News Releases - 2020

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3/17/2020 DEEP to Temporarily Halt Enforcement of Bottle Redemption Requirements
HARTFORD, CT – Effective March 17, 2020, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) temporarily suspended enforcement actions against Connecticut retailers for failing to accept empty beverage containers for redemption under the law known as the “bottle bill.” During this time, if stores do not accept empty beverage containers, DEEP will not issue them a notice of violation.
3/17/2020 DEEP to Temporarily Close Offices to Public
Following the Executive Orders issued by Governor Lamont and the guidelines set forth by the CDC to establish social distancing and limit non-essential contact, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will temporarily close its office locations, including its headquarters at 79 Elm Street, Hartford, effective March 17, 2020 to public visitors as a precautionary measure to mitigate the spread of Coronavirus.
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.
9/4/2020 DEEP Closing Record Summer Season, Preps for Fall
(HARTFORD, CT) – Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is expecting large crowds this holiday weekend to close-out the summer outdoor recreation season, which has been one for the record books including 519 park closures due to capacity, compared to just 161 last year. Visitors are reminded to plan ahead, practice appropriate social behavior consistent with COVID-19 precautions, and to #RecreateResponsibly.
9/28/2020 DEEP Seeks Input to Help Make Energy Efficiency Programs More Equitable
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) having launched a request for written comments to make its energy efficiency programs more equitable and inclusive, seeks input and engagement from a wide range of stakeholders.
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.
3/13/2020 DEEP Announces Precautionary Closures of Some Public Spaces
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that as a precaution to limit the risks presented by the Coronavirus, it is closing to the public certain satellite office locations, branch facilities, and high-traffic visitor centers within State Parks and Forests.
3/17/2020 DEEP Requests PURA Issue Emergency Orders to Protect Utility Ratepayers During COVID-19 Pandemic
HARTFORD, CT – On March 17, 2020, the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) petitioned the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to investigate and address several issues to help protect Connecticut residents and businesses during the public health and civil preparedness emergencies related to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak in Connecticut, and for a period of economic recovery afterward.
12/18/2020 Prepare for Winter with Free Energy Efficiency Assessment
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents to prepare for the cold months ahead by signing up for an energy efficiency assessment through Home Energy Solutions.
4/2/2020 DEEP Official to Help Steer National Clean Energy Collaborative
Lauren Savidge, director of energy supply for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), has been named a member of the Advisory Committee of the 100% Clean Energy Collaborative, an initiative launched today by the Clean Energy States Alliance.
12/31/2020 Connecticut Celebrates the New Year with First Day Hikes on January 1 - Virtual and Self-Guided Hikes at 10 Parks and Forests Across the State
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and its partners at the various State Parks and Forests Friends Groups are encouraging residents to get the New Year started off right by getting outside and safely partaking in a “First Day Hike,” at a state park or forest close to home.
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).
9/2/2020 DEEP Expands Alcohol Ban for Beach Pond Boat Launch Area
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has expanded and extended a temporary alcohol ban for Beach Pond State Boat Launch in Voluntown.
12/17/2020 DEEP Announces Availability of Grants for Aquatic Invasive Species Control on Lakes, Ponds and Rivers
Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to announce the availability of funding for projects to reduce impacts of aquatic invasive species on inland waters of Connecticut.
12/17/2020 DEEP Issues Draft Integrated Resources Plan, Connecticut’s First Assessment of Pathways to Achieve 100% Carbon-Free Electric Grid
(HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today released the state’s draft Integrated Resources Plan (IRP), a statutorily required recurring assessment of the State’s future electric supply needs and potential means to meet those needs.