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.
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Upcoming Public Meetings
January 13, 2024 | 6:00-7:30 PM (Virtual)
Air & Transportation Subcommittee Meeting - Electric Vehicles
Register for the Zoom Link
Agenda Pending
January 15, 2024 | 3:00-4:30 PM (Virtual)
Energy & Technology Subcommittee Meeting - Solar for All
Register for the Zoom Link
Agenda Pending
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.
Waste
The Waste Subcommittee focuses on waste management, Affecting Facilities, permitting and public participation plans, and environmental justice law.
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.
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.
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.
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
Additionally, the Commissioner is able to establish subcommittees to address specific topics and can include participants who are not members of the Council.
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
- Link to Public Participation Guides (prepared by GC3 Equity & Environmental Justice Working Group)
- Download Centering Equity in Climate Change Resilience Planning (prepared by GC3 Equity & Environmental Justice Working Group)
- Download Quick Start Guide - Centering Equity in Climate Change Resilience Planning
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