Join our next meeting on
Wednesday, January 28, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
This session will focus on “Setting the Stage” for the year ahead, giving us time to reconnect, get to know one another better, and learn how Task Force members would like to engage with and support our climate work in 2026.
We also invite each Climate Task Force member to share a brief introduction—your background, interests, and how you hope to be involved in the coming year.
Draft Agenda – January 28
• Leah: Save the Sound climate updates and 2026 priorities
• Denise: Federal updates and priorities for the upcoming legislative session
• Charles: State updates and priorities for the upcoming legislative session
• Member Introductions: Background, areas of interest, and preferred level of involvement
Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, April 29
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 29
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 28
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
About
The Climate Task Force is a dedicated group of passionate individuals who are supporters, experts, and advocates for climate action within Save the Sound’s community. Task Force members help drive impactful initiatives that address climate change, promote sustainability, and influence policy changes. Save the Sound’s team leverages their collective expertise and commitment to create a significant positive impact on our environment and communities.
The Task Force meets quarterly, with a goal of providing input and advice on the shape of our advocacy campaign and helping to open the door to prospective donors or making pledges necessary to augment Save the Sound’s base of support.
Call to Action: Make Connecticut and New York regional leaders in setting short-and long-term enforceable policies that will cut greenhouse gas pollution by 80% by 2050 and move us into a new economy that focuses on renewables and energy efficiency.
Latest News: Read the latest newsletter from the CT Coalition for Climate Action (CCCA) for a recap of the Coalition’s December meeting, a recording link, and for Coalition priorities for the 2026 Connecticut legislative session.
Save the Sound’s 2026 Climate Priorities
CLIMATE & ENERGY
- Maintaining and Expanding Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Investments
- Protecting Communities from the impacts of incineration-generated pollution and climate-driven extreme heat events
- Expand access to clean renewable energy
WATER
- Riparian Area Protections
- Requiring Safe Timely and Effective fish passage on all nonregulated FERC Hydro Dams
- PFAS Defense (pesticides, cookware)
LANDS
- CEPA Defense
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
- Funding for environmental justice educational initiatives led by community-based organizations
- Additional funding for removing barriers to weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades in (state-designated) Environmental Justice Communities
- Funding for reduced transit fare program for high school students, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities (this could also be high school students and vulnerable populations for short)
- Additional resources to support electric school bus deployment
2026 Climate Task Force Members
John Bahouth
Niantic, CT
Ben Baker
Branford, CT
Steve Chandler Hall
Greenwich, CT
Dawn Henry
Westport, CT
Bill Horne
Branford, CT
Leslie Lee
Stamford, CT
Richard Sellschop
Stamford, CT
Catherine Smith
Northford, CT
Michael Ungaro
Hartford, CT
Stephanie Weiner
Southport, CT
Mary Woolsey
New Haven, CT
Join the Task Force
Our Climate Task Force grows stronger with new people involved. If you’re ready to lend your voice and help guide climate action in our region, we’d love to have you join. To get involved or learn more, please reach out to Jackie Belanger at jbelanger@savethesound.org.