CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Post

🟠DEEP forecasts elevated levels of ozone for July 16-17 Levels may be unhealthy for sensitive groups in parts of the state during this time. Learn more in our press release. https://lnkd.in/eues-epd #CTAirAlert

⚡We have exciting news for grid reliability and value. Connecticut, alongside 9 other Northeast states, has signed a groundbreaking MOU to enhance interregional transmission planning and development. This first-of-its-kind initiative, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims to improve grid reliability and accelerate the clean energy transition. 🌱 The Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission is working together to: 🔷Lower energy costs for consumers📉 🔷Bolster grid reliability during extreme weather☀ 🌡 🔷Promote offshore wind projects 🌊💨 📄 Stay tuned and read more in our press release: https://lnkd.in/et-iw6G4

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⛱ As beach season enters its peak, the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection asks the public to help protect birds that nest in coastal areas by staying away from places where large concentrations of birds gather and areas that are roped off or marked with signs designating nesting locations. State law prohibits entering state-designated seabird and shorebird protection areas and requires pets, cyclists, and vehicles to remain at least 25 feet away. Beach visitors often are unaware of the shorebirds that nest in shallow depressions in the sands near where they swim, fish, and recreate. Small, camouflaged eggs are easily confused for beach rocks, and tiny fledglings look like cotton fluff that blend into their surroundings. They can be inadvertently trampled and killed – especially during the busy summer beach season. “Shorebirds such as the federally threatened piping plover and state-threatened least tern need special protection throughout their nesting season from April to September,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Scharf Dykes. “We are pleased that the legislature enacted a Seabird and Shorebird Protection Program last year to help protect critical nesting areas on public lands, and we ask visitors to coastal areas to be mindful of the delicate birdlife in the areas near where they may be recreating.” For more on protecting our nesting shorebirds, read the press release: https://lnkd.in/eCDaMfdH

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DEEP's Ray Frigon joined Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz to highlight the transformation of old mill sites into beautiful green spaces. 🏞️ 🌿 This project will turn a historic site into a park with walking trails and access to the Jeremy River, promoting healthy lifestyles and a love for nature. 👏 Cheers to everyone involved in this transformative project as we celebrate the revitalization of our communities and the creation of new legacies! #GreenSpace #CommunityDevelopment #HealthyLiving

☀ Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday at Black Rock State Park, for an outstanding turnout around a critical topic, water safety. We were thrilled for such a strong turnout from CT's media outlets for making the trip to cover this important and timely event. A special thank you to our speakers who joined DEEP Deputy Commissioner Mason Trumble, including Stew Leonard, Jr. from the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation, James ORourke from the Greater Waterbury YMCA, and Sarah Battistini, Water Safety Coordinator from the State Parks Division of the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Water safety is so important, especially as we approach the busy July Fourth Weekend. Every year, tragic and preventable accidents occur in swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and on our shorelines. Learning to swim and following safety guidelines can save lives.    Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, but it is preventable. Children who receive swim lessons are 88% less likely to drown. 🏊♀️ Swim Lesson Initiatives: DEEP has partnered with the CT YMCA's , BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF NEW BRITAIN, INC., and Connecticut Institute For Communities, Inc. (CIFC) to offer free swim lessons to qualifying children in Connecticut. Funded by over $1 million from Governor Ned Lamont's Administration and Connecticut Legislature using #ARPA funds. 🔹YMCA of Greater Waterbury: Administers a program with 14 YMCAs in Connecticut, providing over 3,900 lessons to 3,229 participants. 🔹Boys and Girls Club of New Britain: Provided lessons to 608 children in New Britain, Hartford, and Meriden. 🔹Connecticut Institute for Communities: Provided lessons to 420 participants in the greater Danbury area as of June 2024. Overall Impact: The three programs have had 4,257 participants and held nearly 5,000 lessons, with all partners continuing to provide swim lessons to eligible participants. Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation has raised over $6 million since its founding in 1990, supporting 250,000 free and low-cost swim lessons and training thousands of lifeguards in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey. In Connecticut, it supports 18 learn-to-swim programs that will teach over 1,500 local children to swim this year. The Stewie the Duck Swim School gives away 10,000 lessons annually, with all proceeds going towards free swim lessons for children in need. Stay safe and enjoy the water this summer! For more on this event and on all free lessons that have occurred throughout the state thanks to these partners, read the press release. https://lnkd.in/emG_zV8a #WaterSafety #SwimLessons #CTStateParks #SafeSwimming

🎆 Celebrate the 4th of July at Connecticut State Parks! 🌳 Plan your visit with ease using CTParks.com. Discover park amenities, create a backup plan, and explore nearby attractions with the "While You're Here" section. Make the most of your holiday adventure! 🇺🇸✨ #CTStateParks #FourthOfJuly #CTParks