Press Release – October 23, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 23, 2024

CONNECTICUT INSURANCE DEPARTMENT ESTABLISHES RISK MITIGATION & RESILIENCY ADVISORY COUNCIL TO STRENGTHEN HOMES AND BUSINESSES AGAINST EXTREME WEATHER

HARTFORD, CT - Insurance Commissioner Andrew N. Mais is proud to announce the formation of the Extreme Weather Mitigation & Resiliency Advisory Council, consisting of a diverse team of subject matter experts who will explore the development of a mitigation and resiliency program for Connecticut. The Advisory Council will provide expert recommendations to enhance the state's resiliency in response to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, flooding, and other climate-related risks.

The primary goal is to help people by making properties more resilient to disasters. This reduces economic and insured losses, keeps residents in their homes, and ensures businesses and schools can remain open. It also reduces hospital visits, state support needs, and the emotional toll on individuals, while promoting healthier lifestyles and peace of mind. Resilient properties contribute to more affordable and available property insurance and a more competitive insurance market.

The Advisory Council will explore the development of a resiliency incentive program for homeowners and businesses to reduce their risks from hazards in Connecticut. The council will examine grant standards, emerging insurance products, financial thresholds, and partnership opportunities that would create a sustainable and effective program. Additional considerations include outreach and education for insurance consumers and providers, data sharing to improve consumer and land use decisions, and new public-private partnership models.

"We are working hard to protect Connecticut's homes and businesses from the growing risks of extreme weather," said Commissioner Andrew N. Mais. "The Extreme Weather Mitigation & Resiliency Advisory Council will play a crucial role in shaping a program that enhances the safety and resilience of our communities. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By focusing on preventative measures and fortifying properties, we aim to reduce the financial, emotional, and social impacts of natural disasters, while also fostering a more competitive and accessible insurance market."

The Advisory Council brings together experts across various disciplines, including the insurance industry and regulators, consumer advocates, climate, and environmental science, building construction, academics, and emergency management. The members are:

• Sonja Larkin-Thorne - (Co-Chair) Consumer Advocate
• Robert Hotaling - (Co-Chair) Deputy Program Advisor for Infrastructure at the State of Connecticut
• George Bradner - Connecticut Insurance Department, Assistant Deputy Commissioner of Property & Casualty
• Richard Branigan - Chief Executive Officer at American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island
• Bryan Garcia - President and CEO, CT Green Bank
• Joseph Mathieu - VP, Office of Chief Underwriting Officer, The Hartford
• Eric Nelson - Senior VP of Enterprise Catastrophe Risk Management, Travelers
• James O'Donnell - Professor of Marine Sciences and Executive Director of Connecticut Institute for Resilience & Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), UConn
• Jim Perras - CEO, Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut, Inc.
• Joanna Wozniak-Brown - Climate & Infrastructure Policy Development Coordinator, CT OPM
• Matthew Wulf - Head Government Affairs Americas, Senior VP, Swiss Re

"We are truly honored to work alongside Commissioner Mais and the Connecticut Insurance Department to address the increasing risks from extreme weather," said Sonja Larkin-Thorne, Consumer Advocate (Co-Chair). "The formation of this Advisory Council is a testament to the Department's commitment to protecting our communities, and I look forward to collaborating with experts in this field"

"I am grateful to Commissioner Mais and the Connecticut Insurance Department for their leadership in forming this Advisory Council," said Robert Hotaling, Deputy Program Advisor for Infrastructure (Co-Chair). "It's an incredible opportunity to work with top experts across disciplines to develop solutions that will fortify our homes, businesses, and infrastructure."

Upcoming Meeting and Timeline: The first public meeting of the Advisory Council is expected to take place in November. The meeting will include discussions and presentations on the background and analysis of similar programs in other states to educate Advisory Council members and the public.

The Council's final report, including detailed recommendations, will be delivered to Commissioner Mais by mid-2025.

For more information on the Mitigation & Resiliency Advisory Council or to attend an upcoming meeting, please visit our website.

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Contact: Mary Quinn
Communications Director
[email protected]
Cell: (959) 529-4904

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