Governor Rell: Wide Range of Activities at Capitol

to Mark 40th Anniversary of Earth Day

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that a full slate of activities is planned at the State Capitol on April 22 to mark the 40th anniversary of Earth Day.

            “On April 22, 1970, millions of Americans showed their support for the environment on the first Earth Day,” Governor Rell said. “This April 22, on the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, we will celebrate the progress we have made in cleaning our air, water and land while acknowledging the environmental challenges that remain.

            “Here in Connecticut we have much to celebrate – our rivers and streams run clearer, our lakes and ponds are brighter, our once-blighted brownfields are being reclaimed and reused and far more stringent regulation safeguards our environment,” the Governor said. “Perhaps most importantly, the Long Island Sound is once again rightly considered an environmental treasure worth protecting and enhancing. Yet we know there are critical tasks ahead of us, ranging from reducing pollution from auto emissions and industrial sources to finding alternative and renewable energy sources. Earth Day is a reminder that the job of protecting the environment is only begun, never completed.”

            Governor Rell said the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), with the cooperation of several environmental organizations, has taken the lead in planning a full day of activities for Earth Day. These activities are free and open to the public.   DEP will provide complimentary Canaan Fir Seedling for the first 250 guests at Earth Day activities – a seedling suitable for planting in your yard.

            The day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a Youth Forum hosted by the General Assembly’s Environment Committee. The forum will offer young people from across the state the opportunity to share their concerns about the environment with members of the committee.

            Other activities will include displays in the Legislative Office Building Concourse and Old Judiciary Room of the State Capitol; a display of emergency response and outdoor safety equipment in the parking lot in front of the State Armory; and panel discussions, guest speakers and the premiere of a Connecticut Earth Day Movie in the Old Judiciary Room.

            Details of the activities are available at www.ct.gov/dep/earthday.     

            “The tremendous response to the first Earth Day reflected growing public concern over the condition of the nation’s environment,” Governor Rell said. “Soon after that first Earth Day, both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the DEP were created and Congress enacted several historic pieces of legislation, including the federal Clean Air Act (1970) and the federal Clean Water Act (1972).

            “Our experience over the past 40 years has shown that we can limit pollution while allowing our economy to grow,” the Governor said. “During these years, Connecticut has been a leader in environmental protection and we continue to make progress through energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy sources, improved land use policies and expanded public transportation. Connecticut companies are increasingly focused on improving both their environmental footprints and their bottom lines while our citizens have embraced lifestyle choices and actions to help conserve resources.”

            Highlights of Earth Day activities at the Capitol include:

Youth Forum with the General Assembly’s Environment Committee

 10 a.m., Legislative Office Building

Displays by DEP and Environmental Organizations

10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Legislative Office Building Concourse & Old Judiciary Room, State Capitol

Quinnipiac River Watershed Association Photo Exhibit

All day, State Capitol, South Lobby

DEP Vehicle Displays

10 a.m. – 2 p.m., William A. O’Neill Armory

Tours of Bushnell Park with Urban Forester

11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Leave from LOB Concourse

Make a Statement (Videotape Your Views on the Environment)

11 a.m. – 2 p.m., State Capitol, Legislative Office Building

Premiere of Connecticut Earth Day Movie

11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Old Judiciary Room, State Capitol

Panel Discussions

Old Judiciary Room, State Capitol

·        Why Go Green: How Sustainable Practices Benefit Business, Homeowners and Us All (11:45 a.m. -12:45 p.m.)

Moderator: Bob Wilson, WTNH-TV

Panel:

o       Bill Duesing, Executive Director, Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut

o       Jack Hoscheit, Vice President, Environmental Sustainability, Aptar Group

o       Michael Trolle, BPC Green Builders LLC

o       Paul J. Vitello, Director, Environmental Sustainability, United Technologies Corporation

·        Making Room for Everyone and Everything: The Intersection of Landuse, Wildlife and Natural Resources (1:30 – 2:30 p.m.)

Moderator: Steve Grant, freelance environmental journalist and former outdoor reporter, The Hartford Courant

Panel:

·         Chet Arnold, Associate Director, Center for Land Use Education and Research (CLEAR)

·         Jenny Dickson, Supervising Wildlife Biologist, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection

·         Adam Whelchel, Director, Conservation Programs, The Nature Conservancy – Connecticut Chapter

·        Major Issues of the Next 10 Years: What are the Challenges as We Head to Earth Day 50? (3:15 – 4:15 p.m.)

Moderator: Duby McDowell, Duby McDowell Communications and former reporter, WFSB-TV

Panel:

o       The Hon. William Finch, Mayor, Bridgeport

o       Stewart J. Hudson, President, Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation

o       John Warner, President, Warner Babcock Institute for Green Chemistry

Earth Day Reception Hosted by Environmental Organizations

4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., State Capitol