Photos: Sen. Hwang Marks Earth Day 2026, Highlights Environmental Stewardship & Community Engagement

In recognition and celebration of Earth Day 2026 theme of “Our Power, Our Planet”, State Sen. Tony Hwang (R–Fairfield) highlighted the importance of environmental awareness, conservation, and long-term stewardship following a weekend of community engagement and continued advocacy at the Connecticut State Capitol.

Over the weekend, Senator Hwang joined environmental advocates, community leaders, and families at the annual Environmental Legislators Forum in Fairfield. The legislative panelists were joined by Mary Hogue of Sustainable Fairfield and CTLCV board member, and Joseph McGee, chairman of the CTLCV Board of Trustees at Fairfield YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day. The forum brought together legislators and residents to discuss environmental sustainability challenges and promote civic engagement around protecting Connecticut’s natural resources.

Continuing that focus on Earth Day awareness, Senator Hwang viewed artwork from Fairfield School students Victoria Wei and Olivia Olesky, finalists in the Connecticut Coalition for Climate Action’s climate poster contest at the State Capitol, and extended his congratulations to Wei on earning third place and a $250 scholarship award.

“I am honored to be recognized as an Environmental Champion and Earth Day is a reminder that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility, one that calls on all of us to be thoughtful in how we protect our natural resources and support lasting solutions,” said Senator Hwang. “By raising awareness and fostering engagement, we can ensure that future generations inherit a healthier, more resilient environment.”

At the forum, Hogue recognized Senator Hwang’s longstanding environmental leadership record. “I just want to reiterate what we said during the forum, that Senator Hwang, during his entire legislative tenure, has been a constant environmental champion, and we’ve always relied on his wonderful environmental stewardship and legislative work. So we appreciate all he’s done for the state,” she said.

McGee also highlighted the consistency of Senator Hwang’s advocacy. “I’m chairman of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, and we’re the organization that has a scorecard rating legislators in terms of environmental record. Tony has been a champion since the day he showed up in the legislature. And it really is extraordinary, because at the time, the parties have changed. We had 10 Republican champions 25 years ago. And he’s the last one. And he has been really very faithful to really trying to protect the environment, and we appreciate him for his service,” he said.

The Environmental Legislators Forum, paired with Healthy Kids Day, emphasized the importance of connecting environmental awareness with families and youth, helping to inspire greater understanding of sustainability and the role individuals can play in protecting the environment.

“As we mark Earth Day, it is critical that we continue working together to advance policies that protect our environment while strengthening our communities,” Senator Hwang added. “This is a long-term commitment – one that depends on collaboration, awareness, and a shared vision for a better future.”

Photo captions:

Earth 1: Senator Hwang joins CTLCV Chair Joseph McGee at the annual Environmental Legislators Forum/Healthy Kids Day in Fairfield on April 18.

Earth 2: Senator Hwang joins Mary Hogue of Sustainable Fairfield and co-chair of CTLCV at the annual Environmental Legislators Forum/Healthy Kids Day in Fairfield on April 18.

Earth 3: Senator Hwang, CTLCV Executive Director Lori Brown (far left) and an interfaith environmental leader to celebrate Earth Day at the State Capitol on April 22.