News Releases

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• 10/24/2022 Connecticut Celebrates Bat Week From Oct 24-31

  (HARTFORD, CT) –The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)celebrates Bat Week starting on October 24, as part of an international conservation awareness effort focused on the week prior to Halloween. Across Connecticut, bats are on the move; three species of tree bats are moving south for the winter, while the six cave bat species are moving shorter distances where they will spend the winter hibernating underground.

• 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.

• 7/8/2022 DEEP Environmental Conservation Police Conclude Investigation into Killing of Newtown Bear

  On May 12, 2022, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police and Newtown Police responded to a report of a homeowner that had shot a black bear. Following a comprehensive investigation, and coordination with the Newtown Police Department and the Geographical Area (GA) #3 State’s Attorney's Office in Danbury, officers have concluded their investigation into the killing of the bear known by the DEEP Wildlife Division as bear #217. Based upon the facts of the investigation, the State’s Attorney’s Office has concluded that there is insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against the homeowner, Lawrence Clarke.

• 9/13/2022 The Connecticut Department of Agriculture Confirms Incidence of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus in Hartford County

  The Connecticut Department of Agriculture has confirmed Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Type 2 (RHDV2) at a private residence in Hartford County.

• 8/31/2022 DEEP Announces Migratory Bird Hunting Seasons Dates

  (HARTFORD, CT) –Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced the dates for the 2022-2023 migratory bird hunting seasons, which include seasons for ducks, geese, woodcock, snipe, rails, and crows.

• 8/12/2022 DEEP Alerts Residents and Visitors of Elevated Wildfire Risk this Weekend

  (HARTFORD, CT) – The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today reminds residents and visitors that forest fire danger levels are elevated from “High” to “Extreme” throughout Connecticut and are expected to remain elevated throughout the upcoming weekend due to ongoing drought conditions. The danger will remain “High” or above until there is significant rain.

• 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.

• 1/6/2022 DEEP Launches 2022 Comprehensive Energy Strategy Scoping Process

  (HARTFORD)— The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today the kickoff of the process to develop the 2022 Comprehensive Energy Strategy (CES), which will examine future energy needs in the State and identify strategies to reduce costs, ensure reliable provision of energy, incorporate energy equity in the State’s strategies, maintain the state’s economic competitiveness, and reduce the public health and environmental impacts of Connecticut’s energy use.

• 3/24/2022 DEEP Reminds Residents To Be Bear Aware

  (HARTFORD)—Early spring is the time of year in which black bear activity increases as bears come out of their winter period of rest. As such, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) reminds residents to take steps to reduce encounters and potential conflicts with bears.

• 4/21/2022 DEEP Actively Seeking Lifeguards for 2022 Summer Season

  (HARTFORD, CT) – Leadership. Responsibility. Camaraderie. Fitness. Fun. Life skills and friendships to last a lifetime and important resume-building qualities attractive to any future employer. Increased starting salary and paid training and certifications. These are just some of the opportunities that await those who are interested in becoming lifeguards with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)’s State Parks Division!

• 9/22/2022 MEDIA ADVISORY - DEEP to Hold Virtual Forum on Climate Resilience Fund Launch

  (HARTFORD, CT) – DEEP is holding a virtual launch event and webinar on Friday, September 23, from 12 noon-1 p.m. on the Climate Resilience Fund. With Governor Lamont’s announcement on Tuesday, the fund is aimed at helping communities plan and prepare for the effects of climate change by initiating planning projects for climate resilience that can be implemented and constructed with federal funds.

• 1/12/2022 DEEP Encourages Residents to Limit Exposure to Air Pollution Caused by Residential Wood Smoke

  (HARTFORD)— With the arrival of frigid temperatures across Connecticut, many residents are turning to wood to heat their homes. But did you know that one old, inefficient wood stove can emit as much air pollution as five dirty, old diesel trucks? The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is urging residents to protect their health and that of their family, friends and neighbors by employing “best burn” practices. Properly burning the correct type of wood limits exposure to wood smoke, which is a hazardous air pollutant.

• 5/20/2022 DEEP Urges Water Safety Ahead of Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected This Weekend

  (HARTFORD, CT) – With record-breaking temperatures this weekend, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) urges all residents and visitors getting in or on the water this weekend to prioritize water safety.

• 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.