• The committee assignments for State Rep. Derek Slap, a Democrat representing the 19th District, are being praised by environmentalists.

Derek Slap. Submitted photo

Submitted

State Rep. Derek Slap (D-West Hartford, Avon, Farmington) has been selected to serve on three key General Assembly committees.

Slap is Vice Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee. “I am grateful for my appointment to be Vice Chair of Energy,” said Slap. “I understand the important role that reliable, clean and affordable energy plays in our economy. I’m eager to get to work.”

Slap, who will also serve on the Environment and Planning & Development committees, said, “These assignments dovetail directly with issues that are especially important to families and businesses in the 19th House District. Both committees have cognizance over many issues, including the MDC. The reservoirs’ pristine water is a public resource that should be protected. I look forward to working with concerned citizens, environmentalists, and rate payers to strengthen transparency, accountability and ultimately public confidence in the MDC. Safeguarding our water, especially in times of drought, isn’t a partisan issue and I’m ready to reach across the aisle to find sensible solutions.”

Save Our Water CT co-founder Donna Landerman is pleased the newly elected lawmaker is on these committees. “We look forward to working with him to bring back the water protection legislation Sen. Beth Bye raised last year, and get it passed this session,” said Landerman. “We support his efforts to create better management of the public’s water in the state.”

Lori Brown, executive director of the CT League of Conservation Voters, is equally supportive. “Derek Slap’s appointment to the Environment Committee is a perfect fit. He has a solid understanding of complicated environmental issues and will bring tremendous energy and commitment to the work of this key committee,” said Brown. “We have no doubt he will be a champion on water resources, public lands, and clean energy, and help fend off attacks on our state’s core environmental laws. We all look forward to working with Derek in 2017 and the years ahead.”

Slap is backing legislation intended to gain some oversight of the MDC. One measure will amend MDC’s charter to include a non-voting member on its Board of Directors who serves as a consumer advocate with all the rights and privileges of a full board member and who will provide reports to the Legislature, DEEP and Department of Public Health at least once in 24 months. The other bill requires full disclosure on applications for land use, zoning, wetlands or tax abatement.