LOFTY GOALS, LITTLE PROGRESS 

In recent years, Connecticut politicians have given speeches, passed laws, and accepted awards for conservation, land preservation, and environmental protection. However, despite setting lofty goals for saving our corner of the Earth, little real progress is being made, according to a report by a state government watchdog group.

The Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), is an independent state agency charged with reporting to the governor annually on the status of our environment. In its new report, the CEQ concludes the state is falling far short of its benchmarks.

"Connecticut residents have set ambitious goals for a clean, healthful and enjoyable environment," said Council chairman Thomas Harrison, "but goals and plans are not enough."
It appears politicians are more interested in pontificating about saving the environment than in making it happen.

For example, numerous news conferences have been held
in recent years about saving Connecticut farmland so state residents can have a safe, home-grown food supply and keep its beautiful farms and barns in place. Yet the financial facts reveal something less rosy—or less green, if you prefer.

"At the rate we're acquiring farmland (with state preservation programs), by the time we get the money we need, there will be none left to purchase," Harrison warned. "Lost dreams like lost time can never be brought back."

Some years ago, the state set a long-term goal of preserving 21% of all land in Connecticut for open space through purchases by the state, municipalities, conservation groups, and other private sector interests. But Harrison said progress in that venue is weak. "We're not going to get there," he said. "We're on track to do it in dribs and drabs, but the pace of loss (of land) may outpace the fundraising."

The CEQ report also points to weak state support for the Department of Environmental Protection even though "going green" supposedly is a top priority for politicians and voters.

"In inflation-adjusted dollars, the DEP today gets the same amount it got back in the 1970s," said Harrison. He added that in 1988 the amount of general fund money going to the DEP was about .7%, now that figure is just .2%. "That's not acceptable," said Harrison. "Other (nearby) states have about .8% of their general fund budgets" going to environmental programs.

The Council chairman did not mince words in suggesting what is needed to correct this shallow support. "There is really no substitute for cash," said Harrison. "That's what we have to have." For starters, boosting the DEP's state funding by $4 million this year would be a good "down payment" on progress, he suggested.

To maintain proper focus, the CEQ also recommends that the DEP's operation and maintenance of state parks be funded separately from the agency's other responsibilities for regulation and protection of air and water quality and wildlife. The Council recommends that at least $20 million each year be dedicated to the parks operating budget and $15 million per year in capital investment.

Harrison and company concede they do not have the resources to accurately calculate how much funding is needed for the DEP to handle all its other tasks. They say an in-depth state study of that financial issue would be worthwhile and timely.

The Council believes the goals set by the state for farmland preservation, open space preservation and other environmental concerns are realistic. Harrison said the public and private sectors in Connecticut have simply lost focus and must re-sharpen their vision.

Coincidentally, a coalition of 50 environmental groups calling itself "The Face of Connecticut Campaign" is pushing legislation that would create a new funding mechanism for preserving the state's beautiful landscapes, historic villages, and urban assets. It would rely on new state bonding authorizations, changes in farmland preservation provisions, and better planning.
 

Posted 3/10/08

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