News Releases

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• 4/1/2026 DEEP Reminds Residents to Be Bear Aware as Bears Increase Activity in the Spring

  (HARTFORD)— As black bear activity increases in the spring following winter denning season, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) warns residents to be “bear aware” and to do what they can to protect both their communities and bears by preventing human-bear conflicts. Now that bears are up and about, simple steps to avoid feeding bears--such as taking down birdfeeders--will reduce the likelihood of conflicts that can lead to potential harm for both people and bears.

• 3/31/2026 New England Governors Announce Commitment To Explore Advanced Nuclear Energy

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the governors of all six New England states have issued a joint statement outlining their regional commitment to exploring advanced nuclear energy technologies while continuing to support the safe, affordable, and reliable operation of the region’s existing nuclear facilities.

• 3/30/2026 DEEP Study Offers Recommendations to Improve and Streamline the Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) Program

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has released a study to improve its Natural Diversity Data Base (NDDB) Program identifying strategies to improve the efficiency, transparency, and predictability of endangered species impact reviews required for DEEP permitting. A public meeting later this spring will give stakeholders and interested members of the public an opportunity to learn about the findings and provide input on next steps to improve the NDDB program. Stakeholders and individuals interested in participating may sign up here to receive more information regarding the format and schedule of the meeting.

• 3/26/2026 DEEP Issues RFP for Food and Beverage Concession Services at Gillette Castle State Park

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a qualified food and beverage concessionaire to operate the concession building at Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam.

• 3/24/2026 DEEP to Host CT Outdoor Recreation Day at State Capitol April 30th

  (HARTFORD, CT) — The Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences will host an inaugural Connecticut Outdoor Recreation Day featuring Connecticut-based outdoor industries, retailers, guides, and recreation groups on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in the North Lobby of the State Capitol in Hartford.

• 3/23/2026 DEEP Selects Proposals to Help Lower Electric Bills Under Novel Efficiency RFP

  (HARTFORD, CT) —The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the provisional selection of proposals under the first round of its Expanded Efficiency and Affordability Request for Proposals (RFP), a competitive process launched following new legislative authority enacted in 2025. This authority enables DEEP to procure energy efficiency and active demand response measures on behalf of ratepayers, supplementing Connecticut’s successful existing programs and delivering additional opportunities for customers to reduce their energy bills.

• 3/19/2026 DEEP Announces RFI and Informational Meeting on Affordable Multifamily Revolving Loan Program

• 3/18/2026 DEEP Announces Recipients of Sixth Annual Grant Round for Aquatic Invasive Species Control on Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the recipients of the sixth round of funding through the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Grant Program. A total of $450,000 has been awarded to ten projects focused on reducing the impacts of aquatic invasive species in Connecticut’s inland waters.

• 3/17/2026 DEEP Launches New Procurement For Energy Storage

  (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today the release of a Notice of Proceeding and Request for Written Comment for the procurement of front of the meter energy storage to lower the cost, and increase the efficiency and resiliency of, Connecticut’s electricity system. The Request for Written Comment seeks input from energy storage developers, experts, and stakeholders on the best strategies for DEEP to procure and value energy storage. 

• 3/16/2026 Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes Statements on Revolution Wind Delivering First Power to the New England Grid

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes released the following statements regarding the announcement that the Revolution Wind offshore wind project has begun delivering its first power to the New England grid:

• 3/12/2026 DEEP to Conduct Prescribed Burns at Nine Locations This Spring

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) plans to conduct prescribed (controlled) burns at nine locations this spring, weather and conditions permitting. The areas include Barn Island Wildlife Management Area in Stonington, James L. Goodwin State Forest in Hampton, Mansfield Hollow State Park in Mansfield, Matianuck Natural Area Preserve in Windsor, Nehantic State Forest in Lyme, Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown, Quinebaug River Wildlife Management Area in Plainfield, Tunxis State Forest in West Hartland, and Windsor Wildlife Management Area in Windsor.

• 3/11/2026 DEEP and DECD Mark Implementation of New Release-Based Cleanup Program

  (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) announced today that on March 1, 2026, the Connecticut Transfer Act officially sunset and was replaced by the new Release-Based Cleanup program, a new regulatory framework that will streamline the remediation and redevelopment of blighted properties impacted by pollution from past industrial uses, a game-changing transition for Connecticut that is a win for both the environment and the economy.

• 3/10/2026 DEEP Announces RFI and Technical Meeting on CT Electric Grid’s System Efficiency

  (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) recently announced a request for information to inform its study of the Connecticut electric grid’s efficiency and an accompanying technical meeting, which will be held on Friday, March 20th.

• 3/9/2026 DEEP Announces State Park Lifeguard Tryouts in March

  (HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced tryouts for lifeguard positions at Connecticut State Parks for the Summer 2026 season. March isn’t just for college basketball. It’s also tryout season for Connecticut State Park Lifeguards. If you have what it takes to join our team of strong, highly trained, open-water lifeguards, meet us at the pool!

• 3/3/2026 DEEP Announces $950,000 in Grants to Enhance Urban Tree Canopy Cover in Connecticut Communities

  (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is excited to announce the recipients of Urban & Community Forestry Trees for Communities Grants for 2026, as well as a new funding opportunity that will support the stewardship of resilient forest practices in rural municipal and tribal forests. Over $950,000 in Urban & Community Forestry Trees for Communities grants was awarded to support nine projects across Connecticut municipalities and non-profits. This grant program supports urban forestry projects that increase tree cover and contribute to urban forestry objectives in low-canopy communities. Funded projects will conduct activities such as tree planting and maintenance, urban wood utilization, community outreach, and workforce development. You can learn more about these projects below and online at Urban Forestry Grant Accomplishments.