DEEP Delivers Major Q1 Operational Gains through 20BY26 Initiative

Press Releases 08/12/2025 DEEP Delivers Major Q1 Operational Gains through 20BY26 Initiative Efficiency Improvements Fuel Affordability, Investment, and Faster Public Health Protections Across Connecticut (Hartford, CT) - The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced significant progress in 2025 under its 20BY26 Initiative - an ambitious effort to deliver 20 measurable improvements across DEEP's permitting, cleanup, funding, public engagement, and environmental review processes by the end of 2026. Launched as a continuation of DEEP's successful 20BY20 effort, the 20BY26 Initiative is improving how the agency achieves its mission and serves the public. The results point to a faster, more efficient, more predictable, and more responsive DEEP, helping Connecticut residents, businesses, and communities cut costs and reduce delays while advancing environmental protection. Top progress highlights from Q1 2025: DEEP has modernized regulations to improve efficiency and environmental outcomes: Faster cleanups of contaminated sites will now be possible through adoption of Release-Based Cleanup Regulations, replacing the outdated and ineffective Property Transfer Act. The Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) estimates this transformational reform will generate $3.78 billion in economic activity in the state, with $155 million in the next five years. This completes Goal 1 of 20BY26. 169 businesses transitioned to Permit by Rule (regulation), streamlining approvals for common, low-impact activities. Predictable Processes and Speed: 95% of 3-month permits processed on time. DEEP established expected timeframes for completion of each of the 125 types of permits the Department issues, and tracks completion times on our Permit Timeliness Dashboard. In Q1 2025, DEEP exceeded the 90% on-time completion goal for permits that typically are completed in three months. 73% reduction in long-pending permit application backlog, surpassing DEEP's 2026 goal two years ahead of the goal - Legacy Tracking Dashboard 16 "General Permits" issued since 2020, with 12 more in development. General permits up to 75% less time for approval than individual permits. By establishing new general permits for activities with moderate environmental impacts, DEEP is speeding up approval timeframes. DEEP's Concierge and Permit Assistance service has facilitated pre-application meetings and permit facilitation for over 500 businesses and towns, with a 95% satisfaction rate. Grant contract execution time reduced by 69%, from 335 to 103 days. DEEP has also launched a Funding Opportunities Dashboard to make it easier to find financial assistance. Digital tools: Over 10 million environmental records digitized, increasing public access and transparency and cutting paperwork These improvements are delivering tangible benefits across Connecticut. Residents now have easier access to property records and faster remediation of contaminated sites, supporting both public health and real estate transactions. Grant-funded infrastructure, recreation, and environmental projects are moving at a faster pace. For business owners, especially in trades like manufacturing, construction, energy, and auto services, DEEP's streamlined processes are helping to remove costly delays. The expanded Permit by Rule framework, for example, now covers lower-risk activities including auto body work, boilers, combined heat and power systems, and backup generators. Rather than going through lengthy individual air permit reviews, businesses simply notify DEEP before proceeding with their projects. This option saves time and reduces uncertainty while maintaining compliance with air quality standards. "We're making it easier to do business in Connecticut while staying true to our mission," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "By cutting delays, modernizing cleanup rules, and delivering faster, more predictable service, we're helping protect the environment, reduce costs, support local investment, and protect quality of life for residents." Cleaner neighborhoods, safer drinking water, and less pollution aren't just good for the environment; they reduce long-term health costs, protect property values, and ensure a better quality of life for this generation and the next. To track progress or explore available services, visit DEEP/20BY26 website, which is updated quarterly with our progress and metrics. Please contact us at [email protected] with any comments or questions. Twitter: @CTDEEPNews Facebook: DEEP on Facebook Contact DEEP Communications [email protected] 860-424-3110 Twitter Facebook Email Print