Human activities have resulted in greenhouse gas emissions that are warming the planet. All of us can do our part in using energy more efficiently and with less air and water pollution in managing our daily lives. However, some of us, such as our legislators, are in a position to do much more. Our legislators are the ones who vote on state and federal policies that have a much greater impact on curbing these emissions.

Fortunately, Connecticut can be proud of its U.S. Senators, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, who represent us in this, as well as the entire Congressional delegation, including Rep. Joe Courtney, all of whom have outstanding records in working to mitigate climate change. Martha Marx, my state senator, also has a stellar record. However, both of Salem's State Reps., Holly Cheeseman and Irene Haines, voted to kill the state’s proposed Climate Roadmap (HB 6397) to plan and monitor progress in decreasing fossil fuel emissions, and both voted against the CT Clean Air Act in 2022.

State and federal legislators will run in 2024. We need to promote and support candidates who will work for a safer and healthier planet. Please keep this important issue in mind when it comes time to vote in the next election. Get out and vote!

Gary Closius

Salem