[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 156 (Thursday, September 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1288]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                        HONORING MR. DON STRAIT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 28, 2017

  Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Don 
Strait, a champion for Connecticut's environment, who recently retired 
after 25 years as the President of Connecticut Fund for the 
Environment. As President, Don has played a crucial role in numerous 
achievements in environmental protection and conservation in our state, 
and his work will benefit generations to come.
  Since 1992, Don has been Executive Director and President of 
Connecticut Fund for the Environment, which later merged with Save the 
Sound. His tireless work in our state with local, state, and federal 
leaders has led to substantial victories for protection and 
conservation of our air, land, and water. The organization helped 
protect thousands of acres of land in western Connecticut vital to 
recreation and wildlife, and has ensured enactment of landmark climate 
policies, clean car laws, and environmental regulations vital for our 
public health.
  Don facilitated the organization's merger with Save the Sound in 2004 
and brought his track record of success to the group's expanded focus 
on both Connecticut's and the Long Island Sound's environmental 
quality. Connecticut Fund for the Environment/Save the Sound has been 
instrumental in reforming sewage management around the Sound, water 
quality monitoring, and the successful fight against the planned 
Broadwater gas plant.
  What's more, Don has generously shared his time and expertise to 
support the crucial work of other leading groups in our state. He 
cofounded the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters to mobilize 
environmentally conscious citizens and has served on boards of Restore 
America's Estuaries and the State Environmental Leadership Program.
  Mr. Speaker, Don Strait has been a dedicated and visionary leader for 
Connecticut. Present and future generations in our state owe him a 
great deal for protecting our world, and I am lucky to call him a 
friend. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here 
today.

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