Environment

Branford is almost completely developed, with little time left to complete the open space system that will serve future generations of Branford residents. We will work with the Select Committee on Open Space Acquisition and the Branford Land Trust to identify and acquire the remaining unprotected parcels needed to protect Branford’s environmentally sensitive areas.

The quality of life in Branford is closely connected with the health of Long Island Sound. We will work to improve Branford’s water quality by increasing awareness of sources of water pollution such as runoff of lawn fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides, and pavement de-icers. We will implement best stormwater management practices, including 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 viability of the Sound.

As a costal community, Branford is particularly threatened by the predicted effects of increased greenhouse gases and climate change. We will work with the Clean Energy Task Force to reduce the town’s energy use, making all municipal facilities as energy efficient as possible 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.

Our goal is to make Branford a truly Clean Energy Community. As municipal vehicles reach the end of their useful life, we will replace them with vehicles utilizing alternative fuels or hybrids whenever appropriate. We will help Branford residents learn about the many state and utility programs available to help all of us curb our energy usage. Some examples include low income weatherization programs, retrofitting of commercial buildings, energy audits of homes and businesses, state grants and tax incentives for installation of renewable power and distributed generation, tax incentives and rebates for 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.