Equity and Environmental Justice Mid-July Special Edition Newsletter

Dear Community,

There is so much happening in the environmental Justice world this month that we wanted to share a special mid‑month update with you. This edition highlights a few timely events, announcements, and resources we didn’t want to wait until August to share. As always, we welcome your feedback and topic ideas at DEEP.EJ@ct.gov.

We’d like to give a special thank you to Dr. Mark Mitchell for his dedicated leadership as CEEJAC Co‑Chair since helping to establish CEEJAC four years ago. Dr. Mitchell’s decades of work advancing environmental justice in Connecticut—through his roles in the Governor’s Council on Climate Change, (GC3) and the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) and beyond—have shaped the Council from the start. Since CEEJAC's creation, Dr. Mitchell has mentored advocates, strengthened community representation, and fostered accessible engagement which continues to guide CEEJAC’s work. We are grateful that he will continue serving on the Council and advancing core environmental justice priorities at DEEP.

As Dr. Mitchell steps down from his role, we are pleased to welcome Cierra Patrick as our new CEEJAC Co‑Chair. Serving as an Economic and Community Developer for the City of Groton, Cierra brings experience in strategic planning, implementation, and investments in local improvements. Since joining CEEJAC in 2022, she has provided thoughtful leadership as Co‑Chair of the Water Subcommittee, guiding members through many emergent issues, including the flooding and combined sewer overflow issues in Hartford, and strengthening community connections with local organizations.

We appreciate both Dr. Mitchell and Cierra for their dedication to environmental justice in Connecticut. We’re excited to continue moving this work forward!

Upcoming CEEJAC Programming

CEEJAC Energy & Technology Meeting (Virtual)
A Discussion on Renter Perspectives on Energy Affordability, Household Improvements, and Tenant Engagement
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 3:00 - 4:30 PM 
Register for Zoom Meeting Link 
Download Meeting Agenda

CEEJAC Quarterly Meeting (In-Person)
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 | 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Location TBD

CEEJAC Quarterly Meeting (Virtual)
Wednesday, December 16, 2026 | 1:00 - 3:00 PM
Register here

Announcements

Notice of Intent on Proposed Updates: Connecticut’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) Regulations | Public Comment Deadline August 3
On July 2, 2026, DEEP published a notice of intent inviting public comments through August 3, 2026, on proposed updates to Connecticut’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) regulations. RGGI is a bipartisan, multistate initiative that reduces power plant CO₂ emissions in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic U.S. while providing significant funding for rate reductions, energy efficiency, and clean energy in Connecticut. The updated regulations, which would implement a July 2025 agreement between RGGI participating states to update RGGI and strengthen its ratepayer protections, are required for Connecticut to continue participating in and benefiting from RGGI.  

Please see the notice of intent and accompanying regulatory proposal documents for more details, including instructions for submitting comments on the proposal. 

Upcoming Events

DEEP Informational Workshop: Exploring New Nuclear Energy Capacity | July 22 | 2pm - 5pm | Virtual
DEEP will hold the fourth in a series of public informational workshops with nationally recognized experts on key issues involved in new nuclear development. This meeting will focus on workforce development, education, and economic workforce opportunities associated with advanced nuclear energy technologies. For more information, click here.

Environmental Law Institute: PFAS and Tribal Lands | July 23 | Virtual
July’s PFAS Briefing will explore how PFAS contamination impacts tribal communities and the complications in remediating tribal lands. Speakers will discuss the litigation and the settlements, as well as how water suppliers are dealing with contamination. For more information, click here.

Nature Day at Rocky Neck State Park | July 23 | 9am - 12pm | East Beach Picnic Shelter
This free, family-friendly event will highlight the wildlife and habitats of Rocky Neck through guided bird walks, marsh walks, and fish and glass eel viewing at Bride Brook. Attendees can also enjoy food and snacks while learning more about the park's natural resources.

Participants will have an opportunity to preview concepts for future park enhancements and share feedback as part of the ongoing Bride Brook Estuary Transformation Project. Registration encouraged, especially for the guided walks. Register here.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or deep.accommodations@ct.gov if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. In order to facilitate efforts to provide an accommodation, please request all accommodations as soon as possible following notice of any agency hearing, meeting, program or event. 

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