June 23, 2008

The Honorable M. Jodi Rell

Governor of Connecticut

State Capitol

Hartford, CT 06106

Dear Governor Rell:

I am pleased to submit the Council’s annual report on the status of Connecticut’s environment for 2007.

As you know from previous reports, the Council uses a set of graphs, or environmental indicators, to chart long-term trends and yearly progress. 

This year’s report reveals a spectrum of one-year improvements and declines.  The air in 2007 was the cleanest it has been in decades, with the notable exception of sunny summer days when ground-level ozone or fine particles (or both) violated health standards.  On those same hot days, some of the state’s oldest and most polluting power plants were started up to meet the demand for cooling. Connecticut must intensify its efforts to dampen spikes in electricity demand on those hot, hazy days.  This is a realistic goal.  With Executive Order 17 – requiring state agencies to purchase energy-efficient equipment – you committed the state to a leadership role in reducing the great amount of electricity that is wasted by inefficient air conditioners, refrigerators and other appliances on hot days.  If other consumers follow, better air will be the result.

The report’s review of long-term trends yields a clear conclusion:  Connecticut residents will fail to meet several important environmental goals, including those for land conservation and waste recycling, unless we make a more earnest effort. 

The Council looks forward to working on these challenges in the coming year. As

always, the Council stands ready to provide you with any additional information or assistance that you might request.

Respectfully,

Thomas F. Harrison
Chairman