News Releases - 2021

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• 10/7/2021 DEEP Issues Final 2020 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 final 2020 Integrated Resources Plan (IRP), a statutorily required recurring assessment of the State’s future electric supply needs and potential means to meet those needs.

• 2/27/2021 DEEP Kicks-off Organics Infrastructure Initiative to Enhance Materials Management Options in Response to State Waste Crisis

  (Hartford, CT) – Today, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) hosted a virtual kickoff meeting of the Organics Infrastructure Initiative. This initiative was born out of the Connecticut Coalition for Sustainable Materials Management (CCSMM) and responds to the recommendations of the Working Group on Food Scraps and Organics and the state’s waste crisis.

• 12/22/2021 Connecticut Celebrates the New Year with First Day Hikes on Jan 1

  (HARTFORD)—What better way to kick off the New Year than by getting a jump start burning off those extra holiday calories in the great outdoors? Get outside walking and hiking on January 1st with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) State Parks, its partners and Friends groups, as Connecticut once again takes part in the annual First Day Hikes. These hikes provide a great way to welcome the coming year in the outdoors, exercising and connecting with nature. For many it has become a tradition.

• 4/23/2021 Learn to Fish with the DEEP CARE Program This Spring/Summer!

  Interested in learning how to fish? The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s Fisheries Division, through its Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) program, is here to help you get into fishing by offering free Introduction to Fishing ZOOM classes and special “fishing field trips” offered through the summer at waterbodies around the state!

• 8/12/2021 MEDIA AVAILABILITY - Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew Members Returning from Western Deployment

  (HARTFORD)—Five members of the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew who have been deployed in western states fighting wildfires are returning from deployment to DEEP’s Eastern District Headquarters this evening, around 5:30 p.m.

• 12/13/2021 DEEP Advises Residents To Be Responsible and Respectful When Observing Wildlife in Winter

  (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents that winter can be a stressful time for wildlife, especially for migrating and overwintering birds, including the ever-popular snowy owl.

• 11/4/2021 DEEP Announces Availability of New Funding for Diesel Emissions Reduction Projects

  (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is announcing the availability of up to $767,000 in new funds for the reduction of diesel emissions in our state. DEEP is seeking grant proposals from municipalities, organizations, and businesses for diesel emissions reduction projects that are environmentally and economically beneficial, can be initiated promptly, and will be completed quickly.

• 6/17/2021 DEEP, CFPA Announce Master Woodland Manager Program

  (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Forestry Division and the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA), in collaboration with UConn Cooperative Extension, are thrilled to announce the Connecticut Master Woodland Manager Program (MWM), a year-long program consisting of online and field study that provides woodland owners and managers with the knowledge and skills that they need to make the right decisions for their woodland.

• 7/22/2021 Regional Wildlife Science Entity Launched to Research and Monitor Effects of Offshore Wind Development on Wildlife, Ecosystems

  (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is thrilled to announce the launch of the Regional Wildlife Science Entity (RWSE), a collaborative partnership that will research and monitor effects of offshore wind (OSW) energy development on wildlife and ecosystems and inform OSW deployment practices.

• 11/19/2021 DEEP Accepting Proposals for Grants to Address Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Until Dec. 22

  (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is now accepting proposals for grants to address nonpoint sources of pollution to Connecticut’s waterways under DEEP’s 319 Nonpoint Source (NPS) Grant Program.

• 12/8/2021 DEEP Announces Availability of Grants for Aquatic Invasive Species Control on Lakes, Ponds and Rivers

  (HARTFORD)—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.

• 5/27/2021 Gillette Castle to Reopen for Tours Starting May 29

  The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to announce that, for the first time in 524 days, the interior of Gillette Castle will open to the public for tours.

• 5/28/2021 Share the Shore with Nesting Birds

  Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that Charles Island in Milford and Duck Island in Westbrook will be closed to the public from now through September 9, 2021, to prevent disturbances to nesting birds. Both islands have been designated by DEEP as Natural Area Preserves, primarily due to their importance as nesting habitats for several state-listed birds, including snowy egrets and great egrets (state threatened species), glossy ibis, and little blue herons (state special concern). The two islands also have been designated as Important Bird Areas by Audubon Connecticut.

• 5/28/2021 DEEP Announces the Great Outdoor Pursuit 2021

  The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to announce that registration for the No Child Left Inside® Great Outdoor Pursuit 2021 – Connecticut State Parks’ Family Adventure, will open on 9:00 a.m., Saturday, May 29, 2021 at www.NoChildLeftInside.org. Get outside with the family for some healthy fun, exercise, and to make memories together.

• 8/4/2021 DEEP Removes Abandoned Barges in New Haven as Risks to Environment and Navigation

  (NEW HAVEN) – This month, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, coordinating with federal, local, and commercial partners, facilitated the removal of two derelict barges posing a navigational and environmental threat to the waters and mariners around New Haven.