Rep. Callahan To Be Honored With Environmental Award

Hartford, CT - The Connecticut Water Works Association (CWWA) has named State Representative Patrick Callahan (R-New Fairfield) as this year’s CWWA Legislator of the Year.

“I do this work because I want to protect our environment for future generations and I’m honored to be recognized for my, and our committee’s, commitment to protect clean water and our other natural resources,” said Rep. Callahan, the Ranking Member of the General Assembly’s Environment Committee.

The award is in recognition of Callahan’s advocacy on legislation to address operational challenges facing water utilities in meeting their obligation to provide high-quality drinking water to customers. The organization is also recognizing Callahan for championing efforts to protect the safety and quality of Connecticut's water resources through legislation to remove PFAS from consumer products, address invasive species, and enhance source water protection and climate resiliency. 

“I was inspired to run for office when I was chair of the Candlewood Lake Authority and would testify before the Environment Committee. Now, I’m the Ranking Member of that committee and able to draft legislation to help Candlewood and other natural resources,” said Rep. Callahan.

CWWA will present the award to Callahan at their annual conference on November 5, 2026, at the Aqua Turf. Environment Committee co-chair Rep. John-Michael Parker is also receiving the award.

“Rep. Parker and I have a good working relationship. We both want what’s best for Connecticut residents when it comes to having a healthy environment,” noted Rep. Callahan. “Our meetings are some of the shortest and least contentious in the legislature because the chairs and ranking members are able to respectfully negotiate proposals before presenting them to our members for consideration.”

The conference is generally attended by approximately 200 water industry professionals, engineers, hydrologists, and public officials. 

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