The cities and towns of Connecticut are rich with history and character. Visitors and residents alike are drawn to the state’s extensive coastline and open spaces. But today, Connecticut is threatened by intense development pressures sprawling out from New York City, swallowing open space. Stormwater run off roads and parking lots, polluting Connecticut’s waterways. Connecticut is one of New England’s largest energy consumers, relying heavily on old, polluting fossil fuel-fired power plants. Emissions from these plants are a major cause of climate change that threatens the state’s coastline with rising sea levels. Residents of Connecticut’s major cities face health risks from air pollution, contaminated water other environmental hazards.

CLF's Legacy
In the mid-1990s, CLF has played major role in triggering development of comprehensive lead poisoning prevention laws throughout New England. Connecticut’s law is enacted in 1992. Collectively, these new statutes make this region the national leader in lead poisoning prevention. In 1998, CLF joined Connecticut Fund for the Environment and Citizens for a Sensible Six in opposing another permit to fill dozens of acres of wetlands to build a new Route 6 expressway. The Connecticut Department of Transportation subsequently withdraws application in face of unified opposition from federal agencies.