Support the CT Environmental Rights Amendment Public Hearing

This is the time to make your voice heard at the CT General Assembly in support of the CT Environmental Rights Amendment! The public hearing – which takes place on Wednesday, March 4 – is when the legislators are most likely to be listening to and reading what you have to say, and then what you say goes into the public record!

The resolution is SJ 37. Here is the language of the resolution proposing the CT ERA. This is language our team proposed last year, so we are happy to see strong language again.

What you can do

Submit written testimony in SUPPORT of SJ 37. Here’s the form to submit written testimony. Select the hearing date (March 4), and select SJ37 (the first resolution on the list).

Template for your written testimony

I am writing in SUPPORT of SJ 37, Resolution Proposing an Amendment to the State Constitution Concerning Environmental Rights.

{Give your name, town, and any organization you represent. Add any personal story about why you care about environmental rights.}

Talking points

• Clean and healthy air, water, soil, and ecosystems, a clean and healthy environment, and a safe and stable climate are fundamental human rights and essential to the health and survival of the people of Connecticut.
• This resolution will put environmental rights before the people in a referendum. This is democracy in action. Let the people decide!
• With the Federal government rapidly dismantling environmental protections and the Environmental Protection Agency, establishing these environmental rights in the Declaration of Rights in the Connecticut State Constitution is more important than ever.
• The CT Environmental Rights Amendment will:
  • Raise environmental justice to the highest constitutional standing and enforceability,
  • Strengthen our existing laws and address any gaps or loopholes that result in environmental harm,
  • Focus the government on preventing pollution and environmental degradation, rather than simply permitting it,
  • Protect our environment and climate for both current and future generations.

Once you have sent your written testimony to the committee, send a copy to your legislators, and ask them to co-sponsor SJ 37.  You can find your legislators here.

Thank you for your support of the CT Environmental Rights Amendment!