We might only be a few months into 2025, but there’s been numerous attacks by the Trump Administration on environmental protections and renewable energy in an effort to support his oil and gas cronies. This destructive support for more fossil fuel use is not just at the national level but also right here in Connecticut. 

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Governor Lamont has turned his back on climate by supporting a MAGA-like energy policy. Governor Lamont started off the year by stating his support for fossil fuels, before signing off on moving the Capital Area System heating and cooling system forward with fossil fuels rather than geothermal energy. Most recently, Lamont found an area to “work on together” with the Trump administration. The area is expanding “natural” gas and nuclear energy.

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This all comes on the heels of the hottest year on record in 2024, not to mention the drought, wildfires, and intense rainfall that Connecticut experienced. Climate change isn’t in the future, it’s here now, yet our politicians are still supporting fossil fuels. 

Their actions are unacceptable and we’re letting them know that. In March, the Stop Project Maple campaign hosted an educational forum in Naugatuck to educate local residents about the impact of methane infrastructure, including the compressor station in Oxford, on the community, as well as how it fuels climate change. On March 31st, activists protested Governor Lamont in Hartford with a press conference and die-in in front of the Capitol Area System.

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Now, as we move into Earth Month we’re gearing up for another educational forum, this time focused on Eastern Connecticut. On April 16 at 6pm, the coalition will host an educational forum in Mansfield titled “The Methane Pipeline Affecting Our Backyard, Climate Change, and Our Health.” The forum will include footage of methane leaks from the compressor station located in Chaplin, as well as a discussion of how to get involved in opposing Project Maple. For more information and to RSVP visit: tinyurl.com/mansfieldforum.

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Each day that goes by the impacts of climate change become clearer and the idea that we would continue to build infrastructure for the very thing fueling this crisis is dangerous, nihilistic, and absurd. Now more than ever, it is critical for state and local governments to take an active leadership role in fighting climate change. Join Stop Project Maple to learn more and demand action.

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Sena Wazer is the Sierra Club Connecticut intern and a Yale Environmental Management graduate student.