Greenwich Legislators Focus on Environmental Priorities

From left to right: Vice President and Executive Director of Audubon Connecticut Tom Baptist, State Representative Lile R. Gibbons (R-150), State Senator L. Scott Frantz (R-36), State Representative Fred Camillo (R-151), State Representative Livvy R. Floren (R-149), Director of Governmental Affairs for Audubon Connecticut Sandy Breslin and Center Director for Audubon Greenwich Karen Dixon.

Greenwich – State Senator L. Scott Frantz (R-36) and State Representatives Livvy R. Floren (R-149), Lile R. Gibbons (R-150) and Fred Camillo (R-151) attended an annual legislative forum regarding environmental priorities that was hosted by Audubon Greenwich, the Greenwich Land Trust and the Town of Greenwich Conservation Commission at the Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, January 25th.

“Living in close proximity to Long Island Sound and participating in numerous outdoor activities, I am personally aware of the importance of supporting a clean and healthy ecosystems and remain committed to doing so,” said Senator Frantz. “We must ensure that future proposals balance the need to create jobs and to protect the environment. I will continue to vote in favor of smart legislation that is sensitive to each of these responsibilities.”

“When faced with strained financial times, we must find innovative ways to protect our wildlife and the environment without a large price tag,” said Representative Floren. “We must do what we can to stay vigilant and protect our natural resources.”

The forum focused on numerous legislative priorities, including storm response, water management, tree maintenance, open space protection, and the streamlining of environmental regulations.

“The most important component of protecting the environment is awareness,” said Representative Gibbons. “Everyone should know where and how to discard of harmful products like batteries and prescription drugs. The Boy Scouts have been a great help in hosting events and publicizing the availability of proper waste receptacles.”

“Greenwich’s biggest accomplishment in 2011 was enacting a single stream recycling program,” said Representative Camillo. “Making it easier for residents to separate their garbage enhances the environment by cultivating positive recycling habits and provides a financial savings to the town by lowering our municipal solid waste (MSW) numbers and increasing recycling rates.”

The “Environmental Priorities for Connecticut’s General Assembly” forum is an annual opportunity for members of the public to discuss environmental issues with state legislators in Greenwich.