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

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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is charged with conserving, improving and protecting the natural resources and the environment of the state of Connecticut as well as making cheaper, cleaner and more reliable energy available for the people and businesses of the state. The agency is also committed to playing a positive role in rebuilding Connecticut’s economy and creating jobs – and to fostering a sustainable and prosperous economic future for the state.

DEEP has established five strategic goals that guide the work across our programs. The Department is organized into the Office of the Commissioner and three Branches.

The Office of the Commissioner includes the Offices of the Chief of Staff and of Legal, Planning, and Regulatory Affairs, which in turn include Adjudications,  Legal Counsel,  and Chief of Staff (which includes Communications, Climate Change, Equity & Environmental Justice (EJ), Legislation, Innovative Partnerships & Planning (IPP), Land Acquisition & Management (LAM), and Environmental Review & Strategic Initiatives (ERSI). Planning and Program Development and Governmental Affairs). These offices provide administrative management, substantive guidance, staff assistance, and ancillary service to aid the Commissioner and other branches  and Bureau Chiefs in their efforts to carry out the mission of the agency. In addition, the Bureau of Central Services provides a wide array of services including, Information Management, Engineering and Field Support, Financial Management, Human Resource Management and Purchasing.

  • The Energy Branch includes the Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy, which develops and implements comprehensive state-wide energy policy, plans, and programs to promote a cleaner, cheaper, more reliable energy future for Connecticut. The Energy Branch also includes the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) – formerly the Department of Public Utility Control – which reviews rates for electricity, natural gas, water, cable television and other utilities.
  • The Environmental Quality Branch is composed of the Bureaus of Air Management, Materials Management and Compliance Assurance, and Water Protection and Land Reuse. These bureaus protect the air, land and water resources of the state by regulating air emissions, wastewater discharges and solid and hazardous wastes. Tools used include the development of regulations, policies and standards; permitting and enforcement; air and water quality monitoring; and public outreach and education.
  • The Environmental Conservation Branch consists of two bureaus. The Bureau of Natural Resources is charged with managing the state’s natural resources (particularly fish, wildlife, and forests) through a program of regulation, management, research, and public education. The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation is charged with the conservation and management of statewide recreation lands and resources through the acquisition of open space and the management of resources, including state parks, to meet the outdoor recreation needs of the public.

DEEP was established on July 1, 2011 with the consolidation of the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Public Utility Control, and energy policy staff from other areas of state government. The environmental protection agency had been established in 1971 at the dawn of the environmental movement, while the public utilities regulatory authority traces its roots back more than 150 years to the state’s Railroad Commission.

DEEP offers many venues through which stakeholders and the public can contribute their ideas, expertise, and valuable time. For some of the key opportunities, please visit our Stakeholder Outreach and Participation page.

Content updated January 2022