A new wave of environmental legislation is approaching Connecticut's shores in 2025, with decisions that will shape the future of our beaches, waterways, and coastal communities. Here's what you need to know – and how you can help protect what matters: 

Key Dates to Circle

• February 5, 2025: Governor Ned Lamont presents his proposal for a new state budget
• February 18, 2025: Join a webinar by the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network to get insights into environmental legislation.
• June 4, 2025: The legislative session adjourns—this is the last chance for bills to pass.

Earlier this year, the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Annual Environmental Summit laid the groundwork for 2025’s legislative priorities, highlighting critical issues like shoreline preservation, climate resilience, and clean water initiatives. If you missed it, catch up on key takeaways on their website.

What’s at Stake

1. Coastal Protection & Beach Access

Connecticut’s coastlines are under threat, but there’s hope:

• Shoreline Preservation Initiatives: Proposals aim to fight erosion and restore natural habitats.
• Public Beach Access: Key legislation could ensure that our beaches remain open to all.
• Coastal Development Regulations: Tighter restrictions on building in sensitive areas are on the table.

How You Can Help:

• Share personal stories about why public beach access matters to you. Post photos and tag @SurfriderCT to amplify the message.
• Contact your representatives and ask them to prioritize beach access and shoreline preservation. Find your legislator here.

2. Water Quality – From Rivers to Long Island Sound

Clean water is a necessity for everyone, from surfers to beachcombers:

• Pollution Control: Bills aim to reduce urban runoff and harmful chemicals like neonicotinoids. (Great press release here from our friends at Save the Sound)
• Water Monitoring: Proposals seek to expand water testing to protect public health and marine ecosystems.

How You Can Help:

• Join a local beach cleanup or Surfrider CT’s water testing program.
• Advocate for funding for the Clean Water Fund by reaching out to legislators or testifying at hearings.

3. Climate Resilience for Our Coast

With sea levels rising, climate resilience has never been more critical:

• Smart Infrastructure Investments: Proposals for seawalls, dunes, and other protections are being discussed.
• Wetland Restoration Projects: These natural buffers are key to protecting coastal communities.
• Climate Change Superfund: A bold idea to hold polluters accountable for climate-related costs.
• Offshore Wind Development: Legislation related to offshore wind development is likely to be a hot topic. Senate Bill 63 aims to address the mitigation of effects on wildlife and fisheries from future offshore wind projects. Further reading here. 

How You Can Help:

• Support the superfund act by contacting your representatives and sharing its benefits with your network.
• Partner with organizations like Save the Sound to advocate for comprehensive climate solutions 
• Sign up for programs within Sea Level Rise at Univ. of Connecticut. Check out their interactive maps and other resources here. 
  

How to Make Your Voice Count:

1. Get Involved

• Find your legislators, track bills, and learn about upcoming hearings at the Connecticut General Assembly website.
• Show up at hearings and share your perspective. Your story matters!

2. Stay Connected

• Follow @SurfriderCT on social media for updates and action alerts.
• Follow for instant notifications about legislative developments.

3. Spread the Word

• Host a letter-writing party with friends to advocate for key bills.
• Share Surfrider’s posts and create your own to engage your network in coastal advocacy.

Why This Matters

The decisions made in this legislative session will affect Connecticut's coastline for generations to come. Whether you're a regular beach visitor, local resident, or someone who simply values our coastal environment, your voice matters in this conversation.

Let’s make 2025 the year we turn the tide for our oceans and beaches. Stay salty, stay informed, and keep making waves for positive change! 🌊

The Connecticut State Capitol Building, 2024. Credit: Stephen Busemeyer / CT Mirror

Further reading and resources: 

Important Legislative Facts:

• Democrats hold majorities in both the House (102 out of 151 members) and Senate (25 out of 36 members)11
• Key environmental priorities include:Reducing neonicotinoid use to protect water quality and ecosystems
• Senate Bill 63 proposes regulations for mitigating effects on wildlife and fisheries from future offshore wind projects14
• The Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) requires state agencies to assess the environmental impact of proposed actions24
• Sierra Club Connecticut's 2025 legislative priorities include ending fossil fuel expansion, increasing energy efficiency, and advancing environmental justice626

Other Relevant Information:

• The Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action (CCCA), representing over 300,000 residents, is pushing for bold environmental solutions16
• There's a proposal to create a climate change superfund act, similar to New York's, requiring fossil fuel companies to pay for climate mitigation and adaptation efforts27
• The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is developing new regulations on cumulative impacts assessment for environmental justice communities22
• Connecticut may consider legislation to expand nuclear power capacity, which has raised concerns among some environmental groups9
• The state is facing debates over its "fiscal guardrails," which could impact funding for environmental initiatives3