2025 Legislative Session Recap
Wins, Losses, and What Comes Next for Our Climate and Communities
Julianna Larue
June 2025
As the 2025 Connecticut legislative session came to a close, we’re reflecting on a season of hard-fought battles, inspiring wins, and lessons that will shape our work moving forward. Thanks to your advocacy—your emails, testimony, phone calls, and presence at the Capitol—we moved the needle on critical environmental, climate, and justice issues.

Here’s a breakdown of what happened, what we achieved together, and what’s still ahead. Including:
✅ Legislative Wins: Bills That Passed
🛡️ Defensive Wins: What We Helped Stop
❌ What Didn't Pass (But We’re Not Done)
🌟 Notable Moments and Events from the Session
The 2025 legislative session was full of energy, action, and advocacy. From opening day in January to the final gavel in June, Sierra Club Connecticut and our supporters showed up time and again to defend our environment, advance climate solutions, and stand for environmental justice.
January
In January, we kicked things off on Opening Day, January 8, with a breakfast gathering that brought together advocates, allies, and legislators. It was a powerful start—connecting over our shared priorities, building momentum, and beginning crucial conversations. We also participated in two early public hearings and held strategic meetings with lawmakers to lay the groundwork for the session ahead.
February
February was a whirlwind of legislative engagement. Our team participated in nine public hearings across a wide range of committees, including Environment, Energy and Technology, Housing, Transportation, Government Administration and Elections, Executive and Legislative Nominations, and the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus. These hearings were critical moments to elevate public health, environmental justice, and climate priorities across issue areas.
March
In March, we continued our advocacy with over three public hearing appearances and participation in “Hands Off” rallies across the state, where staff and volunteers stood up against environmental rollbacks. We also hosted two successful lobby days—Protect Wildlife Day and Climate Lobby Day—bringing over 100 dedicated advocates to the Capitol. These events were a testament to our growing movement and our shared commitment to protecting our climate, wildlife, and communities.
April
As April began, House and Senate sessions picked up—and so did our presence at the Capitol. One of the highlights of the month was our Zero Waste Lobby Day, held in partnership with Representatives Mary Mushinsky, Geraldo Reyes, and John-Michael Parker. The day featured a press conference, presentations from companies leading the way in waste reduction, and powerful remarks from environmental justice advocates. We ended the day with a zero waste lunch that embodied the values we’re fighting for. We also hosted an Earth Day “Honk for Climate Action” outside the Legislative Office Building, capturing attention and amplifying the urgency of climate action. Later in the month, we joined Youth Advocacy Day, where young people learned about the legislative process and advocated for climate policy. And in partnership with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal and State Representative John-Michael Parker, hosted a webinar on federal and state environmental policy, which drew more than 50 engaged attendees.
May
In May, we pushed hard to get our priority bills across the finish line. Our team was at the Capitol every session day, meeting with legislators and tracking key votes. We hosted the Sierra Club Connecticut Lawn Care Battery Equipment Demonstration Day, where manufacturers showcased electric alternatives to gas-powered equipment right outside the Capitol. We joined the Fare-Free Transit Advocacy Day to support SB 1243—legislation aimed at providing free bus transit for veterans and high school students. And as session deadlines loomed, we organized two “Hold the Ropes” Lobby Days, rallying advocates to urge final action on key legislation.
June
Finally, on June 4, we officially closed the 2025 legislative session—capping off a powerful season of advocacy fueled by community strength, meaningful victories, and a shared vision for a more sustainable Connecticut.
🔜 What’s Next
As we close the chapter on the 2025 legislative session, we’re already looking ahead. Join us this June as we reflect, reconnect, and recharge for the work to come!
🖥️ 2025 End of Legislative Session Webinar
📅 Monday, June 17
🕛 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (Virtual)
Join us for a lunch-hour webinar recapping the 2025 Connecticut legislative session. We’ll walk through key wins, losses, and takeaways across environmental, housing, and energy legislation—and hold space to hear from you. Whether you followed every bill or are just catching up, this is a great opportunity to stay informed and engaged.
👉 RSVP and be part of the conversation shaping Connecticut’s future.
🎉 Post-Session Celebration at the Shore!
📅 Wednesday, June 26
🕔 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
📍 Meigs Point Pavilion 4, Hammonasset State Park, Madison, CT
Let’s celebrate all we accomplished together this session! Join us for an evening of reflection and connection at beautiful Hammonasset State Park. Whether you lobbied, testified, organized, or supported from afar, this gathering is for you. Enjoy light refreshments, good company, and coastal views as we honor our collective work and look ahead to what’s next.
All are welcome—bring a friend, a chair, a potluck dish, and we encourage carpooling!
👉 Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly.
Thank You for Your Advocacy
Every win this session has your name on it. Whether you emailed a legislator, testified at a hearing, joined a rally, or stayed informed—you made a difference.
We’re proud of what we accomplished together, and we’re even more excited for what’s ahead.
Julianna Larue is an organizer at Sierra Club Connecticut, focusing on our state legislative efforts.