Connecticut State Council on Environmental Quality

2023 CEQ Annual Report



Activities of the Council               Council Members               Acknowledgments

Council Duties

The main responsibilities of the Council on Environmental Quality are described in Sections 22a-11 through 22a-13 of the Connecticut General Statutes (CGS).

The Council is a nine-member board that works independently of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (except for administrative functions). Five members are appointed by the Governor, two members by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and two by the Speaker of the House. The Council’s responsibilities include:

  1. Submittal to the Governor of an annual report on the status of Connecticut’s environment, including progress toward goals of the statewide environmental plan, with recommendations for remedying deficiencies of state programs. In 2023, Public Act 23-76 was enacted that requires the Council to assess programs and measures of local governments implemented pursuant to CGS subsection (d) of Section 22a-244b.

  2. Review of state agencies’ construction projects.

  3. Investigation of citizens’ complaints and allegations of violations of environmental laws.

  4. Review of environmental impact evaluations that state agencies prepare for major projects under the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA).

  5. Publication of the Environmental Monitor, the site where all state agencies must post their notices required under CEPA including, but not limited to, scoping notices and notice of the availability of environmental impact evaluations. The Environmental Monitor also is the official publication for notice of intent by state agencies to sell or transfer state lands.

  6. Participation in studies and working groups on environmental issues, as directed by the legislature, such as the Release-Based Clean Up Program Regulation Development. In 2023, Public Act 23-204, Section 69 and Special Act 23-15 established a working group to study the State Historic Preservation Officer's role in administering historic preservation review processes. The Working Group membership included a representative from the Council.