As a result of the 1987 General Assembly, "Environment/2000: Connecticut's Environmental Plan" and process were formally incorporated into State law. The State's citizens have an important role in guiding and determining the environmental agenda for Con necticut. The following sections 22a-8 and 22a-12 of the Connecticut General Statutes defines the Plan and the Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality's responsibilities:

Connecticut General Statute. Section 22a-8. Statewide environmental plan. Advisory Board. Annual Conference.

(a) The commissioner shall formulate and from time to time revise a statewide environmental plan for the management and protection of the quality of the environment and the natural resources of the state in furtherance of legislative policy. The plan shal l establish environmental goals and objectives and describe strategies for their achievement. In developing the plan the commissioner shall consider any other state-wide policies and plans he deems appropriate. The first of such plans shall be submitted to the governor for his approval on or before September 1, 1987, and revisions, at intervals of five years thereafter, shall be made thereto. Upon its approval by the governor, such plan shall serve as a guide for the people of the state and for the stat e and its political subdivisions for the preservation of the environment.

(b) The commissioner shall establish an advisory board to assist him in preparing the plan and any revisions thereto. The board shall reflect the state's geographical diversity and include members representing municipalities, environmental groups, busin ess and industries, education and the public and any other persons the commissioner deems appropriate.

Connecticut General Statute. Section 22a-12(a). Environmental quality report.

(a) The council of environmental quality shall submit annually to the governor an environmental quality report, which shall set forth: (1) the status of the major environmental categories including, but not limited to, the air, the water and the land envi ronment; (2) current and foreseeable trends in the quality management and utilization of the environment and the effect of such trends on the social, economic and health requirements of the state; (3) the adequacy of available natural resources for fulfil ling human and economic requirements of the state in the light of projected population pressures; (4) a review of the programs and activities of the state and local governments and private organizations with particular reference to their effect on the env ironment and on the conservation, development and utilization of natural resources; (5) a program for remedying the deficiencies of existing programs and activities, together with recommendations for legislation, and (6) the progress towards achievement o f the goals and objectives established in the state-wide environmental plan.