Hartford, CT—The Connecticut State House took a step toward protecting our residents from the impacts of climate change on Wednesday by passing Senate Bill 9 in a bipartisan vote of 115-33. This follows the bill’s 28-8 passage in the Senate on May 15.
Resilience is especially needed in Connecticut, a state that has seen six billion-dollar disasters in the past three years alone. This bill is a crucial measure to plan for threats like rising sea levels, heat waves, and extreme weather while keeping Connecticut residents safe and informed. The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action applauds the passage of SB 9, which will create a safer, healthier Connecticut in the coming years, and urges Governor Lamont to sign it.
SB 9 will improve Connecticut’s resilience, keep people safe, and shore up vulnerable infrastructure by:
- Improving transparency about flood risk and requiring flood risk disclosure when someone is buying a home.
- Developing better planning for residential development by requiring coastal site plan review for construction of single-family homes in areas facing sea level rise.
- Preparing towns to face climate impacts by strengthening roads and bridges against sea level rise; updating evacuation plans for residents to take the safest routes possible during an emergency; and ensuring that our water supplies are protected from inundation and sewage.
- Establishing Resiliency Improvement Districts that create a framework authorizing municipalities to finance capital projects addressing climate change mitigation, adaptation, or resilience.
At the time of passage, the bill had 44 co-sponsors, representing mounting support for climate action across the state.
Here’s what members of the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action had to say:
“With the passage of SB 9, Connecticut is taking a step forward in protecting communities across the state from the impacts of climate change. We appreciate the legislature’s bi-partisan support for these crucial resilience measures and particularly want to thank Environment co-chairs Representative Parker and Senator Lopes for their leadership and Representative Callahan, ranking member on the Environment Committee, for recognizing how resilience is the path to a safer, healthier Connecticut,” said Julianna McVeigh, Climate and Resilience Campaigns Manager at Save the Sound.
“SB 9 is a positive step in giving municipalities the tools to shore up vulnerable infrastructure and prepare for climate impacts like flooding and extreme weather. It also allows for the creation of Resiliency Improvement Districts, giving municipalities a framework to finance capital projects that support climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. By integrating climate data into zoning, housing, emergency planning, and water systems, SB 9 better prepares Connecticut to fight the climate crisis, especially for those in our state most impacted by its health-harming effects,” said Julianna Larue, Legislative Organizer, Sierra Club Connecticut.
“We commend the legislature for taking bold action on climate resilience with the final passage of SB 9. This marks a vital step toward meeting Connecticut’s climate goals and builds on the strong environmental agenda advancing this session. As the final week unfolds, we urge lawmakers to keep up the momentum to ensure our communities are safeguarded and ready for the growing environmental challenges ahead,” said Connor Yakaitis, Deputy Director at CT League of Conservation Voters.
“Faith communities are on the front lines of extreme weather and community resilience. Houses of worship open their doors to offer refuge to those whose homes have been damaged by floods, hurricanes, or wildfires and act as cooling or warming centers during heat waves and cold snaps. The Interreligious Eco-Justice Network is grateful to see the state step up to help towns protect residents from the impacts of climate change both now and in the future,” said Terri Eickel, Executive Director, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network.
“We appreciate the legislature’s attention to the impacts of climate change that are already heading our way in addition to the urgent need to slow climate change itself. This bill adds to previous efforts and addresses some of the most critical climate resilience issues such as preparation for the increasing severity of storm events,” said Nathan Frohling, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in CT.
“As powerful storms grow more frequent and destructive, Connecticut cannot afford to wait. This legislation is a necessary step toward building a resilient future—one that protects our communities from worsening floods and ensures a safe, livable Connecticut for generations to come,” said Shannon Laun, Vice President for Connecticut at Conservation Law Foundation. “We urge Governor Lamont to sign this bill without delay.”
The CT Coalition for Climate Action comprises environmental advocates, health experts, labor and municipal representatives, and others advocating for climate action in Connecticut. Formed in 2023, the Coalition’s central demand is that Connecticut keep its promise to cut climate pollution and protect our future. Members of the coalition’s steering committee are Save the Sound, American College of Physicians – CT Chapter, ConnPIRG, Conservation Law Foundation, CT Health Professionals for Climate Action, CT League of Conservation Voters, Environment Connecticut, Interreligious Eco-Justice Network, Mitchell Environmental Health Associates, People’s Action for Clean Energy, Sierra Club CT, and the Nature Conservancy in CT. More information at www.climateactionct.org.
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