Improving Transparency Around Regulations and Public Participation
Click on each step of the process for a description.
DEEP is committed to making the environmental rulemaking process as transparent and participatory as possible. We ensure the public is properly notified of regulatory proposals and has an opportunity to comment on those proposals. This multi-step process goes through various governmental offices for their review and approval. All approved regulations are filed with the Office of the Secretary of the State (SOTS) and can be reviewed on the SOTS eRegulations System.
Public Comment
DEEP encourages public participation in its regulatory activities. DEEP issues a “Notice of Intent to Adopt/Amend Regulations," to begin the public portion of the rulemaking process. The public is given a minimum of thirty days to submit comments, beginning the day notice is posted to the SOTS eRegulations System. Written comments should be submitted through the SOTS eRegulations System. If commenting through SOTS is not accessible, written comments may be submitted to DEEP by mail, email, or hand-delivery.
A hearing may be held if properly requested or at DEEP’s own initiative. Oral comment is only received if an agency holds a public hearing.
- How to participate written comments on proposed regulations
- Learn about the hearing process
- Click here to public comment on existing regulations
How DEEP Addresses Public Comments
DEEP prepares a Hearing Report summarizing any comments received at the end of the public comment period, drafts a final proposed regulation and revised fiscal note that is sent to the Office of the Attorney General before going to the Legislative Regulations Review Committee ("LRRC") for review.
Review Active Regulations by Category
On the Secretary of State’s website, you can review all pending regulations in progress and browse or search DEEP’s final approved regulations. You can also search the DEEP website for information on final agency regulations.
• Agency Regulations by subject; or
• Agency Regulations by citation
DEEP offers many opportunities for stakeholders to participate in shaping our policies and regulations, ranging from working groups and advisory committees to other recurring discussions. Refer to our Stakeholder Outreach and Participation Through DEEP webpage for a current list of opportunities.
You can view and comment on the regulations DEEP currently has in the public comment process and beyond through the links below.
Air | Energy | Outdoor Recreation & Natural Resources | Public Utilities Regulatory Authority | Radiation | Waste & Materials Management | Water Discharges | Water & Land Use
[includes Clean Air Interstate Rule, New Source, Other Air Requirements, Permit by Rule, Title V and Title IV]
Definition of Hazardous Air Pollutant and Miscellaneous Revisions
RSCA § 22a-174-1, 22a-174-3a, 22a-174-3b, 22a-174-3c, 22a-174-3d, 22a-174-29, 22a-174-33, 22a-174-33a, 22a-174-33b
Type: New Regulation
Regulation Status: Step 8
eRegulations Tracking Number: PR2023-007
Link to eRegulations system on SOTS site
Definition of Non-attainment Areas for Ozone and Miscellaneous Revisions
RSCA § 22a-174-1
Type: New Regulation
Regulation Status: Step 9 Final Approved Regulation (11/13/23)
eRegulations Tracking Number: PR2022-023
Link to eRegulations system on SOTS site
Amendment of Sections 22e and 22f
RSCA § 22a-174-22e, 22a-174-22f
Type: Amendment
Regulation Status: Step 9 Final Approved Regulation (11/13/23)
eRegulations Tracking Number: PR2023-027
Link to eRegulations system on SOTS site
Advanced Clean Cars II
RSCA § 22a-174-36d
Type: New Regulation
Regulation Status: Agency withdrawal from LLRC (11/28/2023)
eRegulations Tracking Number: PR2023-023
Link to eRegulations system on SOTS site
Adoption of 22a-174-37 Medium and Heavy-duty Emission Standards
RSCA § 22a-174-37
Type: New Regulation
Regulation Status: Agency withdrawal from LLRC (11/28/2023)
eRegulations Tracking Number: PR2023-020
Link to eRegulations system on SOTS site
No pending regulations.
[includes Boating, Fisheries, Forestry, Hunting, Parks, Wildlife]
Amendment to Certified Forest Practitioner Regulations
RSCA § 23-65h-1 (l) (o) (q) (r) (s)
Type: Amendment
Regulation Status: Step 9 - Final Approved Regulation (1/18/24)
eRegulations Tracking Number: PR2023-001
Link to eRegulations system on SOTS site
Amendment to Licensing Electric Suppliers
RSCA § 16-245-1, 16-245-2, 16-245-3, 16-245-4, 16-245-6
Type: Amendment
Regulation Status: Step 7
eRegulations Tracking Number: PR2020-007
Link to eRegulations system on SOTS site
Gas Pipeline Safety Standards
RSCA §§16-11-4, 16-11-10, 16-11-11, 16-11-12, 16-11-17, 16-11-19, 16-11-20, 16-11-22, 16-11-31, 16-11-40, 16-11-41, 16-11-42, 16-11-43, 16-11-46, 16-16-2,
Type: Amendment and new §§16-280b-A1 to 16-280b-A76, inclusive
Regulation Status: Step 6 Agency Withdraws Temporarily (1/26/24)
eRegulations Tracking Number: PR2023-019
Link to eRegulations system on SOTS site
Adoption of § 19-24-1 et seq. Use, Control and Possession of Ionizing Radiation
RSCA §§ 19-24-1 through 19-24-14; 19-25a-1 through 19-25a-5; 19-25d-1 through 19-25d-11; 22a-153-1 through 22a-153-9
Type: New Regulation
Regulation Status: Step 5 Comment Period Closed (1/29/24)
eRegulations Tracking Number: PR2021-040
Link to eRegulations system on SOTS site
[includes Composting, Hazardous Waste, Household and Business Waste, Marine Terminals, Pesticides, Recycling and Beneficial Use, Soil Management, Solid Waste]
No pending regulations.
[includes Stormwater, Water Discharges, Wastewater]
No pending regulations.
[includes Aquifer Protection, Coastal Activities, Dam Safety, Flood Management, Inland Wetlands and Watercourses, Remediation, Water Diversion]
No pending regulations.