Environment

Branford is almost completely developed and the clock is ticking on the time we have left to complete the open space system that will protect our natural resources and the quality of life of future generations of Branford residents. We will continue to work with the Select Committee on Open Space Acquisition, the Branford Land Trust, and other conservation organizations to identify and acquire the remaining vulnerable parcels that are needed to protect our town's environmentally sensitive areas, as called for in Branford's 2008 Plan of Conservation and Development.

Our quality of life in Branford is closely connected with the health of Long Island Sound. Last year, working with the State and concerned Branford citizens, we ended the threat of the Islander East pipeline and helped defeat the proposed Broadwater floating liquefied natural gas factory. Another threat to Long Island Sound is contaminated run-off from Branford's streets and lawns. Our Town is already a recognized leader in the use of organic methods to maintain playing fields and parks. We will continue to work to improve Branford's water quality by increasing public awareness of water pollution sources such as runoff comprised of lawn fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, and pavement de-icers. We will implement best management practices of stormwater that include regularly cleaning streets and storm drains, and will make information regarding environmentally friendly home and yard-care practices available to residents. These practices directly impact the Sound's viability.

As a coastal community, Branford is particularly threatened by the predicted effects of increased greenhouse gases and climate change. Our goal is to do our part in addressing this problem by making Branford a truly Clean Energy Community. We worked with the Conservation and Environment Commission and the Clean Energy Task Force to create a greenhouse gas inventory for Branford. That inventory lists the activities of our Town and community that generate carbon dioxide. It also identifies opportunities for reducing Branford's carbon footprint. The School Department has installed a high-efficiency "Tri-Generation" system that provides Branford High School with electricity, heating and cooling. We have installed energy-saving systems in Town Hall and other Town buildings and we have replaced municipal vehicles that reached the end of their useful life with hybrid vehicles. Moving forward, we will work with the Clean Energy Task Force to reduce our Town's energy use, making all municipal facilities as energy-efficient as possible and reducing energy costs through the use of energy audits and energy-saving fixtures. We will keep the cost affordable by maximizing the opportunities available through the state's Conservation and Load Management Fund and Demand Response Program. We will help Branford residents learn about the many state and utility programs available to help all of us curb our energy usage, including low income weatherization programs, retrofitting of commercial buildings and energy audits of homes and businesses as well as state grants, tax incentives and rebates for installation of renewable power and energy-efficient appliances and heating and air conditioning systems.

We will encourage and help coordinate more curbside, neighborhood association and transfer facility recycling of materials such as cans, glass and plastic bottles, newspapers, magazines, catalogs and office paper.

Branford residents have a well-deserved reputation for being knowledgeable and conscientious when it comes to conserving energy and protecting the environment. We will continue working with our fellow citizens to pursue persistent progress in both these critical areas.