Christine Cohen Named Chair Of Legislature’s Energy Committee

The shoreline had a strong advocate for environmental causes with Ted Kennedy as chairman of the legislature’s Environment Committee.

Well Kennedy’s replacement apparently will also have a strong voice in such matters, as 12th District senator Christine Cohen has been named the new chair of Environment. In addition Cohen, owner of Cohen’s Bagels, has been named vice chair of the Commerce Committee.

In her successful campaign to win the 12th District seat that covers Branford, Guilford,Madison, North Branford, Durham and Killingworth, Cohen’s stated position on environmental issues was: ‘I want to see our environmental assets protected in the 12th District and beyond. Our State parks, the Long Island Sound, beaches, trails and open space are all treasures that deserve our attention.”

Prior to founding her own company, Cohen was a marketing and global planning manager at the Stanley Works of New Britain.

“As leaders in Washington look to shift the national conversation on strategies for a sustainable future, I look forward to being the lead voice on environmental issues here in Connecticut,” Cohen said.

“Our state is rich with environmental assets; we have a duty to protect them. We have a great variety of landscapes, wildlife, plantlife, and aquatic features and as Senate Chair of the Environment Committee I’ll be dedicated to passing legislation to conserve and improve those natural resources,” said Cohen.

“I believe my experience as a small business owner will prove valuable to the Commerce Committee as our state looks to attract and grow small businesses. There are great opportunities for Connecticut to help business owners and in turn better our local economies. I look forward to working with both sides of the isle to find common sense solutions,” she added.

The Environment Committee works on issues that relate to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Those areas include conservation, recreation, pollution control, fisheries and game, state parks and forests, water resources and flood and erosion control.
In addition the Environment Committee works on all matters relating to the Department of Agriculture, including farming, dairy products and domestic animals.

The Commerce Committee works on issues related to the Department of Economic and Community Development which devises and implements strategies that help businesses grow and succeed, revitalize communities and neighborhoods, and promote tourist attractions, the arts, and historic preservation.

Senate President Martin Looney, of New Haven, said this about all the Democratic leadership appointments.

“I am very excited to announce our Senate Democratic committee chairs and vice chairs,” said Senator Looney. “The talent and experience embodied in both our returning and new members will help Connecticut to creatively pursue opportunities and confront challenges in the next two years to the benefit of the people of our state.”