS) as part of the state’s comprehensive plan for climate action, died due to the Senate’s inaction. This outcome is in stark contrast to the strong public demand for immediate action to address the impacts of a worsening climate crisis and loss of biodiversity, and it sends a disheartening message of denial and apathy—particularly to young people.

While we analyze setbacks, we must recognize our progress, however incremental it may seem. Some wins include a successful effort to improve access to state funding for community gardens and urban greenspace restoration and another to stop proposals that would have diluted inland wetlands protections and weakened opportunities for public participation.

Importantly, plans to codify NBS as state policy are gaining momentum among legislators and within CT DEEP, laying the groundwork for upcoming legislative and administrative implementation.

While CLCC and our statewide partners are already regrouping and planning a strategic path forward in advance of the ’25 session, our collective action to support natural and working lands can start now, including:

• Emphasizing the importance of NBS in state planning through public comments on the draft State Conservation and Development Plan.
• Reviewing the current state Green Plan and preparing to participate in its revision process.
• Inviting your legislators to hikes and other local events that showcase the significance of land conservation to your community’s well-being.
• Contributing to a healthy environment by planting native species, supporting local farms, reducing pesticide and plastic use, volunteering for municipal land use commissions, and supporting your local land trust.

We have a lot of work to do, and your grassroots partnership and participation are critical to our success. Thank you for advocating for nature and demanding action at every level.