To the Editor,

Newtown’s Legislative Council is considering the repeal of 2 ordinances surrounding fracking waste and plastic bag usage.

Both of these ordinances were supported by the town of Newtown and are intentionally stricter than those at the State level. The purpose of these ordinances is to protect the values that the majority (if not all) Newtown residents hold dear, our wonderful town in its bucolic setting.

CT State Law currently “prohibits the receipt, collection, storage, treatment, transfer, selling, acquiring, handling, applying, processing, or disposal of waste from hydraulic fracturing.” — Public Act No. 19-112. CGS Section 22a-472

If at any point in the future, the state of Connecticut repeals this law, Newtown will remain protected from the hazards of fracking waste. Residents with well water must be particularly vigilant that this ordinance remains because fracking waste could potentially contaminate well water which would most certainly depreciate property values.

The same argument holds true for the plastic bag ban. This ban has effectively removed a great deal of plastic bag waste from ending up in our waterways, on the roadsides and in our trees.

The Town of Newtown must join together to tell the Legislative Council to keep their hands off our bans!

Respectfully submitted,

Robin Lynch MSN, RN, CHSE, CPPS

Newtown