News Releases

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• 6/8/2020 DEEP to Open State Park, Forest Campgrounds for Summer Season on July 8

  The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that camping will open for the summer recreation season beginning July 8.

• 6/8/2020 DEEP Press Release

• 6/2/2020 DEEP Analysis of Air Quality During First Month of Pandemic Shows Significant Drop

  A preliminary analysis of air quality data gathered during the COVID-19 pandemic by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Bureau of Air Management has found that monitored levels for many air pollutants dropped significantly from mid-March to mid-April 2020.

• 5/21/2020 DEEP-Selected Power Purchase Agreement for 804 MW Offshore Wind Project Filed with PURA

  Today, the state’s two regulated electric utilities, Eversource Energy and United Illuminating, filed with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) executed power purchase agreements for the 804 MW Park City Wind Project developed by Vineyard Wind. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) selected the Park City Wind project in December 2019 to advance to contract negotiations with the two utilities. The filing of these contracts marks another forward step for this offshore wind project. If approved by PURA, the Park City Wind project will provide the equivalent of 14% of the state’s electricity supply when it comes online in 2025, and represents the largest purchase of renewable energy in Connecticut’s history.

• 5/20/2020 DEEP Issues State Park Operations Plan Heading into Summer Season

  As we approach Memorial Day weekend, the traditional launch of the summer season, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has released an operational plan that outlines for DEEP staff and visitors current guidelines around the operation and use of Connecticut state park grounds, trails, beaches, boat launches and other areas as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

• 5/13/2020 DEEP Offering Online Training for Municipal Inland Wetlands Agencies

  The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) recently launched a new, free, online training program for municipal inland wetlands agencies. The program, “The Municipal Inland Wetlands Agency Comprehensive Training Program,” was custom built to allow agencies and their staff to carry out the regulatory and training requirements of the Connecticut Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act (IWWA).

• 5/11/2020 Wild Orphans -To Rescue or Not

  Spring and summer are busy times for people and animals. Many animals are setting up territories, building nests, or finding den sites to give birth and raise their young. At the same time, people are spending more time outdoors and the chances are greater that someone may come across a young bird or mammal that may appear to be orphaned or injured. It is normal for many animals to leave their young alone for long periods of time, so your help may not be needed. In all likelihood, the adult is nearby watching and waiting to return.

• 5/8/2020 DEEP Announces Availability of Safe Boating Online Learning

  In order to continue to provide safe boating courses to residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now providing safe boating courses online.

• 5/6/2020 State Eyes Full Resumption of Bottle Redemption

  Following extensive discussion between the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and many stakeholders, retailers will resume bottling redemption activities on a limited basis beginning May 20, with a full resumption of operations by June 3.

• 5/1/2020 More Daily Park Closures Expected This Weekend Ahead of Warm Weather

  With nice weather forecast for this weekend, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) anticipates several state parks will reach capacity and be closed for the day, as has been the case on nice weather days over the last several weeks, particularly on weekends. It’s important to note that such closures are temporary, and parks closed in this fashion can be expected to re-open the following day.

• 4/27/2020 2020 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season Opens April 29

  Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding hunters and other outdoor users that the 2020 Connecticut spring wild turkey hunting season runs from April 29 through May 30.

• 4/27/2020 DEEP Reminds Residents to be Bear Aware

  Early spring is the time of year in which bear activity increases, and understanding that the vast majority of state residents are spending considerable amounts of time at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents that DEEP staff continue to be available to respond to situations involving black bears, and to take steps to reduce encounters and potential conflicts with bears.

• 4/23/2020 State One Step Closer to Establishing National Research Reserve

  More great news to share this Earth Week as the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently announced its approval of a network of state-owned properties and coastal waters in Lyme, Old Lyme, and Groton to be the site of the state’s first National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR).

• 4/23/2020 DEEP Launches Celebration of Arbor Day Online and at Home

  Arbor Day is celebrated every year on the last Friday in April to highlight trees and all of the great things that trees do. This year, Arbor Day is Friday, April 24.

• 4/22/2020 DEEP Launches Electric Vehicle Roadmap

  Coinciding with the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has issued its Electric Vehicle Roadmap for Connecticut (EV Roadmap), a comprehensive strategy for achieving widespread deployment of electric vehicles in the state, and a key tool in the state’s effort to improve air quality for residents while also addressing the climate crisis.