Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

How To Participate

Overview

How to Comment on Proposed Regulations

If a state agency wants to make changes to any existing legislation, they can propose revisions to the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies. To become law, those proposed regulations must be officially “adopted” as part of an approval process that involves analysis by the Legislative Regulation Review Committee ("LRRC") of the Connecticut General Assembly as well as an open period for public comments through eRegulations - Home (ct.gov).

This “public comment” phase is your opportunity to participate in the rulemaking process. You can submit written comments on proposed regulations through Connecticut’s eRegulations System: Portal to Connecticut Regulations.

When to Submit Written Comments

It’s important that you submit your comments on any proposed regulations during the “public comment period.” Comments must be submitted before the announced deadline to be considered. You can visit the state’s eRegulations System to see which proposals are open for public comments.

How to Submit Written Comments

Here are step-by-step instructions on how you can submit your comments to any proposed legislation during the public comment period.

  1. Visit the state's eRegulations System: Portal to Connecticut Regulations Website
    Click on the link above and then filter on the homepage by agency name and subject matter. Every regulation marked as “Open for Public Comments” will be available for you to submit your comments.

  2. Find Regulation/eRegulations Tracking Number
    In the far right-hand column you’ll find the tracking number and link for the regulation open for comment. Click on the tracking number link to be taken to the appropriate Regulation Making Record page.

  3. Comment Now
    At the top of the record page, click on the “Comment Now” button. You’ll be asked for some basic information about yourself, and you’ll be able to add your comments (along with any attachments for consideration, if applicable). Your comments may be as long or as short as necessary but should focus on relevant issues.

Attending a Public Hearing

For some proposed regulation changes, the public may also be invited to attend a public hearing. During that hearing, the public is welcome to present oral comments and/or submit written comments. NOTE:  All the information submitted with your written comments on the proposed regulations becomes public information. Please do not include any confidential information (e.g., Social Security Number), protected health information (e.g., health plan identification number), or other personal information in your comments.

How the Department Addresses Public Comments

DEEP carefully considers all comments received during the public comment period and from any public hearings. The comments received from the public are reviewed, summarized, and responded to by the Department in its Summary of Public Comments Report. The Summary of Public Comments Report and Final Approved Regulation will be posted on this website when completed and is available on the eRegulations system. Please note that we don’t respond directly to any individual commenters.

Contact

For additional questions, contact the Regulatory Affairs Unit at DEEP by contacting Peggy Diaz at peggy.diaz@ct.gov or call (860) 424-3492.