Speeding Permitting for Decarbonization
In Goal 14, DEEP is exploring and implementing best practices to streamline renewable energy permitting and maximize investments in critical decarbonization efforts, including to meet decarbonation goals and follow plans, such as DEEP’s 2021 Integrated Resources Plan. Background on this goal is presented in DEEP’s 20BY26, Setting the Target: CT DEEP 2026 Goals (February 2024).
Latest Progress (as of Spring 2025)
In Q2 2025, DEEP launched the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool (CREST) on a dedicated webpage, where information on the tool, its use, and its data layers can be found. (Read the press release here.) We then conducted outreach to stakeholders with demonstrations of the tool to CEEJAC’s Energy & Technology subcommittee and hosted a webinar on June 18, 2025 with UConn CLEAR.
DEEP’s STEPS team continued work on developing strategic recommendations for permit streamlining and accelerating decarbonization through renewable energy projects by conducting a benchmark evaluation in other states across the country.
Up Next
DEEP released a final Request for Proposals (RFP) on an expedited schedule for solar and onshore wind facilities on September 10, 2025. DEEP is pursuing this RFP to seek bids from clean energy projects that could diversify the state’s energy sources, improve electric reliability, and save ratepayers money. This expedited RFP is a follow up to the Energy Action Update webinar DEEP held on July 24, 2025, reviewing the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on clean energy projects, and subsequent the Request for Information (RFI) DEEP released on July 25, 2025, seeking expressions of interest from project developers who believe that they can (1) meet the end of 2027 in service date to qualify for production or investment tax credits authorized by sections 45Y and 48E of the Internal Revenue Code, or (2) meet the July 4, 2026, start of construction requirement to continue to make use of the production or investment tax credits authorized by sections 45Y and 48E of the Internal Revenue Code.
DEEP encourages developers to take advantage of DEEP’s Permitting Concierge Service (DEEP.Concierge@ct.gov) for any eligible projects planning on using tax credits. DEEP’s Permitting Concierge Service will work with developers to prioritize timely completion of any pending DEEP environmental review or permit decisions with the goal of taking advantage of these tax credits before they expire.
DEEP will give a CREST demonstration webinar for the Connecticut chapter of the American Planners Association on September 10, 2025, and will be presenting CREST at the CACIWC (CT Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commissions) Annual Meeting and Environmental Conference on November 15, 2025. Additionally, we will be tabling at “Sun” Day at CCSU -- you can find CT specific Sun Day resources and events here – and at the COST (CT Council of Small Towns) Fall Meeting on October 22, 2025 at the Aqua Turf Club.
The next workshop with ECOS and NASEO is anticipated for Fall 2025, where states will present and discuss tools for renewable energy siting. DEEP will be presenting the CREST.
GOAL 14 PROGRESS FROM PREVIOUS QUARTERS
Winter 2025
DEEP continued work on the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool (CREST) mapping application, pursuant to PA 24-31, and made the CREST available to members of the CREST Collaborative, CEEJAC, CT Office of Policy Management, and the CT Legislature to test drive. As part of our research to provide recommendations for streamlining, DEEP evaluated decarbonization models in various states and developed infographics to visualize the permitting processes related to renewable energy generation projects.
DEEP, along with partners NASEO and ECOS, hosted their third workshop on March 6, 2025, for energy and environmental state representatives from New England, New York, and New Jersey with a presentation on “Planning for Future Electricity Demand Drivers” from ISO New England.
Fall 2024
DEEP kicked off the Community Renewable Energy Siting Tool (CREST) Collaborative in October 2024, bringing together representatives from 25 organizations - municipal, conservation, farmland, solar developers, climate advocates, and others. This group advised DEEP and UCONN-CLEAR on the development of a renewable energy suitability siting map, pursuant to PA 24-31 (Sec. 5). DEEP then created a beta version of CREST, leveraging ArcGIS Online to publish an interactive application with layers identified as integral to siting future solar projects in Connecticut. Beta CREST was presented at the December 2024 CREST Collaborative meeting for their feedback.
In November 2024, DEEP worked with ECOS and NASEO to offer a regional permitting for decarbonization workshop: “Clean Energy Infrastructure Permitting and Timing – Opportunities and Challenges" – the first in a series of these workshops – during which NYSERDA focused on NY’s permitting successes and challenges.
In December 2024, DEEP released a draft report, held a public comment meeting, and delivered the Final CSC Study to the Connecticut General Assembly.
Summer 2024
In July, DEEP co-hosted a regional permitting for decarbonization workshop with the Environmental Council of the States (ECOS) and the National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO), featuring energy and environmental representatives from New England states, New York, and New Jersey.
BETP participated in a working group led by CT Green Bank on decommissioning and disposal of batteries for energy storage and photovoltaic panels.
Pursuant to PA 24-144 (Sec. 12), DEEP began, with partner agencies, a study of the Connecticut Siting Council (CSC), received 65 public scoping comments, and set a public comment meeting.
Winter and Spring 2024
DEEP assessed the challenges associated with site development for solar energy generation and created a hierarchy of siting considerations for developers, which will be fundamental for projects to smoothly navigate the regulatory process. This hierarchy will be incorporated in future Sustainable, Transparent, and Efficient Practices for Solar (STEPS) siting guidance.
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Content last updated September 2025