Dear Community,

Thank you for tuning into our August newsletter! There is a lot going on in the environmental justice (EJ) world and we are hoping to bring you the latest events and updates — all in one place. Please submit newsletter feedback and idea topics to DEEP.EJ@ct.gov or the linked form below.  

For this newsletter edition we are spotlighting CT's Office of Policy and Management's new resource website for Neighborhood Revitalization Zones (NRZ). This site is intended to be a central hub for NRZs providing essential information on everything from setting up and running an NRZ to addressing neighborhood concerns like blight and public safety. Click here to visit their resource page.

Gratefully yours,

Office of Equity and Environmental Justice

GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 

• On July 15th, 2025, Governor Ned Lamont announced that his administration will be awarding $14.3 million to aid in the purchase and protection of more than 2,270 acres of open space and $725,353 to support the creation of six new community green spaces. DEEP has opened the 28th grant round for both programs. The deadline to submit applications is November 3, 2025.
• DEEP released the Final 2024 CT Clean Hydrogen Roadmap and created a webpage dedicated to compiling all DEEP-led clean hydrogen-related activities. This roadmap details how clean hydrogen can drive decarbonization, stimulate economic growth, and advance environmental justice.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is rescinding the “endangerment finding”, a determination that allows the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions as air pollutants under the Clean Air Act. Click here to read Governor Lamont, Attorney General Tong, Commissioner Dykes, and Commissioner Juthani's responses.
• DEEP is expanding broadband access throughout the state. There are two opportunities to get involved through the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program:
  1. Non profits, for profits, and government entities are encouraged to apply for grant funding to deploy broadband infrastructure to low-income and multi-family homes and businesses in underserved areas.
  2. Calling all residents needing broadband update in your current multi-dwelling unit. You could be a renter or owner, please take this survey to help us identify units that could benefit from internet access upgrades. Take the Survey Here. 

CEEJAC NEWS

Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC) within DEEP, established by Governor Lamont’s 21-3 Executive Order, advises the Commissioner of DEEP on current and historic environmental injustice, pollution reduction, energy equity, climate change mitigation and resiliency, health disparities, and racial inequity. All are welcome to attend and participate in CEEJAC meetings.

Please Join CEEJAC at Our Upcoming Meeting: 

CEEJAC Land & Energy Meeting (Virtual)
Solar Siting in EJ Communities
August 12, 2025 | 1:00-3:00 PM EST
Register for Zoom Meeting Link

CEEJAC Energy & Technology Meeting (Virtual)
August 27, 2025 | 4:00-5:30 PM EST
Register for Zoom Meeting Link

CEEJAC Energy & Technology Meeting: Learn about Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative - RGGI (Virtual)
Wednesday, Sept 17, 2025 | 3:00 - 4:00 PM
Register for Zoom Meeting Link

CEEJAC Quarterly Meeting (Virtual)
Monday, September 22, 2025 | 6:00-8:00 PM EST
Register for Zoom Meeting Link

FEATURED EVENTS

ParkConneCT Program | Summer Events 2025 w/ Free round-trip bus transportation (ADA accessible and air-conditioned)

• Dino Day at Dinosaur State Park
  • Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
  • Pickup Location: East Hartford Park & Ride – 10:30 AM
  • Return: Approx. 2:15 PM
  • Register: Find Available Tours - Dinosaur State Park park tour, CT - ReserveAmerica
• Saltwater Fishing & Harkness Memorial State Park 
  • Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
  • Pickup Location: Norwich Park & Ride – 9:30 AM
  • Return: Approx. 3:15 PM
  • Register: Find Available Tours - Harkness Memorial Day Pass park tour, CT - ReserveAmerica 
• Boating Day at Hopeville Pond State Park
  • Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
  • Pickup Location: Norwich Park & Ride – 11:30 AM
  • Return: Approx. 2:30 PM
  • Register: Find Available Tours - Hopeville Pond State Park park tour, CT - ReserveAmerica
• Beach Day at Hammonasset Beach State Park (Meigs Point)
  • Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
  • Pickup Location: North Haven Park & Ride – 9:00 AM
  • Return: Approx. 2:40 PM
  • Register: Find Available Tours - Hammonasset Beach State Park park tour, CT - ReserveAmerica

The only cost is a $2 non-refundable transaction fee per reservation through ReserveAmerica.

Other Events 

• 8/2/25, 10 AM (Rocky Hill): Join DEEP for Dino Day at Dinosaur State Park. For more information, click here.
• 8/5/2025, 2 PM (Virtual): Join the Environmental Law Institute to explore the workings, impacts, and future of energy assistance policy in the United States. For more information, click here.
• 8/21/25, 1:30-3:00 (Virtual): Join Northeast Recycling Council to explore what happens to retired solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. For more information, click here.
• 9/10/25 (Virtual/Baltimore): Join the Center for Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health for the 11th Annual Environmental Justice and Health Disparities Symposium from Sep 10 - 13, 2025. The symposium brings together community leaders, experts, and activists dedicated to advancing environmental justice and addressing health disparities. For more information, click here. 
• 11/6/25 (New Haven): Join the Yale Clean Energy Collaborative for the 2025 Yale Clean Energy Conference from Nov 6 - 8, 2025. For more information, click here. 

Tribal News

• DEEP's Office of Equity and Environmental Justice launched a Tribal Affairs website. The team is committed to rebuilding and enhancing the government-to-government relations with Connecticut’s Tribal Nations. Click here to explore and connect with the team.
• We hope to include more Tribal related news, funding opportunities, and resources to include in the EJ newsletter. Please reach out to Danielle Russell (danielle.russell@ct.gov) with any resources you'd like featured. 

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

• 8/31/25 deadline: Trees for Communities DEEP grant program provides funding for recipients to support urban forestry projects that will increase tree cover and/or contribute to other urban forestry objectives such as improvement of forest health or utilization of urban wood in communities of need. An FAQ will be published on the Trees for Communities Grant Program page by July 24th. Office hours will be made available and are drop-in and can be found on the Trees for Communities Grant Program page. 
  • Eligible entities: State and local government entities, federally recognized tribes, non-profit organizations, and other eligible entities in Connecticut
  • Funding amount: Maximum individual award is $200,000 with no match requirement.
  • Contact: DEEP.UCF.Grants@ct.gov. For more information, click here. 
• 9/9/25 deadline: Hartford Foundation 2025 Community Organizing Grant seeks proposals from groups conducting community organizing efforts led by people of color and/or people representing communities traditionally marginalized as they engage and activate residents locally for the purpose of more inclusive civic participation often with the potential for policy change. 
  • Eligible entities: Nonprofits or community groups
  • Funding amount: Grant awards will range from $5,000 - $40,000.
  • Contact: To discuss a project’s potential fit, eligibility, or the content of the application, including assistance with identifying outcomes, contact Tiana Starks, Senior Community Impact Associate, at tstarks@hfpg.org. DEEP.MMCAPlanning@ct.gov. For more information, click here.
• 11/3/25 deadline: Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition Grant Program provides financial assistance to municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organizations to acquire land for open space, and to water companies to acquire land to be classified as Class I or Class II water supply property. For more information, click here.
  • Eligible entities: Municipalities, non-profit land conservation organizations (e.g., land trust), or water companies
  • Funding amount: See Guidelines and FAQ PDF
  • Contact: Allyson Clarke at Allyson.Clarke@ct.gov or (860) 424-3774
• 11/3/25 deadline: Urban Green and Community Gardens Grant Program provides funding assistance to develop or enhance urban green spaces for public enjoyment and/or environmental education. Promotion of open space in an urban setting may include, but may not be limited to, the development of a community garden or reclaiming and enhancing existing open space for the public's use. For more information, click here.
  • Eligible entities: Municipalities or non-profit organizations with a project site within a Distressed Municipality, Targeted Investment Community, or an EJ Community.
  • Funding amount: Applicants must have funds available or funding sources available for 50% of the anticipated total project cost. See Guidelines and FAQ PDF for more information.
  • Contact: Steven Perry at Steven.Perry@ct.gov or (860) 424-3603
• Rolling deadline: New England Grassroots Environment Fund provides funding for groups launching new projects or starting to significantly change the direction of an existing project.  
  • Eligible entities: Groups doing local, grassroots work in CT, ME, MA, NH, RI or VT. 501c3 status is not required. 
  • Funding Amount: $500 - $1,000.  
  • Contact: Tess Beem, tess@grassrootsfund.org. For more information, click here. 
• Rolling deadline: Ben & Jerry's Foundation Grassroots Organizing National Grant Program provides support to community-based, grassroots organizations confronting social and environmental injustice.
  • Eligible entities: 501(c)3 Nonprofit Organizations 
  • Funding: Two-year unrestricted, general operating support grants of up to $30,000 per year, with an average grant size of $20,000 per year, to small (budgets under $350,000), constituent-led grassroots organizations throughout the U.S. and its territories.
  • Contact: Dana Jeffery at info@benandjerrysfoundation.org 802-495-1378. For more information, click here.

FEATURED JOBS

• 8/4/25 deadline: DEEP Research Analyst, $74,750 - $96,734/year. To apply, click here. 
• 8/29/25 deadline: Long Island Sound Study & Marine Fisheries Program Translation, $16.35 - $20.00/hour. To apply, click here. 
• Until the position is filled: Save the Sound, NY Ecological Restoration Program Director, Larchmont, NY (Hybrid), $85,000 - $100,000. To apply, click here.
• PT Partners is looking for individuals for the following:
  • Education Village Coordinator: click here​​​​​​​ to learn more.
  • Youth Development Specialist: click here to learn more.

Click here to read past DEEP Equity & EJ Newsletters

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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