2025 CEQ Annual Report

Introduction

Summary                   Letter                    The Climate Challenge

Introduction - Understanding
“Environmental Quality in Connecticut” 

The Annual Report of the Council on Environmental Quality for 2025

published April 28, 2026

As required by Connecticut General Statutes Section 22a-12(a), the Council shall submit annually to the Governor an environmental quality report, which shall set forth: 

1. the status of the major environmental categories including, but not limited to, the air, the water and the land environment;
   
   
2. current and foreseeable trends in the quality, management and utilization of the environment and the effects of such trends on the social, economic and health requirements of the state;
   
   
3. the adequacy of available natural resources for fulfilling human and economic requirements of the state in the light of projected population pressures;
   
   
4. a review of the programs and activities of the state and local governments and private organizations, with particular reference to their effect on the environment and on the conservation, development and utilization of natural resources, including, but not limited to, programs and measures of local governments implemented pursuant to subsection (d) of Section 22a-244b; 
   
   
5. a program for remedying the deficiencies of existing programs and activities, together with recommendations for legislation; and 
   
   
6. progress towards achievement of the goals and objectives established in the state-wide environmental plan. 

This edition addresses the statutory requirements noted above and documents the condition of Connecticut's environment primarily during the 2025 calendar year.

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Symbol Summaries

Where an indicator shows change over time, there will usually be a summary key to allow for a quick evaluation of the status of that indicator. The top line is the indicator’s status for the most recent year data is available; the second line shows that year’s status compared to the ten-year trend; and the third line shows whether the indicator is on track to meet its goal, if applicable. 

The symbol (left) identifies indicators that are affected by climate change or those that affect the climate. Clicking on the symbol will open a page with more details. For the printed version, please refer to “Climate Notes”.