Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

About 

Watch a short video created in 2022 for the launch of CEEJAC:

 

CEEJAC is an advisory council to the Commissioner of DEEP on issues related to current and historic environmental injustice and inequities across the state. The council was established through Governor Lamont’s Executive Order 21-3, which was signed in 2021, and brought forward 22 additional actions that support recommendations proposed by the Governor’s Council on Climate Change (GC3) and directs State executive branch agencies to take actions to reduce carbon emissions. The council:

  • Integrates environmental justice considerations into DEEP’s programs, policies, and activities in order to improve the health and environment of EJ Communities (including rulemaking, permitting standards and processes, compliance and enforcement, science and data, and equitable program implementation)
  • Provides mechanisms for EJ Communities to meaningfully participate in the placement or expansion of certain facilities in their communities
  • Develops a plan for community engagement and stakeholder outreach
  • Strengthens DEEP’s partnerships with government agencies, other states, tribes, local governments, and community leaders regarding EJ issues

CEEJAC had its first meeting in 2022 and since then the Council has been defining its priorities and expanding its membership.

Upcoming Public Meetings 


Energy & Technology Subcommittee Meeting - PURA 101
November 20, 2024, 3:00-4:00 PM
Download Meeting Agenda
Register for Meeting Zoom Link

Quarterly Council Meeting open to the public
December 16, 2024
Time and Location will be announced soon

View All Past Meetings

 

Subcommittees 

The Council is split into five different subcommittees based on different subject areas. Subcommittees are tasked to address specific issues that emerge.

 

Land

The Land Subcommittee brings attention to urban environments and community participation in issues related to open space, remediation projects, brownfields, urban forestry, and (coastal) land acquisition.

Learn more

 

 

 

Waste

The Waste Subcommittee focuses on waste management, Affecting Facilities, permitting and public participation plans, and environmental justice law.

Learn more

 

 

 

Air and Transportation

The Air and Transportation Subcommittee explores issues related to air quality monitoring and standards, state and federal plans around emissions, electric vehicles and bikes, and public transportation.

Learn more

 

 

 

Water

The Water Subcommittee aims to enhance community-based watershed planning through community engagement and collaboration. They focus on flooding, combined sewage overflow, coastal resilience.

Learn more

 

 

 

Energy and Technology

The Energy and Technology Subcommittee addresses barriers to energy justice, specifically focusing on affordable energy efficiency programs, clean energy technology, and state planning.

Learn more

 

 

 

 

Membership 

The Commissioner of DEEP is able to appoint members to the Council and at minimum must include representatives of:

  • Environmental Justice Communities
  • Connecticut-based environmental advocacy organizations
  • Large and small business and industry
  • Municipalities of regional Councils of Government
  • Department of Public Health
  • Department of Economic and Community Development
  • Department of Housing
  • Department of Transportation

Click Here to Meet CEEJAC Members

Additionally, the Commissioner is able to establish subcommittees to address specific topics and can include participants who are not members of the Council.


Click Here to Meet Subcommittee Members

Council members serve a two-year term or until a successor is appointed. We are so thankful to the members who have retired from the council. Click here to learn more. 

 

Resources 

Vacancies and Nominations

 

As of 2024, appointments to CEEJAC are being handled through an open application process. To submit an application for consideration, please visit this link.

 

Content last updated October 2024