Julie Belaga
In 1971 I was elected chairman of Westport’s Planning and Zoning Commission. Little did I know at the time that it would trigger an insatiable fascination with the environment. Every land use decision that was made impacted every other resident in our town. Clean air, clean water, and clean land …those were the Commission’s goals.
When I got to the CT legislature in 1977, I specialized in environmental issues. I spent 10 years pursuing legislation that would lead to environmental solutions.
In 1988 I was appointed to head up the regional office of the EPA. That included oversight over the environment in all 6 of the New England States. It was a challenging and satisfying job.
I was then appointed to the board of the Export-Import Bank of the US. “EXIM Bank” where I championed the international environmental initiatives for U.S. companies to export American environmental technologies and services to the world.
Now retired, I continue working on my great passion with NGOs and non-profit organizations. The question remains: “How do we protect the precious places where we live? What is the legacy that we leave to our children and grandchildren?”
Over the years the challenge hasn’t changed though the subjects have realigned. Now it is the powerful demands of Climate Change that resonates for me. It is shocking to me that some people call it “fake news”. Climate is so very real…so scientifically researched…the data of the impact is irrefutable! I find myself disturbed and motivated to speak to friend and foe alike. So, when I go to bed at night it is certainly satisfying to know that I might have made a little difference.
My energy and passion continue on and stay high. How fortunate I have been to play a small role in spreading the word of our extraordinary environmental challenges. I have no intention of giving up!
