Stamford, CT – Today, Mayor Caroline Simmons issued the following statement in response to Governor Ned Lamont’s signing of Executive Order No. 21-3, which directs Connecticut executive branch state agencies to take actions to reduce carbon emissions and prepare for the effects of climate change:

“I’m thrilled Governor Lamont took this bold step and issued an executive order to combat the growing threat of climate change,” said Mayor Simmons. “As a coastal community, Stamford must prepare and adapt to our changing climate and strengthen our resiliency against environmental degradation. My administration is already prioritizing some of these initiatives, including aiming to reduce our carbon footprint by 2030, installing solar panels on municipal and school buildings, and electrifying our municipal fleet. Moving forward, we will incorporate climate adaptation strategies in key areas, including transportation, infrastructure, and economic development. I look forward to partnering with Governor Lamont and our executive agencies to ensure Stamford is a leader in tackling climate change.”

The proposed 23 actions in the executive order reflect the recommendations proposed by the Governor’s Council on Climate Change in their January 2021 report, Taking Action on Climate Change and Building a More Resilient Connecticut for All. They focus on the following key areas:

• Buildings and Infrastructure
• Clean Transportation
• Community Climate Resilience
• Health, Equity, and Environmental Justice
• Jobs and Economic Development
• Natural and Working Lands