Category: Environment

Broad Public Opposition to Fossil Fuel Expansion!

Leave a comment

by Sena Wazer, Sierra Club CT

After clear community opposition, DEEP must deny the Brookfield Compressor Station Expansion

On Jan 8, 2026, over 100 people gathered at a Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) public hearing about a methane gas compressor station expansion in Brookfield, Connecticut. This expansion would double the size of the existing compressor station, which emits dangerous air pollutants into the community.

Over 50 people gave public testimony and every single one of those people was opposed to the expansion.

Local residents and advocates expressed concern over the impact of this expansion on air quality and health, particularly for the middle school students located just 1900 feet away from the compressor station. They shared their worry for the impact that this would have on Connecticut’s contribution to climate change and progress towards the state’s greenhouse gas mitigation goals.

Testifiers raised questions about why DEEP is allowing this expansion to move forward when it has zero benefit to Connecticut; the added gas is for New York City, which multiple people also pointed out is unnecessary. They also called attention to the multiple ways in which DEEP has biased this process towards the methane gas company, including through denying the public a more meaningful adjudicatory hearing, which would have allowed for the community to directly ask the company questions and weigh in more significantly on the decision.

This hearing was the latest in a long stream of clear public opposition to this fossil fuel expansion. Yet DEEP and Governor Lamont have continued to allow this unnecessary and polluting expansion to move forward.

This moment is a litmus test for our state: will we allow harmful infrastructure to move forward at the behest of a methane gas company despite clear opposition from state residents, the people DEEP and Governor Lamont are purported to serve, or will they stand up for our communities, climate, and future?

We will be watching this decision closely and will continue to fight for our communities. Learn more about Sierra Club Connecticut’s work to oppose new and expanded fossil fuel projects and join us. Please visit https://bit.ly/4sSqgy5.

Spring Season Seed Library Opens Feb. 2

Leave a comment

by Hamden Seed Library

The Hamden Library Seed Library offers a wide variety of veggies, herbs, and ornamental seeds, free for all. While the Seed Library will be open during all regular Miller Library hours, we will have staff on hand twice a week to offer guidance. Staffed hours will be Thursdays 1-4:30 p.m. and Saturdays 2-4:30 p.m., from Feb. 2 through June 6.

While many of the seeds donated to the Seed Library are from the previous growing year, all have a lot of life left! In addition, through the generosity of the Friends of the Library, we are able to purchase a limited amount of “high-value” seeds, such as tomatoes, which don’t often come to us via donations. And we are excited that more and more of our local gardeners are contributing seeds to share.

The Miller Library is at 2901 Dixwell Ave. in Hamden.

Time to Register Rock to Rock Earth Day Ride and Support 20 Local Environmental Projects

Leave a comment

by Chris Schweitzer, New Haven/León Sister City Project 

Rock to Rock is moving ahead for this spring, working with over 20 partner organizations to take real action in response to the climate emergency, and raise critical support for local environmental organizations. 2026 rides include 5, 12, 20, 40, 60-mile, and two Family Rides in East Rock Park, plus hikes in East Rock Park and West Rock Park. Join the fun Saturday, April 25. All rides start and end at East Rock Park, with a Green Fair, live music and food trucks. Register at rocktorock.org.

Free Vegetable Gardening Classes

Leave a comment

by Lucy Marinelli, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven

Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven returns with their organic vegetable gardening classes to help get you ready for gardening season.

Our classes are hybrid and offered as individual classes or in bulk. Thanks to the generous support of the Greater New Haven Green Fund this year, we are able to offer the classes cost-free to community gardeners and area residents. Your donation is always greatly appreciated!

This year, we’re offering the following classes on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.:

  • February 7: Soils and Composting
  • February 14: Cool Weather Crops
  • February 21: Warm Weather Crops
  • February 28: Garden Pests and Diseases
  • March 7: Seed Starting, When and Where to Plant
  • March 14: Preserving your Garden Harvest

More detailed class descriptions can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3Zsgm8H.

All classes are held 10 a.m. – noon on Saturday mornings at 333 Sherman Ave. (Building 3), New Haven, CT  06511. For more information and to register for the classes, please call (203) 562-0598 or email Kathy Fay at kfay@nhsofnewhaven.org.

Since 1979, Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven has been strengthening neighborhoods by developing affordable housing and increasing homeownership opportunities; providing homebuyer education and financial coaching; making homes safe, beautiful and energy efficient; and working to improve the communities in which we are working by helping residents take charge of their neighborhoods.

We send out a quarterly newsletter so you can stay up to date on our real estate development project, community events, classes and more!  To see the latest newsletter and sign up:

December 2025 Newsletter: http://bit.ly/49lEVdq

Newsletter sign-up: http://eepurl.com/ggu0fz

Greater New Haven Green Fund Wants You to Apply for Funding

by Lynne Bonnett, GRNH Green Fund

It’s not too late to apply for a community grant that addresses environmental and sustainability issues in the  Greater New Haven area (New Haven, Woodbridge, Hamden and East Haven).  Applications are online, all the information that you need is available on: www.gnhgreenfund.org.  Any questions? Contact info@gnhgreenfund.org to schedule an appointment.

Grants are available for up to $10,000.  The fund has given out $750,000 since its inception in 2011.  You can view grant history on the Green Fund’s website.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity if you are interested – the offer closes Jan. 30, 2026 at 5 p.m.

Never had a grant before? The fund also offers small grants (up to $1000) for community projects – recommended for those that are new to the grant application process.  If you have an event planned that has wide public attendance and meets our goal of supporting environmental and sustainability initiatives, they offer sponsorships to help cover the costs of the event. All the application information is available at  www.gnhgreenfund.org.

Nine Arrested After CT Climate Activists Stage Sit-In at Governor’s Office

by Karla Ciaglo Nov. 18, 2025, CT News Junkie

HARTFORD, CT — A coalition of climate and community groups staged a sit-in outside Gov. Ned Lamont’s office Monday [Nov. 17], urging the administration to halt a series of natural gas projects they say contradict the state’s newly adopted climate mandates and place additional burdens on communities already grappling with high energy costs and environmental stress.

Calling themselves Don’t Destroy Our Future, the group included members of Sunrise Movement Connecticut, Third Act, the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network and other advocates who said the action reflected the linked challenges of climate, affordability, public health and community safety. [Read entire article at https://bit.ly/44kXmM8].

Sierra Club Demands No Pipeline Expansion!

by Sena Wazer, Sierra Club CT

The Trump Administration has stated their intention to drive methane gas pipeline expansion in the Northeast. These expansions harm our communities, drive climate change, and raise our electricity prices.

Yet instead of standing up, governors across the Northeast—including in Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts—are allowing for these expansions to move forward.

So we’re fighting back. But to be effective, we need to build people power across our states, and to do that, we need your help!

The No Pipeline Expansion (NOPE) Northeast Coalition is hosting an in-person and interactive workshop on Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Middletown. The workshop will include an opportunity to learn about gas pipeline expansions in Connecticut and the Northeast, build power, strategize next steps, and take action.

Whether you are a new or experienced activist, have engaged with the NOPE Northeast Coalition before or are brand new, we want you to join us. To find more information about the workshop and RSVP, please go to bit.ly/nopepipelineworkshop.

Please email sena.wazer@sierraclub.org with any questions and check out the coalition’s past work at nopenortheast.org.

News from the Hamden Public Library Seed Library 

The third garlic giveaway is in the works. If interested, email us at hplseedlibrary@gmail.com. Distribution will be in early November.

A seed saving workshop featuring native plants is being considered for sometime in the fall.

Winter sowing workshops at the following branch libraries:

Brundage, 91 Circular Ave., Wednesday, Dec. 3, 6-7:45 p.m.

Whitneyville, 125 Carleton St., Thursday, Dec. 4, 6-7:45 p.m.

Miller, 2901 Dixwell Ave., Saturday, Dec. 6, 2-4 p.m.

Registration will begin in November for these sessions.

Questions? Email the Hamden Public Library Seed Library at hplseedlibrary@gmail.com.

Connecticut Green Energy News, August 22, 2025

Heating Aid in CT Expected to Increase this Winter

CT Mirror: For the first time in four years, state officials in Connecticut are anticipating an increase in energy assistance for low-income families this winter, though it remains to be seen whether much-needed federal funding will come through to provide support for the program. The Department of Social Services recently released its annual projected spending for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program, including a maximum benefit of $1,920 this winter, which is $160 more than last year.

Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for Clean Energy in Limbo for CT

WSHU: The Trump administration has canceled billions of dollars that were expected to go towards solar and wind energy, including hundreds of millions for Connecticut. The “Solar for All” program was part of the Inflation Reduction Act passed by the Biden administration. It was supposed to help 900,000 low-income households across the country reduce pollution and utility bills through clean energy initiatives. Connecticut was supposed to get more than $60 million for the initiative.

Do You Have a Garden? It’s a Good Time to Get Your Soil Tested

A soil test can advise you when you are planting something new, and when an existing garden area is doing less well than expected. Following the recommendations of a soil test can save you money and improve the quality of your plantings. Adding soil nutrients when they aren’t needed can negatively impact our water supply.

Home gardeners have two sources for soil testing in Connecticut: The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), free; and the UConn Soil Testing Lab (UConn), $15 per test. They each test for major and minor nutrients and pH. in addition, UConn tests for lead, while CAES analyzes soil texture and organic matter.

For the CAES form and instructions, go to bit.ly/3JtbThr.
For the UConn form and instructions, go to bit.ly/3Hrqae1.

Save the Date for Refresh & Recharge 2025, July 19, 1-4pm

Join a host of CT environmental organizations for the second annual Refresh & Recharge. In these times, it is good to gather with friends old and new to discuss important issues, how to move forward and gain momentum. The afternoon will begin with networking and lunch followed by a panel discussion about how to extend our reach. The fantastic panel will include:

  • Attorney Cynthia Jennings (a civil rights and environmental lawyer and longtime activist in Hartford)
  • Christine Palm (founding director of Active Voice and former 3-term state legislator)
  • Alycia Jenkins (an organizer for Sierra Club CT and an author)
  • Pramod Pradhan (community engagement librarian and liaison to the West Hartford Human Rights Commission and co-founder of the Nepali Association of CT)

Following the panel, participants will have a choice of activities (beginner Pilates, poster-making, or advocacy mini-workshop). REGISTER

—
Deb Roe, Program Manager

Gov. Lamont: No More Methane Gas! Rally 3/31

by Sena Wazer, Sierra Club, CT Chapter

In January, Gov. Ned Lamont stated his support for “natural” methane gas during his State of the State address. Then, last month, he signed off on allowing the Capitol Area System heating and cooling system to be updated with fossil fuels — continuing to make Hartford a sacrifice zone and fueling the climate crisis.

We’re standing up and saying enough: enough with polluted air, continued asthma, and dirty energy. Connecticut deserves better. Instead, we must pursue clean energy that helps our communities to thrive.

We’re calling on Governor Lamont to:

Reverse his decision on the Capitol Area System and move forward with network geothermal.

Deny the permits for the Brookfield Compressor Stations. Now is not the time for fossil fuels. Now is the time to invest in clean and renewable energy. Join us in Hartford on Monday, March 31 at 1 p.m. as we hold a press conference at the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave., before marching to the Capitol Area System at 490 Capitol Ave., where we will do a die-in to represent the harm that this fossil fuel infrastructure inflicts on the community.

For more information, please email sena.wazer@sierraclub.org.

The Latest from CT Green Energy News

by People’s Action for Clean Energy

[Excerpts from March 21 issue of CT Green Energy News]

“Eversource and Avangrid join fossil fuel lobby, undercutting climate targets”
Boston Globe.
“Last year, two major energy companies working in Massachusetts [and Connecticut] joined the ranks of an innocuous sounding group: the Consumer Energy Alliance… Its stated purpose includes “the promotion and defense of natural gas.”…Across the country, the alliance has fought the kinds of climate policies that are taking root in Massachusetts….That makes it “incredibly troubling” that both Eversource, one of the state’s largest gas and electric utilities, and Avangrid, offshore wind developer and the parent company of Berkshire Gas, became members of the alliance last year.”

CT bill would ban gas-powered leaf blowers
Connecticut Public.
“A bill in the Connecticut General Assembly would ban the use of gas-powered leaf blowers in the state starting in 2029. Co-sponsored by 10 Democratic state lawmakers, House Bill 6263 would first direct state and municipal agencies to begin phasing out the use of gas-powered blowers beginning in 2027. Beginning in 2029, the use and sale of such blowers would be outlawed statewide…“They are much more than just a nuisance – they are actually a very meaningful public health threat,”…the blowers emit fine particulate matter “which is respirable, which goes into the lungs, goes into the bloodstream,” as well as conventional air pollutants like ozone.”
[See the entire newsletter at www.pacecleanenergy.org]

West River Peace Garden Gets Ready to Bloom!

by Paula Panzarella, West River Peace Garden

Spring is here! And the West River Peace Garden will soon be blossoming with a wide assortment of colorful native flowers, thanks to the work of the crew and Urban Resources Initiative, who, starting April 18, will be there every Friday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. We encourage all to come help beautify this wonderful entrance-way into New Haven, bounded by Legion Avenue, Ella Grasso Boulevard, and Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard/North Frontage Road.

One of the Peace Gardens’ most significant plantings is a ginkgo tree from Hiroshima, Japan. The tree is from a cutting from a ginkgo that survived the 1945 bombing of Hiroshima.

Volunteers are always appreciated and needed to help weed, plant, mulch and water. Starting April 18, feel free to come by Fridays at 9:30 a.m. and join us for an hour or two. There is a large curb cut at the corner of Ella Grasso Boulevard and Legion Avenue where you can drive to the garden.

For more information, please contact Aaron Goode at aaron.goode@gmail.com, or phone 203-507-8985.

Please visit the website at https://westriverpeacegarden.org.

Attention, Gardeners: We Have Garden Seeds for You!

Hamden Miller Memorial Library

Volunteers at the Hamden Miller Memorial Library will staff the Seed Library two afternoons each week:

* Thursdays from 1-4:30 p.m. through June 5

* Saturdays from 2-4:30 p.m. through June 7

A basic assortment of current-season seeds will be on display whenever the Seed Library is staffed.

Also, a wide selection of past-season seeds is available for self-service whenever Miller Memorial Library is open. These include vegetables, herbs, and ornamentals (annuals and perennials).

Can’t visit while we are staffed? We are working on a short list of common veggie seeds (and a few flowers and herbs) to be available to request, and we will fill limited requests weekly for pickup at any Hamden Library branch. Look for details at the Seed Library.

We are located at 2901 Dixwell Avenue in Hamden.

Remington Woods Soon to Be ‘Nature For All’

by Jhoni Ada, Sierra Club CT Chapter

Remington Woods, a 422-acre urban forest in Bridgeport, Connecticut, stands as Fairfield County’s last lung—a vital sanctuary in a city shaped by industrialization and urban sprawl. Over the last 5 years, we’ve seen remarkable progress toward securing its protection, each milestone bringing us closer to a future where this irreplaceable green space is preserved for generations.

In 2024 we attended a fully booked bus tour of Remington Woods, offering residents, students, and advocates a firsthand experience of its towering trees, serene Success Lake, and thriving wildlife. The awe and enthusiasm from attendees underscored why protecting this forest has been an essential part of the Sierra Club CT’s goals.

Perhaps last year’s biggest moment came when the agricultural company Corteva unveiled their Nature for All plan, proposing public access to Remington Woods with trails, a nature center, and a sustainable energy farm to fund its long-term stewardship. Collaborating on this bold vision has been a privilege, and we are determined to help make it a reality.

Our partnership with High Horizon middle-schoolers was another highlight, showcasing how this forest inspires future conservationists. From wildlife clubs to documentary participation, these students reminded us that protecting Remington Woods isn’t just about today—it’s about creating a better tomorrow.

This year also brought important milestones:
Hosting Black Birders Week: Celebrating diversity in conservation with nature enthusiasts from across the state.

Advocacy Wins: Contributing to the National Old Growth Forest Campaign, amplifying the call for stronger protections.

Building Partnerships: Engaging with US Fish and Wildlife Service, Aspetuck Land Trust, Save the Sound, and local leaders like Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Clanmother Shoran Piper of the Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe.

As we look ahead, our priorities include supporting Corteva’s conservation plan, strengthening partnerships, and advocating for USFWS involvement to ensure permanent protection.

Thanks to all the support, we’re closer than ever to preserving Fairfield County’s last lung. Together, we’re shaping a legacy of urban conservation and hope for our community.

Ask Your State Legislators to Support Your Environmental Rights

by Kimberly Stoner, Director of Advocacy, CT NOFA

Every person should have the fundamental human right to a clean and healthy environment: clean air, water, and soil, healthy ecosystems, and a safe and stable climate. This right is essential to our survival but is not mentioned in the CT state constitution or the US Constitution. An alliance of individuals and organizations, including CT NOFA, C3M, Sierra Club CT, CT League of Conservation Voters, and the CT League of Women Voters, among many others, have been working together to pass a resolution in the state General Assembly that would put environmental rights on the ballot.

This year, the resolution is HJ7, and we already know that it will get a public hearing in the Government Administration and Elections Committee. Last year’s resolution passed the GAE committee, but never got a vote in the state House or Senate.

Here’s what you can do now, at the start of this year’s legislative session:

  1. Find your state legislators. If you don’t know your legislators, you can go to cga.ct.gov, click on “Representation” and “Find Your Legislator,” and put in your address. Your legislator’s email is: Firstname.Lastname@ct.gov
  2. Send an email asking your legislator to co-sponsor HJ7. Here’s a simple script:
    1. I’m a resident of [city/town] and your constituent.
    2. I support the CT Environmental Rights Amendment because …..
    3. Tell them very briefly why – just one sentence is enough. Possible talking points:

A personal experience showing why a clean and healthy environment is important to you.

It recognizes environmental rights as being on par with other fundamental human rights, such as the right to free speech.

It protects the environment for the benefit of all residents.

Annual Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy of Social and Environmental Justice

by Peabody Museum

Every January, we gather at the Peabody Museum, 170 Whitney Ave., to honor Dr. King’s legacy and uplift Black leadership in the social and environmental justice movements. Our special celebration evolves annually as we co-create programming with our community partners from across New Haven and Connecticut.

Co-founded and co-presented with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, each year’s celebration includes:

  • Two days of music and dance performances on the World Stage;
  • A youth art contest and youth-led summit co-presented with Students for Educational Justice;
  • A poetry open mic and professional poetry slam;
  • Storytelling at the New Haven Museum at 114 Whitney Ave.;
  • Special access to Peabody experts and collections;
  • Activities designed and presented by environmental and social justice organizations from across the state.

This important event draws visitors from all over the region. We can’t wait for you to join us!

We are currently planning our 29th celebration, to take place the weekend of Jan. 19–20, 2025. Please visit https://peabody.yale.edu/events/calendar for updates on this year’s event. Hope to see you there!

1 2 3 … 13