Hartford, CT—Tomorrow, March 5th, the Environment and Technology Committee of the Connecticut State Legislature will hold a public hearing to discuss the future of solar in the state. As the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action, one of our main policy priorities is making it easier and cheaper for CT families and businesses to go solar.
About 5 years ago, we reached a turning point where producing power from the sun became cheaper than producing energy from fossil fuels. Solar is now one of the cheapest forms of power on the planet, lowering costs, creating new jobs, and protecting public health from fossil fuel pollution. This enormous potential could transform our energy systems with abundant, clean energy for all. That’s why we are working to advance policies that make solar energy more accessible across our state.
“As a renewable source of power, solar energy has an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change. It is also one of the most affordable energy sources. When used by residents and businesses behind the meter, it reduces demand on the grid which has cost benefits to ratepayers. Solar energy also improves air quality and reduces water use from energy production while having a minimal long-term environmental impact. We support legislative efforts that advance an electric grid that is clean and beneficial to all,” said Nathan Frohling, Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy in CT.
“When we burn fossil fuels for heat and electricity, we pollute our air, creating carcinogens and lung-harming toxics. Breathing this pollution worsens asthma, and increases the risks of cancer, learning disabilities, ADHD, premature birth, strokes, and heart attacks. People of color often live closer to fossil fuel infrastructure and suffer greater health consequences. Going solar is one of the most powerful public health investments to reduce fossil fuel burning. CHPCA supports expanding solar power as a responsible clean energy option that protects the health of CT residents,” said Stefan Marczuk, Chair, Connecticut Health Professionals for Climate Action.
“Save the Sound supports expanding the pace and scale of solar implementation in Connecticut. Solar energy deployment is essential to meet our state climate mandates in the Global Warming Solutions Act and to meet our goal of 100% renewable energy by 2040. More importantly, solar energy deployment will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, making Connecticut a safer, healthier, more affordable place to live,” said Julianna McVeigh, Doherty Climate and Resilience Institute Campaigns Manager.
“As Washington turns its back on solar, it’s important for Hartford to pick up the slack. Solar energy is low cost, promotes the local economy, and reduces our dependance on volatile out-of-state and out-of-country commodities,” said Bernie Pelletier, People’s Action for Clean Energy.
“Connecticut families want reliable, affordable electricity that doesn’t come at the cost of their health or the health of the planet. Increasing access to solar power in Connecticut is critical to achieving the cleaner, healthier, more affordable future that our state wants and needs,” said Samantha Dynowski, State Director of Sierra Club Connecticut.
“Expanding solar investment and infrastructure in Connecticut is critical to meeting our climate goals. Solar offers affordable and quickly deployable renewable energy that will benefit our public health. As each week seems to bring new challenges and global instability, we must continue to invest in local renewable energy to reduce our dependence on out-of-state fossil fuels, which fall victim to unpredictable market swings,” said Connor Yakaitis, Deputy Director CT League of Conservation Voters.
“We need more solar,” said Kendall Keelen, Staff Attorney for CLF Connecticut. “Solar power has proven that it works. During last year’s June heat wave, electric customers saved more than $19 million because of small scale solar. This is what Connecticut wants—reliable ways to keep costs low and the power on in extreme temperatures.”
“Every week, I talk to a new religious community that is interested in installing solar on their house of worship because it is a clean, healthy, reliable, and affordable source of energy,” said Terri Eickel, Executive Director of the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network. “CT should expand solar deployment and infrastructure and ensure that more people can access the benefits of solar. Let there be light!”
“Low-wealth residents of Connecticut need access to low-cost solar from reliable sources to improve their health and help manage their high utility bills,” said Dr. Mark Mitchell, founder of the Connecticut Environmental Justice Leadership Collaborative. “Connecticut has more natural gas power plants and more pollution than any other state in New England. Black and brown people are more likely to live near these facilities and suffer from asthma and other health conditions from exposure to their pollution. We need to create more plug-in, rooftop, and community-solar power in environmental justice communities and close these polluting facilities as quickly as possible. Those who bear the greatest health burden of dirty fossil fuel power production should be first in line to get the benefits of a clean solar future.”
“The Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP) echoes the position of our national organization which strongly supports the importance of clean energy solutions in addressing climate change and its health impacts. The ACP recommends greater use of zero-emissions energy sources, including solar, as part of environmentally sustainable practices that reduce carbon emissions. The ACP advocates for urgent action in this area, and that taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions could have major benefits not only to the environment but also to human respiratory and cardiovascular health,” said Daniel G. Tobin, MD, FACP; Governor, American College of Physicians, CT Chapter.
The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action is a statewide alliance of environmental, labor, faith, health, and community organizations representing more than 300,000 people, working together to advance equitable climate solutions that reduce pollution, lower energy costs, and build a just and resilient clean energy economy.
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