NEW! Climate Action Plan 2022: Cut Emissions & Build a Healthy Connecticut
If you’ve ever wondered what the Connecticut state government can do right now to fight climate change, this is the guide you need. “Climate Action Plan 2022: Cut Emissions & Build a Healthy Connecticut,” a collaboration between Save the Sound and The Yale Center on Climate Change and Health, examines the electricity, transportation, and buildings sectors in Connecticut—as well as cross-sector considerations and social factors—to identify a short list of critical policies that our legislature should pass to ensure the state meets its greenhouse gas reduction targets in an equitable way.
Your Nature-Based Community Resilience Solutions
Coastal Connecticut is already experiencing climate change impacts; fortunately, nature has evolved resilient systems that are highly effective at protecting us from worsening storm surges and heavy rainfalls. These nature-based solutions withstand storm impacts better than concrete, are frequently very cost effective, and are often self-regenerative. This spring 2021 agenda identifies 18 top coastal resiliency opportunities from Guilford to Fairfield.
Protecting Connecticut’s Future: Overcoming the 2022 Environmental Cliff
This March 2021 report spotlights the impending retirement cliff that could see the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection lose a quarter of its staff by July 2022. We examine the threat of lost staff capacity and expertise, and make recommendations for urgent planning to avert damage to critical programs including environmental enforcement. (See factsheet with highlights.)
Long Island Sound Beach Report (biennial)
Our first Beach Report, issued in August 2019, examines water quality at 200+ Long Island Sound beaches from 2016 to 2018. It reveals trends both positive and negative, and is a resource for residents looking for a clean place to swim and for decision-makers identifying opportunities for clean water investments.
Long Island Sound Report Card (biennial)
Grading the quality of Long Island Sound’s open waters paints a valuable picture of the region’s ecological health—from unhealthy waters in the Sound’s western end to improving conditions in the east. We first produced the Long Island Sound Report Card using data collected by scientists in 2015, and issued an update in fall 2018.
NYC Nitrogen Report: East River and Long Island Sound
Excess nitrogen from sewage treatment plants on the East River still profoundly affects Long Island Sound. This report, based on 2017 research by Dr. Jamie Vaudrey of the University of Connecticut, highlights the importance of NYC continuing to cut its nitrogen inputs.
Plum Island: Data Gaps in Cleanup Planning
Dermody Consulting reviewed studies of contamination on Plum Island and identified data gaps in groundwater testing, soil vapor testing, and more. The federal government must work with the State of New York to develop a cleanup plan that meets the state’s environmental standards.
Increasing the Connecticut Renewable Portfolio Standard
Connecticut stands to gain much by setting aggressive targets for renewable energy growth. This 2017 analysis by Synapse Energy Economics identifies climate, jobs, and public health benefits from strengthening the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard.
West River Watershed-Based Plan
Save the Sound led a community effort in 2015 to develop a watershed-based plan for the West River, to reduce water pollution and guide future uses and protections. Our ongoing construction of residential rain gardens and roadside bioswales throughout western New Haven advance the plan’s goals.
New York’s Sewage Treatment Plants
In 2014, Save the Sound released A Safe and Healthy Sound, a progress report and interactive map on New York’s sewage treatment plants on Long Island Sound. The report reviewed the plants’ progress towards their 2017 deadline for limiting excess nitrogen outputs.
Green Infrastructure Feasibility Scan
A feasibility scan was conducted to evaluate opportunities to reduce stormwater runoff pollution in Bridgeport and New Haven by incorporating green infrastructure. This 2012 study serves as a foundation for more detailed planning and design efforts.
Save the Sound joined with the Long Island Sound Study in 2011 to complete SoundVision, a long-range plan and two-year citizen action agenda for re-energizing restoration and preservation work on Long Island Sound.
In 2011, Save the Sound released State of the Sound, a first-of-its-kind comprehensive overview of accomplishments, restoration goals, and emerging challenges facing Long Island Sound.
Green Jobs for a Vibrant Connecticut
Building Connecticut’s Economic & Environment Future, released in 2010, highlights green sector initiatives that would leverage federal, state, and private dollars to put Connecticut back to work and help make our state a competitive, clean, and vibrant place.
A Better Connecticut through Improved Bus Transit
This report, developed in 2007, lays out a vision still applicable today: a path to increased investment in our bus system that would lead to job access and cleaner air.