News Releases - 2022

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• 6/22/2022 DEEP Announces Recipients of Second Annual Round of Grants 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 second round of grant funding through the Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program, with a total of $370,000 going to 15 projects to reduce impacts of aquatic invasive species on inland waters in Connecticut.

• 3/9/2022 DEEP Releases Report On Public Health and Air Quality Benefits of Reducing Pollution from Medium and Heavy-Duty Trucks

  (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today the release of a report issued under Gov. Lamont’s Executive Order 21-3 finding that Connecticut can significantly improve air quality and public health by adopting new emission standards for medium and heavy-duty (MHD) vehicles offered for sale in Connecticut beginning in 2026.

• 7/28/2022 DEEP Announces Upcoming No Child Left Inside Family Outdoor Discovery Days July 30 and August 6

  (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) State Parks Division is thrilled to announce two FREE family events sponsored by the No Child Left Inside® (NCLI) Program with a Boating Day event happening Saturday, July 30 and a Saltwater Fishing Day event happening Saturday August 6!

• 11/4/2022 DEEP Encourages Continued Bear Awareness During Fall

  (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding residents of several best practices to reduce the likelihood of an encounter with a bear, as bears’ quest for more food makes them very active for the next few months. During the fall season, black bears increase their food intake to add fat reserves needed to help them survive winter.

• 4/25/2022 2022 Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Season Opens April 27

  (HARTFORD)—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is reminding hunters and other outdoor users that the 42nd Connecticut spring wild turkey hunting season runs from April 27 through May 28. All hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts are encouraged to recreate responsibly as more people are using public lands where hunting may be occurring.

• 5/24/2022 DEEP Announces Assistance Available to Help Businesses Recycle and Divert Food Waste, Save On Disposal Costs

  (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is pleased to announce that free technical assistance is now available for Connecticut businesses looking to better manage their waste and save on disposal costs through waste prevention, reuse, recycling and composting.

• 3/29/2022 Ongoing Multi-Agency Response to Putnam Oil Spill

  (HARTFORD)— A multi-agency response and investigation into an oil spill in Putnam that was reported on March 21 remains ongoing.

• 12/16/2022 DEEP Unveils Fresh, Modern Look

  New Agency Seal and Brand Elements Reflect DEEP’s Mission and Provide Versatility and Functionality

• 4/6/2022 DEEP Encourages Residents to Celebrate Spring Fishing Day April 9

  (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) encourages residents to get out and celebrate “Spring Fishing Day” this Saturday, April 9, by going fishing or joining the DEEP Fisheries Division at a fish stocking event happening at selected Trout Parks around the state.

• 9/21/2022 Visitor Center at Dinosaur State Park Reopens After Infrastructure Update

  (HARTFORD) – Bring a sense of wonder on your next visit to Dinosaur State Park in Rocky Hill! The Visitor Center recently reopened for indoor public visits and viewing of the dinosaur footprints trackway. The Visitor Center was closed for several months for an infrastructure modernization which included a complete replacement of its heating and air conditioning system.

• 2/1/2022 DEEP to Host 16th Annual No Child Left Inside® Winter Festival Feb. 5

  (HARTFORD, CT) - Grab your winter gear, bundle up your children and join us for the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s No Child Left Inside® 16th annual Winter Festival at Burr Pond State Park, 384 Burr Mountain Road, Torrington. A full range of fun, outdoor winter activities for the entire family will be happening on Saturday, February 5, 2022, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event is a partnership between DEEP’s No Child Left Inside® and Connecticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) programs plus the City of Torrington.

• 8/5/2022 DEEP Announces Emergency Closure to Fishing Near Tributaries to the West Branch Farmington and Farmington Rivers

  (HARTFORD)—Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today that effective August 6, 2022, it is closing short sections of the West Branch Farmington River and the Farmington River to fishing because the hot weather is creating unhealthy water temperatures for trout. DEEP is also augmenting the low release levels on the Farmington with an additional 50 cubic feet per second (CFS) of flow from the DEEP fisheries reserves to improve water conditions for fish health.

• 7/7/2022 DEEP Launches Updated Statewide Energy Efficiency Plan Focused on Decarbonization, Equity, and Affordability

  (HARTFORD)—The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced its final approval of the 2022-2024 Conservation and Load Management Plan with modifications to transform the way Connecticut invests in energy efficiency while focusing on the following areas: equity, decarbonization, and affordability.

• 7/1/2022 DEEP Reminds Visitors to State Parks this Weekend to Plan Ahead, Arrive Early, and Have a Back-up Plan

  (HARTFORD)—Ahead of the July 4th Weekend, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), the Connecticut State Police, and municipal leaders remind visitors to state parks and boat launches to plan ahead, arrive early, and have a back-up plan in mind in case the location of your choice is full and closed to new visitors upon arrival.

• 12/30/2022 Spend the First Day of 2023 Hiking in Connecticut’s State Parks and Forests

  (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) State Parks and its partners are encouraging people to get outside walking and hiking to enjoy nature on January 1st as Connecticut takes part in celebrating America’s State Parks First Day Hikes.