Capitol Update: Granby Grunts, Pine Meadow Fire District, Environment Committee Action

Pine Meadow and New Hartford Fire Districts

The Planning & Development Committee took favorable action on a proposal that I have been working on which will benefit the community of New Hartford. The legislation allows the consolidation of the Pine Meadow Fire District into the New Hartford Fire Association. While the agreement has been years in the making, this legislation will codify the merger of the districts.

Greenhouse Gas Standards 

I raised concern on S.B. 1145, An Act Concerning the Establishment of Sector Specific Subtargets for Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reductions and Regulating Emissions of Small-Off Road Engines. During the debate, I pointed out that the bill will raise costs on food, electricity, natural gas, and home heating oil, resulting in a regressive tax on those who are already struggling in today’s economy. Despite attempting to amend the legislation to make it better, the bill was approved along party lines.

Click here to listen to my comments from the committee meeting.

Black Bears

The final version of the black bear management bill, which advanced out of the Environment Committee, did not include hunting. Provisions to prevent intentional feeding of dangerous animals and to clarify when lethal force may be used on a bear did remain in the bill.

The black bear population is rapidly expanding due to high reproductive rates, and I believe is saturated in some areas of the state. 67 homes were entered last year, and there were two attacks on humans. This is unacceptable. One of these attacks was on a ten-year-old boy in Morris, was assessed to be predatory and was nearly fatal. Just this morning I learned of a fatal attack on a pet dog in Avon. I support a limited bear hunt in over-populated areas selected by DEEP. Studies have shown that a hunt instills a natural fear of humans. I pray that it does not take another attack on a human to pass a limited bear hunt into law.

Click here to listen to my comments from the committee meeting.

Sunday Hunting

Sportsmen supported the elimination of all restrictions for Sunday hunting on public and private land. Currently, you can only hunt on Sundays by bow for deer on private land. The final version of the bill, on which I voted “yes,” included the addition of firearm hunting for deer on Sundays on private land. The bill failed to pass on a 13-19 vote. Supporters of the change to lift all restrictions made a strong case on how the current laws are discriminatory against hunters, those who celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday, and those who work Monday – Friday and have limited time off. Connecticut hunters have an excellent safety record and play a major role in wildlife conservation, and this law should be changed.