In Memorium – CT Rep. Terry Backer

Legislators Mourn Death of Rep. Terry Backer – the Soundkeeper

The Peak Oil and Environmental community lost a powerful advocate yesterday. Connecticut State Rep. Terry Backer, an outspoken environmental and alternative energy advocate who served as the state’s Soundkeeper, died Tuesday after more than five years battling brain cancer. He was 61.

One of the longest-serving legislators, Backer specialized in environmental and energy issues. With a tough exterior and an aversion to the expensive suits and ties that are traditionally the uniform at the state Capitol, Backer made his mark while wearing jeans and a cap. With deep knowledge on the issues that interested him, Backer could talk for long periods on complicated subjects involving energy.

While fighting off his illness and losing 85 pounds, Backer still ran for re-election three times in 2010, 2012 and 2014 – saying that he would run as long as his health permitted.

A Stratford Democrat, Backer underwent six hours of brain surgery at Bridgeport Hospital in October 2010 to remove a tumor. He then underwent radiation and chemotherapy that often reduced his strength. As the years went by, Backer became more reflective and was not afraid to talk about his illness.

“If I’m on my feet like I am today, and the good Lord keeps me here, I’m running,” Backer said in early 2012.

“I feel blessed,” Backer said at the time, adding that his original diagnosis had not been good. “Everything could have been worse. You know what? They’re not always right. The Lord has really blessed me.”

His friends and colleagues mourned his passing Tuesday.

“Terry Backer was one of a kind – a fearless fighter for Long Island Sound, an effervescent raconteur and a warm and deeply generous friend,” said U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, who knew Backer during his years as state attorney general. “Terry had a big heart – a relentless love for everything that exists and lives on the planet and a tireless devotion to public service and the people of Stratford and Connecticut. I will remember him and his legacy in the beauty of the Sound.”

Terry was the driving force in getting the State of Connecticut to begin Planning for Peak Oil

http://peakoil.com/alternative-energy/state-of-connecticut-begins-planning-for-peak-oil

State Rep. Terry Backer (D-Stratford) announced passage of a bill he authored, House Bill#5724, An Act Concerning Energy Scarcity And Security, that will take steps to ensure Connecticut’s energy planning is in place and alternative strategies have been designed to address the ever increasing cost and potential supply disruption in the face of global oil supply constrictions.

Representative Backer, co-founder of the Connecticut Legislative Peak Oil and Natural Gas Caucus said, “We are standing at the doorstep of a sea change in energy and our consumption of it.

The measure directs the Office of Policy and Management to develop through third parties a scenario planning model as a forecasting tool to determine the impact of escalating oil and natural gas cost and both long and short term oil supply disruptions on almost every activity dependent on petroleum. The output of the model will be used to develop intelligent responses and policies regarding ways to mitigate the economic impact and other impacts on the state, municipalities as well as private citizens.

In 2012, Backer celebrated his 25th year as the Long Island Soundkeeper — his main job outside the legislature. As Soundkeeper, Backer worked for an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of the waters of Long Island Sound. He said he was “the longest-serving keeper” in the United States in a job that he said served as the model for keepers in Russia, China, India, Mexico, Colombia and other countries.

Terry also spoke at several ASPO International Peak Oil Conferences

http://peak-oil.org/chris-nelders-notes-on-the-2009-aspo-usa-peak-oil-conference/
Terry Backer, “Promoting Sound Energy Policy in Cash-Crunched Governments”

courant.com