Be the Change You Want to See Happen!
Join the Executive Committee
The Executive Commmitee has openings for interested individuals who want to further the work of the CT Sierra Club. Please contact Walter Grant, the chair of the nominating committee at walterhgrantjr@hotmail.com with nominations or questions. The deadline for applications is October 21st.
As an ExCom member, you can continue your work with the local chapters, but also have a chance to participate in state-wide and regional environmental campaigns. Members serve a term of two years, and are expected to volunteer about 8 hours a month. [Read more]
Save the Date!
Our annual Sierra Club Dinner will be held Saturday, November 8th at the Discovery Museum, an all-ages museum and planetarium featuring hands-on exhibits with a focus on science and outer space.
The Discovery Museum is in Bridgeport just over the Fairfield town line with easy access from the Merrit Parkway. Join us for what will be a memorable evening.
Current CT Issues
A Vast Increase in Gas Pipelines in CT
Although local residents came out and spoke against the plans of Spectra Energy subsidiary Algonguin Gas Transmission to construct the Algonquin Incremental Market (AIM) pipeline across the state at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) hearing on Sept. 10th, the AIM expansion has advanced in the approval process.
Other gasline projects have also been proposed and are pending approval. These include:
- "Atlantic Bridge" or "Access Northeast" project - further expansion of the Algonquin line
- Northeast Energy Direct (NED) project - a large pipeline expansion proposed by the Kinder Morgan subsidiary Tennessee Gas Pipeline Co. (TGP) that encompasses NY, PA, MA, NH and CT
- Connecticut Expansion - a TGP plan which encompasses NY, MA, and CT and includes a new pipeline in the greater Hartford area.
We can ill afford the costs, financially, personally or environmentally, for these projects. Please acquaint yourself with how vast the pipeline expansions are. Fracked gasland is no longer a place in some other state. [Read more]
Election Endorsements
The Sierra Political Committee has been very busy working on election endorsements, reviewing over 65 requests and conducting dozens of interviews. We strongly endorse Gov. Malloy and LT Gov. Wyman for re-election. Their support for the environment while addressing the economic problems has been strong. Because of her support for strengthening our democracy, we have endorsed Denise Merrill for re-election as Secretary of State. We are on track to endorse about 50 candidates for the General Assembly. Click here for all of the endorsements on the Chapter website and learn how you can help. We encourage our members to volunteer a few hours to work for good candidates-making calls, helping in the office, door knocking. For more information, contact Martin Mador, Political and Legislative Chair.
People's Climate March...Voices Heard?
On September 21st over 400,000 people from all walks of life took to the streets of Manhatten for the People's Climate March to coincide with the UN Climate Summit! Politicians are like weather vanes and 400,000 voices told them which way the wind was blowing.
So what's next? One climate march won't change the world or the politicians. We must have a climate change movement! It will take all of us doing our part at home, in the streets, at the legislatures and more. Continue to check our website (www.connecticut.sierraclub.org) for upcoming climate events and actions. [Read more]
Events and Outings
All events and outings open to Sierra Club members and the public.
NOTE: The October meeting of the Southeast Group has been cancelled.
October 9 - Greater Hartford Group Monthly Meeting - a presentation by Jerry Milne, CT DEEP about how and why CT's State Forests are managed. [Read more]
Hiking
October 4 - Nod Brook Wildlife Management Area, Simsbury - Take an easy hike with leader Renee Tayor amidst 137 acres along the Farmington River. [Read more]
October 19 - Bolton Notch Pond, Bolton - Join hike leader Renee Tayor on this rail-to-trail hike. [Read more]
Kayaking
October 5 - Bluff Point, Groton - This shallow and protected open water is excellent for kayaking. [Read more]