Connecticut State Council on Environmental Quality

June 24 2026 Meeting Minutes

DRAFT MINUTES

THESE DRAFT MINUTES HAVE BEEN PREPARED BY STAFF AS A RECORD OF WHAT OCCURRED AT THE MEETING. AT THE NEXT MEETING, COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL REVIEW THESE MINUTES AND MIGHT MAKE CORRECTIONS BEFORE APPROVING THEM. READERS SHOULD RELY ON THE APPROVED VERSION FOR A COMPLETELY ACCURATE RECORD.

Minutes of June 24, 2026, meeting of the Council on Environmental Quality (Council) held in person and via Zoom.

MEMBERS PRESENT: (Remote) Timothy Bishop (Acting Chair), Cinzia Lettieri, William Warzecha (In-person) Aimee Petras, Christopher Donnelly, and Linda Bowers.

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Paul Aresta (Council - Executive Director), Ryan Carboni (Council – Environmental Analyst), Laschone Garrison (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)), Jordan DiDomenico (DEEP), Becca Dahl, (Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (CT OPM)), and Justine Phillips-Gallucci, (CT OPM). Member of the public that spoke: Frank Zitkus,

    1. Call to Order: Establishment of a Quorum
    At 9:30 AM, Bishop called the meeting to order, took attendance, and confirmed that there was a quorum of Council members present.

    2. Approval of minutes of May 27, 2026
    Warzecha made a motion to approve the draft minutes from the Council’s meeting on May 27, 2026; seconded by Petras. The motion was approved unanimously with Bowers abstaining because she was not present at the previous meeting.

    3. Citizen Comment Period
    • Frank Zitkus commented on the proposed changes to DEEP’s Natural Diversity Database (NDDB) process, including the program review requirements.
    4. Citizen Complaints and Inquiries Received 
    • Carboni reported that several individuals contacted the Council to register concerns regarding DEEP’s proposal to modify existing easements to allow the construction, maintenance and operation of a natural gas pipeline. He added that Council staff replied to the individuals and provided information on the Connecticut Environmental Policy Act (CEPA) process, including opportunities for public participation. 

    • Carboni reported that the Council received a letter regarding DEEP’s draft Nature Based Solutions Evaluation. He added that Council staff acknowledged receipt of the letter, forwarded it to Council members, and provided it to DEEP.

    • Carboni reported that the Council received an inquiry/complaint about a plastic pipe in or near the Quinebaug River in Canterbury. He added that Council staff provided the individual with contact information for DEEP’s Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse and DEEP’s Land Acquisition and Management unit.

    • Carboni reported that the Council received an inquiry/complaint regarding the proposed replacement of a bridge that is used to access the Town of Clinton beach. He added that Council staff provided the individual with information from the scoping notice that was published in the Environmental Monitor, including the date for a scoping meeting, a due date to submit comments, and contact information to direct any comments or questions regarding the proposed action.

    • Carboni reported that the Council received two Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests seeking purchasing records. He added that the FOIA requests were provided to DEEP since it must be processed through their GOVQA system and DEEP has all the financial records. 

    • Aresta reported that the Council received a request to address the Council regarding the University of Connecticut’s proposed golf practice facility in Mansfield. He added that Council staff informed the individual that citizens can express their concerns regarding any environmental issue during the “Citizen comment period”. Aresta noted that if an Environmental Impact Evaluation is developed for the proposed action, there would be an opportunity to provide comments.

    • Aresta reported that the Council received an inquiry/complaint regarding a complaint filed with DEEP’s Land & Water Resources Division regarding boulders that are alleged to impede shoreline access in Westbrook along the shore. He added that Council staff requested and received information and documentation regarding the complaint, which was forwarded to the complainant.

    • Aresta reported that the Council received an inquiry/complaint regarding proposed changes to the NDDB program. He added that Council staff responded to the individual and noted that DEEP proposes to amend regulations on Endangered Species, Threatened Species, and Species of Special Concern.
    5. Acting Chair and Council Direction
    Aresta summarized the Council’s statutory responsibilities and activities undertaken by the Council. Bishop agreed to continue to serve as Acting Chair. Aresta noted that the Acting Chair can serve for any period approved by the Council or until the Governor appoints the Chairman of the Council. There was general discussion regarding the status of the Acting Chair, including the term for the Acting Chair and appointment of the Chair by the Governor. 

    Petras made a motion to approve Bishop as Acting Chair to serve, as needed, through at least June 2027; seconded by Lettieri. Petras noted that she would be willing to serve as acting chair if Bishop is not available. The motion was approved unanimously with Bishop abstaining.

    6. Executive Director’s Report
    • Review of Draft Forest Management Plans
      Carboni noted that Council staff reviewed comments submitted by the Council to DEEP regarding draft forest management plans that were adopted in 2025, which addressed general items, wetlands/watercourses, Old Forest Management Sites, core forest, wildlife, invasive species, and cultural resources. He added that staff assessed the comments based on how well the Council’s recommendations were incorporated into the final forest management plans and noted that DEEP’s adoption of the Council’s suggestions received an overall grade of 0.69 out of 2 points. Donnelly stated that it is worth evaluating comments to DEEP periodically to assess whether that Council should revise its approach and/or make the comments more persuasive.
    • Meeting with Office of Policy and Management (OPM)
      Aresta reported that Council staff met with representatives of the Office of Responsible Growth within OPM to discuss matters related to the CEPA process, including the visibility of the Environmental Monitor, OPM’s proposed CEPA toolbox and mapping application, and updates to the Environmental Classification Document and Environmental Review Checklist. Council members agreed that a brief presentation at the next meeting on the CEPA process, and the Council’s role in the CEPA process would be useful.
    7. State Agency and Legislative Actions
    a. DEEP
    • Forest Management Plan - Cockaponset State Forest Westwood-Killingworth-Winthrop (WKW) Blocks
      Aresta reported that DEEP developed an updated forest management plan (FMP) for the WKW blocks within the Cockaponset State Forest (CSF) and two wildlife management areas (WMA) that identified various forest management activities that would be implemented over the next 10 years. Aresta added that one issue identified in the draft FMP is the re-designation of approximately 49 acres of forest currently designated as Old Forestland Management Sites (OFLMS) to allow for treatments to bolster the abundance of certain tree species. Donnelly noted policy and process questions that could be raised regarding the redesignation of OFLMS. There was general discussion regarding illegal recreation use in the state forests. Aresta added that the draft comments also address unauthorized/illegal activities.

      Petras made a motion to approve the draft comments for the FMP for the CSF; seconded by Bowers. The motion was approved unanimously.

    • Draft Connecticut 2026 Annual Air Monitoring Network Plan
      Carboni reported that DEEP released their draft Air Monitoring Network Plan that identifies the status and any planned changes to air quality monitoring sites and monitored air pollutants. Carboni summarized the proposed changes identified in the draft plan and noted that comments are due by June 28. Aresta noted that the data from the air monitoring program is used by the Council in the air quality section of the Council’s annual report.
       
    • Advisory Council Representative on Public Act 26-127 "Solar Siting Report"
      Aresta reported that DEEP is conducting a “solar siting report” which requires consultation with various agencies, and the Council. He added that Donnelly has agreed to be the representative from the Council; the first meeting will be on July 20; and DEEP’s report must be completed by November 30 for public comment. Donnelly noted the Council’s report from 2017, titled Energy Sprawl in Connecticut, which provides a good introduction and historical context for this issue. 
       
    • Agrivoltaics Incentive Feasibility Study
      Aresta reported that DEEP, in consultation with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DOAG), is required to study the feasibility of implementing an incentive program for agrivoltaics projects in the state. Aresta added that draft comments have been developed that address some of the question prompts, specifically issues that could potentially effect the environment and those which the Council has offered comments or taken a position previously. There was general discussion regarding agrivoltaics and the application of solar on farmland. Petras and Warzecha suggested revising the Council’s draft comments to ensure that no harmful materials or chemicals, such as metals or PFAS, from the solar panels and/or any associated components, are introduced to the agricultural land.
      Donnelly made a motion to approve the draft comments regarding the Agrivoltaics Incentive Feasibility Study with the revision suggested by Petras and Warzecha; seconded by Bowers. The motion was approved unanimously.
    b. Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) Comments recommended:
    • Petition 1710 (solar, North Haven)
      Carboni reported that North Haven Solar Two, LLC proposes to construct and operate a 1.9 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) facility in North Haven. He summarized the proposed project and some of the environmental characteristics of the proposed site. He added that draft comments have been developed that address agrivoltaics practices, and protection of farmland soils and wildlife.
    • Petition 1711 (solar, Ellington)
      Carboni reported that Greenskies Clean Energy proposes to develop a 4.99 MW solar PV facility in Ellington. He summarized the proposed project and some of the environmental characteristics of the proposed site. He added that draft comments have been developed that address visibility, pesticides, agricultural soils, drinking water protection, and wildlife.
    • Petition 1712 (energy storage, Manchester) 
      Carboni reported that Allied Printing Services, Inc. proposes to construct and operate a  3.4 MW battery energy storage facility and associated equipment in Manchester. He summarized the proposed project and some of the environmental characteristics of the proposed site. He added that draft comments have been developed that address the protection of wildlife, and noise. Bishop suggested revising the draft comments so that, if state-listed species could be present on/near the proposed site, the Petitioner should adhere to NDDB’s recommended protection measures. Petras questioned the Council’s position on emergency response measures and noted the potential use of water to address emergency response at energy storage facilities.

      Warzecha made a motion to approve the draft comments for Petition 1710 and 1711 as drafted, and Petition 1712 with the suggested revision noted by Bishop; seconded by Lettieri. The motion was approved unanimously.
    8. Other Business 
    Aresta noted that the Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for July 22, 2026, and it will be a remote meeting.

    Bishop noted his appreciation for the support of the Council as Acting Chair, and for Petras who volunteered to serve as vice Acting Chair.

    Aresta noted that DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes will be resigning in July and that Deputy Commissioner Emma Cimino will serve as Acting Commissioner. 

    Bishop noted that funds from the surcharge on miniature alcohol beverage containers (Nips) were used by the Town of Fairfield to install litter/refuse collection equipment (litter boom), which has already been successful.

    Petras made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 11:18 AM; seconded by Bowers. The motion was approved unanimously. The meeting was concluded.

    A recording of the meeting1 is available online using passcode YD+*?z24 and by email request of the Council (email to: CEQ@ct.gov). (Disclaimer: The transcript associated with the meeting recording is computer-generated and may contain typos that have not been edited.)

     1Passcode: YD+*?z24
    https://ctdeep.zoom.us/rec/share/AeqWjogfv6aL2N1IyM9qlppTx7Aj0AbL6Zby9vZfUkEpNwRswrGmTe1Imf2YEny1.EH9gkIRdc7aC9SFg