News Releases

Page 1 of 76

8/28/2026 MEDIA ADVISORY: DEEP to Welcome Local Firefighters Returning from Fighting Minnesota Wildfires
(HARTFORD)—On Friday, August 28, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Forestry Division will welcome back a 10-person wildland firefighting crew that has been assisting with wildfire suppression efforts on the Bear Trap fire in northeastern Minnesota. The crew departed from DEEP’s Eastern District Headquarters (EDHQ) in Marlborough on August 11th, 2026, and will return there on Friday, August 28, 2026. An additional engine crew of 4 returned to Connecticut on Saturday, August 22, 2026. Four additional crew members were deployed on Friday, August 21st, to replace this engine crew.
8/27/2026 Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons Starting Soon
(HARTFORD) — Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the dates for 2026-2027 migratory bird hunting seasons, which include seasons for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows. Some key dates include:
8/25/2026 Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut Files Opposition to Trump Administration’s Proposed Rule Ending Federal Energy Efficiency Standards for Appliances and Consumer Products
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont announced today that his administration has submitted a filing in opposition to a Trump administration proposed rule that seeks to roll back federal energy efficiency standards for appliances and consumer products. If finalized, this rollback means that Americans will have access to less efficient products, resulting in more wasted energy and higher utility bills.
8/20/2026 Governor Lamont Announces Connecticut and Other New England States To Host Regional Nuclear Summit
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut is joining its neighbor New England states—including Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont—to host a regional policy summit that will explore the potential role of advanced nuclear technologies in the region’s evolving energy system.
8/18/2026 Governor Lamont and Attorney General Tong Cite Concerns Over Rising Energy Costs in Criticism of Proposed NextEra-Dominion Merger
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Attorney General William Tong today announced that the State of Connecticut is intervening in the regulatory review of the proposed merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy, arguing it poses a great risk to Connecticut families who already face unaffordable energy costs. The $67 billion merger would create one of the world’s largest utility companies and place control of all of New England’s nuclear power under one entity, effectively eliminating price competition for a resource that provides a majority of the state’s power.
8/17/2026 DEEP Re-Issues Alcohol Ban for Ten Recreation Areas
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has imposed a temporary alcohol ban for ten state recreation areas. This ban is in effect from Tuesday, August 18 through Sunday, November 15 at the following locations:
8/14/2026 DEEP Deploys Wildland Fire Crews to Minnesota
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Forestry Division mobilized two crews recently to assist with wildfire suppression efforts on the Bear Trap fire in Minnesota. The group is part of the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew (CIFC), which is part of the Northeastern Forest Fire Protection Compact.
8/12/2026 DEEP Urges Residents to Take Steps to Prevent Conflicts with Black Bears
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) strongly urges residents to follow best practices and “Be BearWise” to reduce the likelihood of conflicts with black bears and avoid home entries.
8/6/2026 DEEP Seeks Public Comment on Draft Request for Proposals for Farmers’ Markets in Three Connecticut State Parks
(HARTFORD, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) invites the public to comment on a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) to operate farmers’ markets in three Connecticut State Parks. This RFP is an exciting next step in DEEP’s Partnership in Parks Initiative. Comments are due August 28, 2026.
8/5/2026 MEDIA ADVISORY: DEEP to Hold Bear Safety and Awareness Forum in Warren
(HARTFORD) — Join Wildlife Biologists from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), along with State Representative Karen Reddington-Hughes, and State Senator Stephen Harding, for a Forum on Black Bear Safety and Awareness on August 12, 2026, at 7:00 PM, at Warren Woods, 251 Bricks School Road, Warren.
8/4/2026 DEEP Seeks Qualified Caterers for Connecticut State Parks
(HARTFORD, CT) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the release of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking qualified full-service catering vendors to provide catering concession services at multiple Connecticut State Park event facilities beginning in 2027.
8/3/2026 DEEP Announces Launch of Laptop ConneCT Program
(HARTFORD, CT) — More Connecticut residents will soon have greater access to technology thanks to an innovative new program from the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
7/30/2026 CT Environmental Conservation Police make arrest for possession of venomous snakes
(Hartford, CT) The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s (DEEP) Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon) have concluded a lengthy investigation into the illegal possession of venomous snakes. The investigation resulted in the seizure of 49 reptiles and multiple arrests.
7/29/2026 MEDIA ADVISORY: DEEP to Welcome Local Firefighters Returning from Fighting Quebec Wildfires
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Forestry Division will welcome back a 6-person wildland firefighting crew who have been assisting with wildfire suppression efforts in Val-d’Or, Quebec, Canada. The crew departed from DEEP’s Eastern District Headquarters in Marlborough on July 17th, 2026, and will return there on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.
7/28/2026 DEEP Announces Dinosaur State Park Day
(HARTFORD, CT)-The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) welcomes all to celebrate Dinosaur State Park Day (“Dino Day”) on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:00 to 3:00 at Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill, CT. This free, annual event marks the 1966 discovery of the dinosaur footprints with free admission to the visitor center, a full day of science activities, live animals, food trucks with various items for purchase, games, gift shop, and more.