Site Visualizes CT Legislative Progress on Environment

Web site pictures outcomes of '09 state session to measure lawmakers' responsiveness.

It's hard to know if Connecticut is on pace to solve its environmental problems--even though the future for resources here may be decided early in the 21st century. With 2010 near the question is: How are we doing?

A new site visualizes environmental outcomes of the '09 session so the public can measure the responsiveness of lawmakers and the progress of local environmental management:

http://beta20.ctearthnet.org/report09/report09_home.php

Put up by CT EarthNet, graphics show 369 bills introduced about 43 environmental issues and 32 bills becoming law--less than 10%.
Visitors can see, for example, how 36 bills were introduced about renewable, clean energy--but none passed.

Heat maps show "hot" and "cold" issues and legislators voting for or against. Transportation, for example, went cold. Health & Toxics was warmer; Energy Conservation was polarized hot and cold.

Graphics show cross-over voting, a leadership index ranking legislators and similarity comparisons based on voting, bills introduced and sponsored. Tables show voting by issue, absences, and more.

Included is a written summary of outcomes for the environment and recommendations for speeding responsiveness.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brendan Hanrahan, 203 767 6637, hanrahan@ctearthnet.org