Sen. Ed Meyer Highlights Legislature's Environmental Priorities on Earth Day

The following is a press release from the office of Senator Ed Meyer:

Senator Ed Meyer (D-Guilford) chose Earth Day 2013 to highlight several pieces of important legislation aimed at protecting Connecticut’s natural beauty. As co-chair of the General Assembly’s Environment Committee, Senator Meyer is at the forefront of the legislature’s efforts to safeguard our state’s landscape. 

“Living along Connecticut’s spectacular shoreline and alongside several of our state’s nature preserves has reinforced my belief that it is critically important for the legislature to defend our environment,” said Senator Meyer. “This is why I am proud to champion legislation that will prevent degradation of our natural surroundings while promoting them for the enjoyment future generations.” 

The Environment Committee raised HB 1012 in response to the recent tropical storms that have negatively affected both the shoreline and inland areas of Connecticut, resulting in heavy property damage. This bill will have the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) consult with other states to establish a Best Practices Guide for coastal structures and permitting. Passage of this bill will ensure that the state is better prepared to protect our coastline from disastrous weather systems like Hurricane Sandy or Tropical Storm Irene. 

This Friday, the State Bond Commission along with Governor Malloy are expected to approve financing for improvements to buildings at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. Senator Meyer supported this proposal, which will refurbish many of the aging buildings in the park, while creating new construction jobs. Senator Mayer has been a longtime supporter of Connecticut’s State Parks, for both their recreational and economic values. A 2011 study conducted at UConn shows that Connecticut’s parks make an annual contribution of over 9,000 private sector jobs and $1 billion to the economy. According to this study, every $1 spent on state parks returns $38 to Connecticut’s economy.

“Protecting Connecticut’s environment is a goal that accomplishes two of my top priorities in the General Assembly: passing our state’s natural beauty onto future generations, and creating new jobs to grow our state’s economy,” stated Senator Meyer. “I am glad that we have occasions such as Earth Day to highlight such an important legislative priority.”