The Environment, Land Use and Energy Committee met on September 3rd at the Northeast Utilities campus in Berlin.  Hosted by member John Ferrantino, Yankee Gas, the Committee discussed hosting an Energy Expo to be held at the Crowne Plaza in Cromwell. Topics to be featured will include state and federal initiatives, energy procurement, renewable energy options and energy efficiency programs for both small and mid-sized business.  Tentative dates for the Energy Expo are January or February of 2009.

Other items highlighted at the meeting included discussions on the status of alternative wastewater treatment systems in Connecticut and the pending soil erosion monitoring program by the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.  The Department of Environmental Protection is planning on delegating some of its regulatory authority to the Conservation Districts.  A structured fee schedule would support the initiative.  The latter program raised some concerns among members and will be more closely examined at future meetings.