The Progressive Action Roundtable mission is to inform the greater New Haven community about the activities of many progressive groups, so that people may learn about them and become involved in discussions and actions on issues for the common good, such as peace, health, racial equity, justice, clean energy and the environment.
Get the latest in Connecticut-focused energy news delivered to your inbox each Friday. For a free subscription to this weekly online resource, please visit www.pacecleanenergy.org.
by Sena Wazer, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, Sierra Club CT
Eversource, the electric and gas utility for much of Connecticut, has proposed to build a new interconnection pipeline under the Connecticut River. This expansion would impact Middletown, East Hampton, and Higganum, in particular the Connecticut Valley Railroad State Park Trail, Hurd State Park, and Higganum Meadows Wildlife Management Area.
Eversource wants to complete this expansion using a practice called horizontal directional drilling. When this practice was used in 2024 for a pipeline in Rhode Island, the company spilled 50 gallons of drilling fluid into the Sakonnet River. Connecticut doesn’t need more methane gas, we don’t need more pipelines, and we certainly don’t need them drilled under the Connecticut River.
In addition to the potential harm that projects like this do to our ecosystems, they are also bad for our climate, health, and costs. Two recent publications have shown that methane gas reliance and pipeline expansions raise our bills.
A study in Maine, which is on the same regional electricity grid as Connecticut, found that methane gas is the primary driver of rising electricity prices in Maine, while clean energy would lower bills. A recently published primer from The Future of Heat Initiative found that Connecticut customers are paying more for gas pipes and their expansion, than for the actual gas we use.
Are you interested in learning more and taking action? Join Sierra Club Connecticut, the No Pipeline Expansion Northeast Coalition, and Sunrise Movement Wesleyan for an educational forum in Middletown titled “Pipelines Under Our River: Safety, Costs, and What Residents Should Know.” The forum will be hosted on Wednesday, March 25, at 6 p.m. at the Russell Library. Find more information and RSVP here: tinyurl.com/middletownforum. Email sena.wazer@sierraclub.org with questions.
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.
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.
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.
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.:
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
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.
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].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
Following the panel, participants will have a choice of activities (beginner Pilates, poster-making, or advocacy mini-workshop). REGISTER
by Melinda Tuhus, Hamden environmental activist
Dear friends,
We delayed the Mountain Valley pipeline for years, but it was finally completed last year, replete with hundreds of water quality and other violations. We can still stop the MVP Southgate extension in North Carolina. Please join me in signing this petition: bit.ly/3FfdqpH.
Since 1973, People’s Action for Clean Energy has been working throughout Connecticut to promote the development of alternative, renewable energy sources and encourage others to join the conversation.
CT Green Energy News is a free weekly online newsletter.
To subscribe, please visit https://www.pacecleanenergy.org.
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.
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]