Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs down to a report that parts of Connecticut remain seriously affected by air pollution. According to the American Lung Association’s 2022 “State of Air” report, Fairfield County has the highest ozone readings in the eastern United States, while Middlesex, New London and New Haven counties each earned F grades. Much of the pollution comes from transportation, which has been a focus of proposed legislation this session as the state looks to limit emissions.

Thumbs up to a study of the water quality in Long Island Sound. The joint project of the U.S. Geological Survey and the Connecticut

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection will test the waters over three years in Fairfield, Westport, Norwalk and Mystic. It’s a nuanced project, but the bottom line is to improve water quality in one of Connecticut’s most important resources.

Thumbs down to the reasoning of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee in last-minute pivoting on a bill that would have banned

flavored e-cigarettes in Connecticut. The bill was modified to allow licensed smoke shops to continue to sell the flavors. Lawmakers leaned on the excuse that complete elimination would have boosted the black market. Bizarrely, that logic suggests teenagers wouldn’t find a way to obtain the legal product, as if teen tobacco smoking was never an issue. Worst of all, the amendment was made so late that 20 committee members were not present for the 17-14 vote. If the bill does pass, it would take effect in June 2023 and expire in 2026, buying lawmakers some stalling time.

Thumbs up to legislative support for comprehensive plans to address the children’s mental health crisis in Connecticut. The plan has

support from both parties in each house of the General Assembly, displaying rare agreement on a major challenge facing the state. The legislation includes provisions such as an expansion of mobile crisis services and increased funding for behavioral health treatment, among other things.

Thumbs up to novel ways to boost interest in retail spaces. A Redding-based arts organization is teaming up with the Connecticut Post mall in Milford to provide space for area artists, the latest in a series of efforts from malls in the state to bring people back after pandemic-related disruptions and a continuing move toward online commerce. Many malls are facing difficult times, especially with the decline of anchor stores, leaving smaller businesses in need of help. At the same time, many artists are in a constant search for a place to call home, making this a promising venue for future collaborations.