The Substitute House Bill No. 6868 aims to improve the predictability and efficiency of environmental permitting processes in Connecticut by amending Section 22a-6aa of the general statutes. The bill allows the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection to extend general permits beyond their expiration date until a new permit is issued, removing the previous twelve-month extension limit. It requires the commissioner to publish a notice of intent to renew the permit at least 180 days prior to its expiration. Additionally, the bill introduces watershed-level compensatory mitigation requirements for activities impacting water resources, enabling the commissioner to impose conditions on permits to ensure substantial public benefits from these mitigation projects.

Moreover, the bill establishes a framework for watershed-level mitigation projects, mandates the commissioner to prepare a report evaluating potential improvements to environmental reviews under the state Endangered Species Act by February 1, 2026, and modifies the requirements for public informational hearings related to licenses. It extends the timeframe for objections to petitions from seven to ten days and clarifies the process for responding to objections. The bill also emphasizes the need for specific factual demonstrations in petitions regarding potential impacts on legal rights, thereby streamlining the petition process while ensuring claims are substantiated. Overall, sHB6868 seeks to enhance environmental protections while facilitating public participation and decision-making in the permitting process.

Statutes affected:
Governor's Bill:
ENV Joint Favorable:
File No. 456:
File No. 946: