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

Reducing Business and Fleet Transportation Emissions

Transportation emissions are a function of vehicle fuel efficiency, the carbon content of fuel, and vehicle miles traveled (VMT). These three are often referred to as the three-legged stool of transportation emissions, and understanding their components will help identify ways to reduce your transportation carbon footprint. There are many ways businesses and fleet operators can reduce transportation emissions and there are numerous benefits in doing so - saving money, creating an environmentally responsible reputation, and attracting and retaining employees.
 
Green Your Fleet - vehicle fuel efficiency & the carbon content of fuel
Consider replacing company and/or fleet vehicles with high efficiency or alternative fuel options. You can reduce your carbon emissions, save money at the pump, and often reduce your vehicle maintenance costs. Businesses today have many more options when it comes to purchasing these types of vehicles than in the past.
 
The US Department of Energy's (DOE) Clean Cities Coalitions operate around the country advancing the use of alternative fuel vehicles. Connecticut has four coalitions; Capitol Clean Cities of Connecticut, Connecticut Southwestern Area Clean Cities, New Haven Clean Cities, and Norwich Clean Cities; all who work diligently with fleet owners and consumers within the state to reduce the use of petroleum fuel.
 
The US DOE also hosts the Clean Cities' National Clean Fleets Partnership. This public-private partnership provides fleet operators with the tools needed to green their fleet. US DOE provides a wide array of invaluable tools for fleet operators considering the transition.
 
DEEP hosts many diesel reduction initiatives as well.
 
Additional vehicle options:
  • Learn about zero emission vehicles (electric and hydrogen-fueled) on CT DEEP's Path to Clean Fuels & Vehicles webpage.
  • Consider a SmartWay Certified or SmartWay Certified Elite Vehicle. SmartWay Certified and SmartWay Certified Elite Vehicles are certified by US EPA as the top vehicles in terms of being highly efficient with the lowest smog emissions for each model year.
  • EVConnecticut is a partnership between the CT DEEP and CT DOT. Learn about electric vehicle (EV) charging station funding opportunities, register and locate EV charging stations, and learn about the many benefits of EV ownership.
  • US EPA's Green Vehicle Guide and US EPA/DOE's website fueleconomy.gov provide excellent informational resources detailing the types of available clean, efficient vehicles, benefits and costs of ownership, and comparisons between makes and models.
Vehicle Maintenance & Driver Behavior Tips - drive cleaner & cheaper
Not ready to replace your fleet? You can reduce your emissions and save money by driving smart and taking proper care of vehicles.
US DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center has a host of resources aimed at driving cleaner and cheaper, including:
Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled - commuting options
Reduce emissions through providing employees with opportunities and/or incentives to reduce personal transportation emissions. Encourage employees to use public transit, carpools/vanpools, telecommute, and/or bike/walk to work.
 
  • CT public transit - find transit services in your town and region.
  • CTrides - free one-stop-shop for planning your daily commute.
  • CTTransit - CT DOT-owned bus service - find schedules, fares, and other information.  
  • CTfastrak - a bus rapid transit system that links New Britain, Hartford, and surrounding communities.
  • Bike Walk Connecticut - advocates for cyclists and pedestrians across the state.
Businesses may also consider providing employees and/or the public with access to electric vehicle charging stations. Visit EVConnecticut for more information and for potential new state-offered grants and federal incentive programs.
 
Additional Resources
Content Last Updated January 2016