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

Transportation

At 38 percent, the transportation sector is the largest source of Connecticut's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To achieve needed reductions in transportation-related GHG emissions and pollutants, our collective actions must involve increasing the efficiency of vehicle technology, changing how we travel and move goods, and promoting the use of lower-carbon fuels.  Individuals, businesses and municipalities can take direct action in a number of ways to help reduce the negative environmental impacts from the transportation sector.

Emissions Reduction and Air Quality

The combustion of fossil fuels in the transportation sector is detrimental to Connecticut's air quality and the health of our citizens. Fossil fuels are also the largest contributor of heat-trapping GHGs in the state. Learn more about what you can do to reduce your fossil fuel consumption.

Reduce Your Personal Transportation Emissions: Learn what you can do to reduce your emissions while helping to combat the harmful effects of climate change.

EVConnecticut: Did you know that in Connecticut you can receive a rebate when you purchase an electric, hybrid electric, or fuel cell vehicle? Check out the EVConnecticut website for more information and to see a list of eligible vehicles.

Multi-State ZEV Task Force: Connecticut is one of eight states working together to advance the adoption of zero emission vehicles (ZEVs). Collectively, these states have committed to putting at least 3.3 million ZEVs on their roadways by 2025.

DOE Fueling Station Locator: Connecticut is range confident! Check out the U.S. Department of Energy's fueling station locator for an up-to-date list of alternative fueling stations in Connecticut and around the country.

Department of Energy Clean Cities Coalitions: Connect with a national network of coalitions and stakeholders working to advance the use of cleaner transportation fuel alternatives.

Green Your Fleet: Do you manage a fleet of vehicles? Find out ways that you can save money on fuel and reduce harmful emissions from your fleet. 

DEEP Anti-idling Initiatives: Reducing emissions from idling motor vehicle engines is one of the most important air-quality issues in Connecticut today.

SmartWay: SmartWay is an innovative partnership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that reduces GHGs and other air pollutants. It uses market-driven partnerships to help businesses to move goods in the cleanest most efficient way possible.

Commuting Options and Transit-Oriented Communities

Opting to bike, walk, share the ride, or use public transportation helps to reduce vehicle miles traveled, fuel consumption, and GHG emissions. Transit-oriented development and Complete Streets policies allow communities to make all modes of transportation more accessible, leading to reductions in individual car travel and traffic congestion, both of which contribute to GHG emissions and air quality issues.

Bike Walk Connecticut: Bike Walk Connecticut strives to change the culture of transportation through advocacy and education to make biking and walking safe, feasible and attractive travel options for the state's residents.

CTrides: CTrides offers commuters a wealth of information and resources for finding travel options to get to work or school throughout Connecticut, including carpools, vanpools, bus, train, biking/walking, and teleworking solutions. 

CTtransit: Bus transit service is the primary commuting method for urban, transit-dependent workers while also serving as the mode of choice for many suburban commuters who use the express buses. Bus services also play an important role in transporting the elderly, those with disabilities, the young and those who wish to use public transportation rather than a personal vehicle. Find out how CTtransit can get you to your destination. 

CTfastrak: As a part of CTtransit, this bus rapid transit system links New Britain, Hartford, Manchester, and surrounding communities. CTfastrak provides a safe, clean, and efficient alternative to traveling by passenger vehicle in the region.

NuRide: Join NuRide and get rewards when you walk, bike, telecommute, carpool, vanpool, take the train, bus, or work a compressed week. It's free and easy to do.

Complete Streets:  When used in conjunction with land use planning, smart growth, and transit-oriented development ideals, the Complete Street approach helps to create dynamic communities and urban areas with improved connectivity across Connecticut by furthering the integration of safe on-road access for all users - pedestrians, bicyclists, motor vehicle operators, and transit users. The Connecticut Department of Transportation adopted this policy in 2014.

Climate Change

Content last updated January 2020