News Releases - 2026

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3/23/2026 DEEP Selects Proposals to Help Lower Electric Bills Under Novel Efficiency RFP
(HARTFORD, CT) —The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the provisional selection of proposals under the first round of its Expanded Efficiency and Affordability Request for Proposals (RFP), a competitive process launched following new legislative authority enacted in 2025. This authority enables DEEP to procure energy efficiency and active demand response measures on behalf of ratepayers, supplementing Connecticut’s successful existing programs and delivering additional opportunities for customers to reduce their energy bills.
3/19/2026 DEEP Announces RFI and Informational Meeting on Affordable Multifamily Revolving Loan Program
3/18/2026 DEEP Announces Recipients of Sixth Annual Grant Round for Aquatic Invasive Species Control on Lakes, Ponds, and Rivers
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the recipients of the sixth round of funding through the Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Grant Program. A total of $450,000 has been awarded to ten projects focused on reducing the impacts of aquatic invasive species in Connecticut’s inland waters.
3/17/2026 DEEP Launches New Procurement For Energy Storage
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today the release of a Notice of Proceeding and Request for Written Comment for the procurement of front of the meter energy storage to lower the cost, and increase the efficiency and resiliency of, Connecticut’s electricity system. The Request for Written Comment seeks input from energy storage developers, experts, and stakeholders on the best strategies for DEEP to procure and value energy storage. 
3/16/2026 Governor Lamont and Commissioner Dykes Statements on Revolution Wind Delivering First Power to the New England Grid
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes released the following statements regarding the announcement that the Revolution Wind offshore wind project has begun delivering its first power to the New England grid:
3/12/2026 DEEP to Conduct Prescribed Burns at Nine Locations This Spring
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) plans to conduct prescribed (controlled) burns at nine locations this spring, weather and conditions permitting. The areas include Barn Island Wildlife Management Area in Stonington, James L. Goodwin State Forest in Hampton, Mansfield Hollow State Park in Mansfield, Matianuck Natural Area Preserve in Windsor, Nehantic State Forest in Lyme, Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown, Quinebaug River Wildlife Management Area in Plainfield, Tunxis State Forest in West Hartland, and Windsor Wildlife Management Area in Windsor.
3/11/2026 DEEP and DECD Mark Implementation of New Release-Based Cleanup Program
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) announced today that on March 1, 2026, the Connecticut Transfer Act officially sunset and was replaced by the new Release-Based Cleanup program, a new regulatory framework that will streamline the remediation and redevelopment of blighted properties impacted by pollution from past industrial uses, a game-changing transition for Connecticut that is a win for both the environment and the economy.
3/10/2026 DEEP Announces RFI and Technical Meeting on CT Electric Grid’s System Efficiency
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) recently announced a request for information to inform its study of the Connecticut electric grid’s efficiency and an accompanying technical meeting, which will be held on Friday, March 20th.
3/9/2026 DEEP Announces State Park Lifeguard Tryouts in March
(HARTFORD) — The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced tryouts for lifeguard positions at Connecticut State Parks for the Summer 2026 season. March isn’t just for college basketball. It’s also tryout season for Connecticut State Park Lifeguards. If you have what it takes to join our team of strong, highly trained, open-water lifeguards, meet us at the pool!
3/3/2026 DEEP Announces $950,000 in Grants to Enhance Urban Tree Canopy Cover in Connecticut Communities
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is excited to announce the recipients of Urban & Community Forestry Trees for Communities Grants for 2026, as well as a new funding opportunity that will support the stewardship of resilient forest practices in rural municipal and tribal forests. Over $950,000 in Urban & Community Forestry Trees for Communities grants was awarded to support nine projects across Connecticut municipalities and non-profits. This grant program supports urban forestry projects that increase tree cover and contribute to urban forestry objectives in low-canopy communities. Funded projects will conduct activities such as tree planting and maintenance, urban wood utilization, community outreach, and workforce development. You can learn more about these projects below and online at Urban Forestry Grant Accomplishments.
3/2/2026 Connecticut Greenways Council Accepting Formal Greenways Nominations
(HARTFORD) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Connecticut Greenways Council announced today that they are now soliciting nominations for official state greenway designations.
2/27/2026 Commissioner Dykes and Commissioner Juthani Statements on EPA’s Weakening of the Mercury Air Toxics Rule
(HARTFORD)—Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes and Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Manisha Juthani released the following statements in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent announcement that it has rolled back air quality standards for coal-burning power plants that will result in greater emissions of heavy metals such as mercury, and other toxic pollutants. Mercury emissions pose a significant public health and environmental issue.
2/23/2026 DEEP Notifies Municipalities of Snow Removal and Disposal Guidance
(HARTFORD)- Today, Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes notified governmental entities that DEEP is providing additional flexibility for municipalities and other government entities to utilize in-water snow disposal options. Due to the extraordinary winter conditions being experienced across the state resulting from the ongoing blizzard, DEEP is offering this flexibility to governmental entities including towns and state agencies to ease snow disposal challenges that may pose a threat to public safety. This additional flexibility will allow towns to more easily clear road access for emergency vehicles, and will prevent negative impacts from blocked drainage infrastructure, like localized flooding.
2/19/2026 DEEP, Manresa Island Corp. Announce Stewardship Permit for Manresa Island
(HARTFORD, CT) – Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Commissioner Katie Dykes and Manresa Island Corp. (a subsidiary of Manresa Osprey LLC) announced today the recent issuance of a Stewardship Permit to facilitate the cleanup and redevelopment of the former fossil fuel power plant located at 1 Manresa Island Road, Norwalk. Called Manresa Wilds, the project has been driven by Manresa Island Corp., a non-profit founded by Norwalk residents Austin and Allison McChord in October of 2024 to transform this 125-acre property into a vibrant, publicly accessible community park on the Long Island Sound. The Stewardship Permit outlines the work necessary to clean up the property, including measures to catalyze the opening of the Northern Forest to the public in Spring 2027.
2/11/2026 DEEP Announces Recruitment Campaign to fill Seasonal Employment Opportunities Across the State
(HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting applications for hundreds of seasonal positions. Opportunities include working in outdoor recreation, conservation, forestry, scientific research and law enforcement. Positions are available across the state; in field offices, parks, boat launches, forests and indoor educational centers and museums.