News Releases

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• 9/17/2025 DEEP Reminds Residents and Visitors to Exercise Caution During Fall Wildfire Season

  (HARFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents and visitors to our state that the typical fall wildfire season in Connecticut runs from October through the first widespread snowfall. During this period, dry weather and windy conditions, in combination with fallen leaves and increased sunlight reaching and warming the forest floor, can elevate the likelihood of a wildfire. Almost all wildfires are caused by humans and are therefore preventable. Maintaining awareness of fire danger and observing appropriate precautions are things that everyone can do to minimize the likelihood of starting a dangerous wildfire.

• 9/12/2025 Fall Archery Deer and Turkey Seasons Open in September

  (HARTFORD) — Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents that the 2025 fall archery hunting season for deer and turkey on state and private land opens on Monday, September 15.

• 9/10/2025 DEEP Releases BEAD Program Final Proposal for Public Comment

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today a public comment period for its Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program Final Proposal, which outlines plans to bring high-speed internet to approximately 1,800 locations across the state. The draft Final Proposal can be found on DEEP’s website. The public comment period runs through September 16, 2025.

• 9/10/2025 DEEP Issues RFP for Solar and Onshore Wind Facilities That Can Utilize Federal Tax Incentives

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) released a final Request for Proposals (RFP) on an expedited schedule for solar and onshore wind facilities. DEEP is pursuing this RFP to seek bids from clean energy projects that could diversify the state’s energy sources, improve electric reliability, and save ratepayers money.

• 9/9/2025 DEEP: Stoppage of Revolution Wind Project Will Increase Costs for CT and New England Ratepayers, Make Grid Less Reliable

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) provided today preliminary analysis of the negative impacts the Trump Administration’s stop work order on the Revolution Wind project will have on near-term energy costs for Connecticut ratepayers, and ratepayers throughout the New England region, as well as the reliability of our regional electric grid. On August 22, 2025, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a stop work order halting all offshore construction on the Revolution Wind project, which is 80% complete.

• 9/8/2025 DEEP Announces Recipients of Annual Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant

  (HARTFORD) — Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that thirty-eight local volunteer fire departments are receiving a Volunteer Fire Capacity Grant (VFC Grant), which will improve firefighting capabilities by supporting training and equipment purchases. These funds are provided through a federal program that supports fire departments in towns with a population of less than 10,000 people.

• 9/5/2025 DEEP Advises Motorists to Watch for Deer and Moose Along Roadways

  (HARTFORD) — Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds motorists to be aware of the potential for increased deer and moose activity along roadways during fall months, especially during early morning and evening hours. September through October is peak breeding season for Connecticut's small moose population, which mainly resides in the northern part of the state. The breeding season (also known as "the rut") for white-tailed deer runs from late October through late December. Moose and deer are particularly active during the breeding season and are therefore more likely to attempt road crossings at this time of year.

• 9/3/2025 CT’s Latest Climate Report Shows Emissions in 2023 Decreased in the Two Largest Sources of Climate Pollution: Transportation and Buildings

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”) published its latest Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) Emissions Inventory, a comprehensive documentation of Connecticut’s air pollution that contributes to climate change. DEEP has issued this report since 2003, and also now in accordance with Public Act 25-125, signed into law by Governor Lamont earlier this month.

• 9/1/2025 Joint Labor Day Statement on Offshore Wind From Governor Ned Lamont, Governor Maura Healey, Governor Kathy Hochul, Governor Dan McKee, and Governor Phil Murphy

  Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut, Governor Maura Healey of Massachusetts, Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, Governor Dan McKee of Rhode Island, and Governor Phil Murphy of New Jersey today released the following joint Labor Day statement on offshore wind

• 9/2/2025 DEEP Issues New “Evergreen” Request for Information (RFI) Seeking Ideas to Elevate Outdoor Recreation and Visitor Experiences in CT State Parks

  (HARTFORD) — As part of its Partnership in Parks Initiative, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced another opportunity for collaboration with the private sector through the launch of a Request for Information (RFI). Led by DEEP’s Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences, the Partnership in Parks Initiative aims to elevate outdoor recreation and visitor experiences, expand access to the outdoors, and strengthen Connecticut’s State Parks as tourism destinations.

• 8/29/2025 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons Starting Soon

  (HARTFORD) — Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the dates for 2025-2026 migratory bird hunting seasons, which include seasons for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows.

• 8/28/2025 DEEP Urges Residents and Visitors to Follow Water Safety Guidelines as Lifeguard Coverage Winds Down at State Parks

  (HARTFORD, CT) – As the summer season nears its end, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents and visitors to exercise caution in and around the water, especially as lifeguard coverage at State Park swimming areas will be reduced over the Labor Day weekend.

• 8/27/2025 DEEP Reminds Boaters to Purchase AIS Stamp Ahead of Targeted Enforcement this Labor Day Weekend

  (HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds boaters to purchase an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Stamp ahead of enhanced enforcement efforts over Labor Day Weekend. Anyone who operates a motorboat or personal watercraft on Connecticut’s inland waters, including the designated inland waters of the Connecticut, Housatonic and Thames Rivers, is required to purchase an AIS Stamp. The AIS Stamp can be purchased through DEEP’s online Sportsmen Licensing System or wherever fishing licenses are sold. DEEP urges inland boaters who have not yet purchased their 2025 AIS Stamp, to do so before heading on the water this weekend. An AIS Stamp annual purchase is required for both Connecticut residents and out-of-state visitors operating a registered vessel on Connecticut’s inland waters.

• 8/15/2025 DEEP Announces Re-Issuance of Alcohol Ban for Nine Recreation Areas

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has imposed a temporary alcohol ban for nine state recreation areas. This ban is in effect from Tuesday, August 19 through Sunday, November 16

• 8/12/2025 DEEP Delivers Major Q1 Operational Gains through 20BY26 Initiative

  (Hartford, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced significant progress in 2025 under its 20BY26 Initiative – an ambitious effort to deliver 20 measurable improvements across DEEP’s permitting, cleanup, funding, public engagement, and environmental review processes by the end of 2026. Launched as a continuation of DEEP’s successful 20BY20 effort, the 20BY26 Initiative is improving how the agency achieves its mission and serves the public. The results point to a faster, more efficient, more predictable, and more responsive DEEP, helping Connecticut residents, businesses, and communities cut costs and reduce delays while advancing environmental protection.