Today, the State Senate passed a Senate Democratic Caucus priority bill aimed at strengthening the state’s ability to adapt to climate change, protect natural resources, and ensure safer communities. This climate resiliency and environmental protection bill addresses three primary areas including:
-Climate resilience measures
-Rodenticide regulation
-Neonicotinoid pesticide control measures
Senate bill 9, ‘An Act Concerning The Environment, Climate and Sustainable Municipal And State Planning, And The Use Of Neonicotinoids And Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides,’ is a comprehensive environmental measure that strengthens Connecticut by protecting public health, wildlife, and natural resources.
“This legislation represents a bold and necessary step toward protecting both our environment and public health,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney. “By addressing climate resilience, restricting toxic pesticides, and safeguarding pollinators, Senate Bill 9 ensures Connecticut is better prepared for the future while leading the way on environmental responsibility.”
Climate Resilience
This portion of the bill is focused on climate resilience and adaptation, providing Connecticut communities with new tools to prepare for flooding, sea-level rise, and extreme climate related events. The bill modernizes local and state planning processes, expands flood risk disclosure requirements, and creates funding mechanisms for climate-ready infrastructure.
It will create the following measures:
-Sellers, landlords, and lenders will be required to disclose flood history and risk to buyers and renters, promoting transparency and better decision-making for Connecticut residents.
-The bill will expand submission requirements under the Connecticut Coastal Management Act to include more high-risk areas and removes exemptions for single-family homes in vulnerable zones.
-The bill incorporates climate vulnerability assessments and resiliency goals into future municipal and regional conservation and development plans using the latest geospatial data.
-Municipalities will be able to create improvement districts to fund and implement infrastructure projects that reduce climate risks, support economic development, and provide more housing opportunities.
-Local and regional zoning commissions are authorized to adopt regulations that address and mitigate climate threats and support regional Transfer of Development Rights programs.
-Municipalities can enter agreements to support regional Transfer of Development Rights programs which can reduce development in hazardous zones or environmentally sensitive areas.
-And state, regional, and municipal plans will be updated to align with climate data and hazard mitigation goals.
Rodenticide regulation
This bill will require the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to classify second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) as restricted use pesticides. They will only be allowed to be applied by, or under the supervision of, a certified pesticide applicator. Certification requires an exam and annual registration. Restricting rodenticide use helps prevent secondary poisoning and supports healthier ecosystems.
Rodenticides are pesticides that kill rodents, including mice and rats. According to the National Pesticide Information Center, rodenticides are often formulated as baits with attractive substances like peanut butter or molasses. Rodenticide baits can provide short-term control of rodent infestations. Regulation of rodenticides is crucial due to their potential harm to non-target species, including pets, wildlife, and even humans. Rodenticides can cause secondary poisoning when predators or scavengers consume rodents that have ingested the poison, leading to illness or death in animals.
Neonicotinoid pesticide ban
Beginning October 1, 2027, this bill will take steps to prohibit the use of neonicotinoids. However, use can continue in some instances, including:
-In agriculture, trees, ornamental shrubbery, and seeds
-To control invasive invertebrate pests, if DEEP determines there is no effective alternative
-Products not labeled for plant use, such as indoor pest control or pet treatments
This legislation positions Connecticut as a national leader in pollinator protection while balancing agricultural and public health needs.
Neonicotinoid pesticides (often called neonics) are considered harmful primarily because of their impact on pollinators and ecosystems.
According to the National Institute of Health, Neonicotinoids are a type of pesticide that kill insects by affecting their brains and nervous systems. They work by locking onto special receptors in the insects’ nerves—receptors that also exist in humans and other animals. Because of this, scientists are concerned that these chemicals could also harm people, pets, and wildlife.
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