News Releases

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• 7/14/2020 State Rejects MIRA Plea for Hundreds of Millions in Subsidies for Hartford Waste Incinerator

  In a letter Tuesday, DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes rejected a plan submitted by the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority (MIRA) for presenting a “false choice, and a bad deal” for taxpayers across the state, Hartford residents, and the environment.

• 7/10/2020 DEEP and DOAG Seek Feedback on Draft Spend Plan for CARES Act Assistance to Fisheries Participants

  The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (DOAG) are currently soliciting public feedback until July 19, 2020, on a draft spending plan that details proposed disbursement guidelines for $1.8 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds for marine fishery participants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• 7/3/2020 DEEP Issues Updated State Park Operations Plan Heading into July 4th

  As we approach July 4th weekend, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has released an updated operational plan that outlines for DEEP staff and visitors current guidelines around the operation and use of Connecticut state park grounds, trails, beaches, campgrounds, picnic areas and pavilions, boat launches and other areas as we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.

• 6/30/2020 DEEP Announces Operation Dry Water 2020

  As boaters begin to prepare for the July 4th holiday weekend, law enforcement officers across Connecticut will be on heightened alert looking for those violating boating under the influence laws.

• 6/24/2020 DEEP Issues Third Quarterly Update on 20BY20 Initiative

  The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) recently released the third quarterly update for its 20BY20 initiative, a set of 20 goals that focus on improving the predictability, efficiency, and transparency of DEEP’s regulatory processes by the end of the year.

• 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.