June 12, 2007

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 2006.

The Council uses a set of graphs, or environmental indicators, to chart long-term trends and yearly progress. It is apparent that Connecticut’s citizens will not see all of their environmental goals fulfilled if current trends continue. The Council sees a need to refocus and enhance our collective efforts to reduce and recycle waste, reduce water pollution, preserve farms, forests and grasslands, use electricity more efficiently and improve compliance with environmental laws.  

The good news is that the goals are within reach if we choose to act. Among the many conditions for success, two stand out: Adequate funding must be in place year in and year out and, as you state in your own Responsible Growth initiatives, future patterns of development must be more harmonious with Connecticut’s natural landscape.

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